We’ve shared a lot about gratitude—how to show it, why it’s beneficial, and stories of people spreading thankfulness. But here’s an exciting new insight: gratitude might actually help you live longer!
A recent study involving nearly 50,000 older female nurses found that those who reported stronger feelings of gratitude had a lower risk of mortality over the next four years. That’s right, being thankful might just add years to your life!
Joel Wong, a professor of counseling psychology, commented on the study, saying, “It’s not surprising, but it’s always good to see empirical research supporting the idea that gratitude is not only good for your mental health but also for living a longer life.” This study, conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is the first to provide empirical evidence linking gratitude directly to longevity.
Ying Chen, the lead author, highlighted that while previous research has shown that gratitude is linked to lower mental distress and greater emotional and social wellbeing, its connection to physical health has been less clear—until now.
Curious about how you can boost your gratitude? Check out this article from National Thank You Month for seven simple ways to express and increase your thankfulness.
