How is Gratitude Different From Thankfulness?

Thankfulness is an emotional response to a temporary circumstance. Gratitude includes being thankful, but goes beyond it – it is an attitude of appreciation under all circumstances. Gratitude is the expression of thankfulness and appreciation of life daily. It’s a state of being – even if you’re unhappy, you can still experience gratitude.

Whereas thankfulness is fleeting, gratitude provides a long-lasting feeling of satisfaction and improved well-being.   

Why is Gratitude Important?

There is a connective between gratitude and better mental and physical health. Practicing gratitude can have a wide range of benefits. According to Verywell Mind, they include:

• Better sleep 

• Better immunity

• Higher self-esteem 

• Decreased stress

• Lower blood pressure

• Less anxiety and depression 

• Stronger relationships

• Higher levels of optimism 

And according to Jay Shetty in Think Like a Monk, gratitude has been linked to better mental health, self-awareness, better relationships, and a sense of fulfillment, leading to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and lessen depression and anxiety. Gratitude plays a key role in being able to overcome a negative mindset.