Many of us largely misunderstand yet covet the idea of wellness. We see claims to wellness everywhere; the yoga class promising relaxation, the vitamin swearing happiness, the book that will cultivate self-actualization.

While all of these wonderful things may contribute to better well-being, any one thing does not equate to wellness. Wellness is a holistic approach to health by enriching one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being daily. How we achieve wellness is complex and looks different for everyone. 

However, if greater well-being is your goal, practicing gratitude might be the most valuable thing you can do. Gratitude positively affects the three main pillars of wellness, the physical, mental and spiritual. Practicing gratitude can manifest in many different ways. Ultimately, it means focusing on the things, people, or experiences you appreciate in your life. Rewiring our brains, thought processes, and perceptions to focus on the positive, the things we have, rather than the things we have not. 

Can gratitude put you on cloud nine? 

On the pursuit of happiness? According to psychology research, gratitude helps us feel more positive emotions, appreciate experiences, improve health, handle hardships, and foster strong relationships. Ultimately, practicing gratitude has a solid and consistent connection to increased happiness. 

In one study, college students seeking mental health counseling were split into three groups with different tasks - the first group wrote a letter of gratitude to another person each week for three weeks. The second group wrote about their thoughts and feelings on negative experiences. The third did not complete any writing activity. The researchers found that those who wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health than the other groups. Even four and 12 weeks after the gratitude exercise ended, the mental health benefits persevered. 

Ultimately, gratitude will help you feel better through the positive engagement of your mind. Rather than think over the negatives, you’re able to let things go when they do not serve you. You’re able to focus on all of the beautiful things that your life has to offer. 

Let’s get physical - gratitude and the body’s well-being. 

Forget apples; research shows that if you want to keep the doctor away, it might be better to turn to a gratitude practice. 

Gratitude improves your physical health in multiple ways. When we practice appreciation, our bodies release the oxytocin hormone, which expands blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and protects your heart. 

Another study demonstrated how giving thanks improved patients' physical well-being while suffering from heart failure. Higher gratitude scores were also associated with better mood, higher quality sleep, greater self-efficacy, and less inflammation. 

Yet another study showed how people who kept a gratitude journal for 14 days reported fewer headaches, clearer skin, less stomach pain, and reduced congestion. 

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Let’s talk skincare. It truly starts from the inside out. Stress and worry show up on your face first. We scrunch up our faces, furrow our brows, and frown, sometimes without even realizing it. It accelerates the signs of aging by provoking wrinkle development and makes us look generally fatigued and worn down. Involving a daily gratitude practice in your routine can help you feel less stressed and, therefore, less likely to suffer from the skincare woes stress can cause.

Practicing gratitude decreases inflammation, which means you’re less likely to develop conditions like rosacea. Another benefit of gratitude is the connection to sleeping better, which helps us produce more collagen and reduce sagging. A good night’s sleep will help your skin look youthful and vibrant. There’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep!

How does gratitude affect our spiritual well-being? 

Spiritual well-being is a bit more elusive than physical or mental. Its definition is the “human need for meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves.” Spiritual wellness can look like a deep understanding of your life’s purpose and the values that drive your actions. 

Studies have demonstrated that those with greater spiritual wellness are more likely to engender positive emotions such as gratitude, forgiveness, and optimism. However, it’s also a symbiotic relationship where the increase of one affects the growth of another. By expressing your appreciation for specific aspects of your life, you will begin to develop a more nuanced understanding of what makes you happy and fulfilled. In turn, this will increase your spiritual well-being as you start to understand yourself and your purpose on a more profound level. 

Tips for cultivating well-being with gratitude 

Ready to start putting gratitude theory into practice? 

There are so many different ways to express appreciation. However, incorporating it into your routine is where you will see the most benefits. 

Here are a couple of ideas for how you can incorporate gratitude into your life: 

Gratitude journal

A gratitude journal could be a physical notebook or even on your phone. Anywhere you can jot down three things you are thankful for each day. 

Here are a few tips for keeping a gratitude journal:

Nothing is too small or big to appreciate. However, it is a good idea to be specific. Mention people by name, why you are grateful, and how you feel. For example, it’s better to say, “I’m grateful for my husband who listens to me vent about my tough day” rather than “I’m grateful for my husband,” 

To help you stick to gratitude journaling, make it part of your routine by scheduling it in. 

What would your life look like without certain blessings? Rather than focus on the gifts you’re given each day, try to appreciate the things you take for granted. For example, you could reflect on your job and how your life might lack security or fulfillment without it. 

For most of us, certain people, pets, and things will make reappearances in our gratitude journals. Try to focus on the various reasons those people, things, or circumstances make you thankful.

Skin gratitude

There’s one step that might be missing from your skincare routine - skin gratitude. An article by The Cut titled “The Best New Skin-Care Ingredient Costs Nothing” profiles beauty industry gurus who have learned to express their appreciation for the skin they’re in. 

The article is written by Jessica Defino, who also indulges in a skin gratitude practice. She outlines how it has helped her perceive her body differently, now seeing acne scars as a symbol of healing, pimples as a detox method, and her sensitive skin as a message to acknowledge. 

By expressing gratitude towards our skin and appreciating it for the protection, nourishment, and abilities it allows us, we’re opening our eyes up to deeper meanings. The shift in perspective can help us see our skin through a lens of love rather than judgement. Opting for products enriched with nourishing, purposeful ingredients is, in itself, a gesture of gratitude towards our skin. At The Statement, our ethos revolves around this very concept of skin care - a dedication to enhancing both health and wellness through our thoughtfully curated product line.

 We all want to look our best and treat our skin to the products that nourish and take care of it. But maybe the next time we see a new wrinkle form, we can acknowledge the privilege that is getting older.

Acts of gratitude 

An act of gratitude can be your way of showing your appreciation for a loved one. It could be a letter, a personal gift, an act of service, or words of affirmation. You can give an act of gratitude to a colleague, a partner, a friend, or a family member. Anyone you value is a good candidate! 

This method of practicing gratitude allows you to pay it forward. When someone you love receives your act of thanks, you both experience the benefits. Research shows that people who feel appreciated are more communicative, positive towards the other person, and motivated. 

Takeaway

Practicing gratitude in your everyday life is a rewarding way to live. Simply, it feels good to express appreciation to your loved ones, embody a positive mindset, and acknowledge your life’s privileges. And as it turns out, practicing gratitude will tangibly benefit your well-being in more ways than one. If you pursue wellness, it’s time to harness the power of gratitude. 

As you move closer to achieving true holistic wellness in body, mind, and spirit, explore our range of skincare products at The Statement. Each product is a reflection of gratitude for the skin, designed to complement your journey towards a healthier, more radiant you.