Gratitude has been shown to have positive impacts on health and self-confidence, according to new research from the University of Iowa. Professor Harleah Buck, who studies non-pharmacological interventions to improve health, has found that expressing gratitude can lead to better physiological responses, including improved heart health.
Buck’s research has shown that gratitude can improve blood vessel response to stress and have positive effects on inflammatory markers. Studies conducted with doctoral student Lakeshia Cousin have demonstrated that gratitude can lead to better health practices and a decreased need for medication in older adults dealing with polypharmacy.
Measuring gratitude can be done using the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item Form, which has been proven effective in research. Buck’s work emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude for both big and small things in life, as it can have a lasting impact on health and overall well-being.
By incorporating gratitude into daily habits, individuals can experience the benefits that come with expressing thankfulness. Buck’s research highlights the importance of spreading gratitude to others, creating a positive emotional contagion that can lead to improved health and well-being for everyone.
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