Improves health. Many studies have demonstrated that giving thanks improves mental and physical health. Keeping a gratitude journal improves sleep, reduces pain level, and decreases stress level. (https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/).
Thinking differently. Practicing gratitude literally changes the brain. A study of 43 participants who suffered with anxiety and depression had brain scans. Half of the group was asked to write letters of gratitude. Researchers found that the group who wrote letters, even weeks later, still reported feeling more grateful and had changes in the “gratitude-related brain activity” in the scanner. (https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/the-amazing-way-gratitude-rewires-your-brain-for-happiness.html)
Giving back. By expressing appreciation to a person who is holding the door for you, to a cashier working hard and bagging your groceries, to an employee who turned in the project early or on time, to a child who washed dishes – you are giving back to them. However, make no mistake, this kind of give back only makes you fuller. When we give money, we deplete our bank account (I am not suggesting not to give money – this is just an example for comparison), but when we give thanks – we give but get even more in return. Instead of simply removing something from our lives, we are able to amplify the good karma and positivity that cycle through our lives.