In Large Study, Gratitude Found To Improve Mood + Decrease Anxiety & Depression

There's no shortage of things we can do to decrease stress and anxiety, and improve mental health. One of those oft-suggested things is a gratitude practice—but how effective is that, really, for improving mental health?

For this meta-analysis, researchers wanted to dig into the existing studies and evidence on gratitude as it relates to mental health benefits. To do so, they conducted a systematic literature search on gratitude studies, identifying over 60 randomized clinical trials to look at further.

And based on their findings (and the cumulative findings of all those other studies), it would appear gratitude is, indeed, effective for improving mental health.

Namely, the researchers found, participants who underwent gratitude interventions experienced greater feelings of gratitude, better mental health, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, the study authors add, they experienced other benefits like a more positive mood and positive emotions.

There's never a bad reason to seek out more gratitude in your life, and the good news, it's a simple and accessible practice that anyone can do.

As licensed psychologist Snehal Kumar Ph.D. previously explained to mindbodygreen, gratitude is "the practice of making space for appreciation," and can include appreciation for the experiences, people, and things in your life, but gratitude can also be rooted in an appreciation of the self.

It's an act of self-love to be grateful for who you are, whether you practice gratitude through journaling, making gratitude jars, or simply looking out for moments of joy and gratitude (AKA glimmers) as you go about your day.