--- title: "How Practicing Gratitude Supports Better Mental Health | Sutter Health" description: "Sutter Health experts explain how a daily gratitude practice can ease anxiety and depression, lift mood and support long-term mental and emotional well-being." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/a-prescription-for-gratitude" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) / 3. A Prescription For Gratitude # A Prescription for Happier, Healthier Lives: Express Gratitude Sutter Health experts explain how a daily gratitude practice can ease anxiety and depression, lift mood and support long-term mental and emotional well-being. February 27, 2023 by Melissa Fuson ![A Prescription for Happier, Healthier Lives: Express Gratitude](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/perspectives/GettyImages-594827297-73bd95b9.jpg?h=1414&iar=0&w=2121 "A Prescription for Happier, Healthier Lives: Express Gratitude") Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude can [lessen anxiety and depression](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/2Wood-GratitudeWell-BeingReview.pdf)—even during the [most difficult of times.](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_can_help_you_through_hard_times) It can also help people [feel happier](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/gratitude_brings_happiness), live healthier lives and boost feelings of optimism. ![Dr. Leif Hass](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/perspectives/18_SEBMF_Hass_Leif_HOSP-107-200x200-408447c5.jpg "Dr. Leif Hass") [Dr. Leif Hass](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/dr-leif-r-hass) is a hospitalist at [Alta Bates Summit Medical Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/absmc) and an adviser for U.C. Berkeley’s [Greater Good Science Center](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/leif_hass) on healthcare issues. He has written extensively about patient and provider well-being and the role of gratitude in health and healthcare. “It’s easy to focus on everything going wrong, but stepping outside of our own narratives can allow us to see the beauty and privilege in bearing witness to our patients’ important life moments,” he says. Giving thanks can even change our brains. A [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2733324/) from 2008 found that gratitude boosts neurotransmitter serotonin and activates the brain stem to produce dopamine. As a licensed practitioner for Sutter Health’s Employee Assistance Program, Anna Morgado helps employees through personal and work-related challenges. “As humans, our brains default to look for danger and for the bad. That’s helpful for survival but isn’t healthy. So, we must be intentional in looking for the good in our lives,” she says. Morgado is careful to note that incorporating a regular practice of gratitude doesn’t negate your struggles. In fact, she advises using “and” statements when you’re struggling: “I am overwhelmed with work, _and_ I enjoy my co-workers,” for example. “This isn’t toxic positivity. We’re not denying the truth,” she says. “It’s about recognizing and being intentional about integrating the good stuff in your life. It can help us from going down the rabbit hole of depression and sadness –and even a couple minutes each day can help.” ### _Tips for living a more grateful life:_ - **Keep a Gratitude Journal.** Write about things you enjoy each day. - **Remind yourself about how far you’ve come.** Remember past struggles you’ve successfully overcome. - **Volunteer to help others.** Small acts of kindness can be impactful for the giver and the receiver. ## Topics [Mental health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mental+health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Stress](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Stress%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ## Related articles ### [Finding Strength in Being Fully Herself](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/finding-strength-in-being-fully-herself) ### [Beyond First-Day Jitters: Build Confidence & Resilience](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/beyond-first-day-jitters-building-confidence-resilience-and-well-being) ### [Before You Light the Fuse: How to Stay Safe This Fourth of July](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/before-you-light-the-fuse-how-to-stay-safe-this-fourth-of-july) ### [Tag Team Approaches Helping Earn Wins for Mental Healthcare](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/tag-team-approaches-helping-earn-wins-for-mental-healthcare) [See all from Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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