A simple gratitude practice for better health and well-being
•October 21, 2026•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension
Are you looking for a simple daily practice that can improve your health and well-being? Illinois Extension Educator Sara Attig says the answer may be as close as a short list, and it might not be what you think.
Research suggests that taking time to notice and write down things we are grateful for can lead to meaningful improvements in overall well-being. In her article, Sara explains:
According to a University of Rochester Medical Center article summarizing a 2021 review of research, “keeping a gratitude journal can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and regulating breathing and heart rate.” The article also noted that “by focusing on positive outcomes in our lives, we increase positive emotions and train our brain to be more sensitive to the experience of gratitude.” Over time, this practice may improve mental health and strengthen resilience to stress.
A 2025 article from the American Brain Foundation highlighted several potential benefits of practicing gratitude, including: