Appreciation and Well-Being

We know the feeling we get when someone appreciates us and we are touched by their acknowledgment.  We often experience a swell of good feelings and happiness.  Researchers have found that the benefits of appreciation extend beyond the moment the appreciation is given.  A number of studies conclude that appreciation and gratitude enhances a feeling of our connectedness, life satisfaction, and overall sense of well-being.

Benefits to the recipient of appreciation:
Research confirms that appreciation is one of the most constructive emotions we have – with the power to improve health, combat depression, and contribute to happiness.  Studies also show that “appreciation enhances life satisfaction, as well as feelings of connection to what we have, to what we experience, and to life itself” (Adler (2002; Adler & Fagley, 2001).  When someone appreciates qualities and characteristics in us, we gain a keener awareness for the quality or attribute that was acknowledged.  Recognizing our positive qualities enhances the way we think about ourselves. When we appreciate our own characteristics and qualities, we tend to feel happier and have a greater sense of well-being.  Having positive feelings has been shown to enable faster recovery from pain, trauma, and illness.  Studies have shown improved sleep quality and duration for people who have positive emotions and feelings of gratitude.

Benefits to the giver of appreciation:
Studies show that people who give appreciations benefit as well.  There is evidence that giving to others promotes a feeling of happiness in the giver.  Expressing appreciation to others is also believed to build social bonds.  Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, compared a number of different appreciation strategies with control groups.  In his study, participants who wrote and personally delivered a letter of gratitude to someone immediately exhibited a huge increase in happiness scores. This impact was greater than that from any other intervention, with benefits lasting for up to a month.  On a personal note, 32 years after graduating, I phoned a favorite college professor of mine to share the impact he had on me.  Coincidentally, he was retiring from teaching the week I phoned.  He seemed thrilled with my call.  It’s been 12 years since that conversation and I still smile when I think of it.  Letting another person know how they’ve had a positive impact on you is powerful.  It’s a very honest communication that can lead to feelings of joy, pride, and elation.

Benefits in the workplace:
In the workplace, appreciations have not only been shown to significantly reduce stress, but they also lead to positive changes in attitude, relationships and viewpoints.  Workplaces that develop an environment of appreciation contribute to both the individual’s and the organization’s well-being.  Individualized messages of appreciation boost productivity, build sustainable relationships, and change people’s lives.  When employees feel that what they do matters, when they are appreciated for who they are and the contributions they make, they are more engaged and fulfilled at work. Researchers have found that increased job satisfaction translates directly into productivity.

Consider appreciating someone in your life who makes a difference to you.  Research suggests that both you and the recipient of your appreciation will benefit from your acknowledgment.  Who will receive your gift of appreciate today?

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