Prophet Muhammad said:
Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, so you do not dismiss the blessings of God.
Sahih Bukhari 6490
In Psychology, looking at people below when you feel down and troubled is called “Downward Social Comparison“. Medical Research as found that “Downward Social Comparison” has shown to increase positive affect, heighten optimism, increase relationship satisfaction, and enhance self-esteem.
Downward Social Comparison and old age people
Over a nine year period, old age adults aged between 79 and 97 were interviewed in their homes with use of downward social comparison in response to task restriction, and their subjective well-being. The study found out:
Regression analyses yielded a significant interaction between downward social comparison and perceived control for three subjective well-being outcomes: life satisfaction, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms.
Medical Research PMID: 23210907
See: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23210907/ (comes under US Government)
Aspect of Gratitude
The saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) has another gem in it. It is the aspect of gratitude. Being grateful to what you have and exhibiting gratitude make a significant positive impact on the mental health.
Medical Research on Gratitude and Mental Health
An extensive research done by the American Psychological Association found a positive connection between gratitude and mental well-being. They concluded that:
The results provide a window into the brain circuitry for moral cognition and positive emotion that accompanies the experience of benefitting from the goodwill of others.
American Psychological Association Research
See: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-20151-001
Dr. Kristin Francis, MD, a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, says:
Expressing gratitude can positively change your brain. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters in the brain that improve your mood immediately, giving you those positive feelings of pleasure, happiness, and well-being.
Psychiatrist, Huntsman Mental Health Institute
See: https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2021/11/practicing-gratitude.php (Health University of Utah)
The world famous Harvard Medical School’s journal also links happiness and gratitude. It says:
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Harvard Health Journal
See: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Be Grateful and you get more
God Almighty says in the Quran:
If you are grateful, I will certainly and surely give you more.
Chapter 14: Verse 7
This is a promise from God. The beauty is, in this verse, the reward for gratitude is left open-ended. God says He will give more but He does not mention what He will give more. Since it is open ended, it includes all the possible good things that a human can think of like: happiness, wealth, health, success, loving and caring family etc.
