Gratitude & Your Health - White Bear Chiropractor

NEUROSCIENCE REVEALS:  GRATITUDE LITERALLY REWIRES YOUR BRAIN TO BE HAPPIER

When you say “thank you”, do you really mean it or is it just politeness to which you give little attention? Neuroscientists have found that if you really feel it when you say it, you’ll be happier and healthier.

Better Physical Health

Focusing on the positive and feeling grateful can improve your sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Levels of gratitude also correlate to better moods and less fatigue and inflammation reducing risk of heart failure. 

Gratitude and Your Brain

Brain activity was measure using MRI as subjects were induced to feel gratitude by receiving gifts. The areas of the brain showing increased activity were the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex – those associated with moral and social cognition, reward, empathy, and value judgment. This led to the conclusion that the emotion of gratitude supports a positive and supportive attitude towards others and a feeling of relief from stressors. 

Gratitude also activates the hypothalamus as well, with downstream effects on metabolism, stress, and various behaviors. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain and regulates hormones responsible for many critical functions; (1)body temperature, (2) emotional responses, (3) and survival functions like appetite and sleep. One of the neurochemicals associated with the parts of the brain affected by gratitude is dopamine, a pleasure hormone. 

3 Steps to Becoming More Grateful

If you engage in only one prayer, let it be simply a heartfelt “thank you”. Here are 3 easy ways to put yourself in the mindfulness of gratitude. 

1.     Keep a daily journal of things you are grateful for (at least 3). The best times for writing are in the morning when your day begins or at night before sleep.

2.     Make it a point to tell people in your life what you appreciate about them on a daily basis.

3.     When you look in the mirror, give yourself a moment to think about a quality you like about yourself or something you have accomplished recently. 

Through the power of gratitude you can wire your brain to be optimistic and compassionate, making you feel good. This positivity can extend to those around you, creating a virtuous cycle.