How Gratitude Changes Your Brain
Want to be happier in one simple step? Practice gratitude! With Thanksgiving week upon us, now is the perfect season to spend a little time counting our blessings. Expressing thankfulness and reflecting on the great things in your life not only paves the way to higher levels of contentment, but it is also scientifically shown to support brain health, stress reduction, and the management of anxiety.
Change Your Brain By Giving Thanks
Science has shown that practicing gratitude leads to an increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is the fancy term for the area of your brain that’s associated with learning and decision-making. When you give thanks–whether it’s verbally, in a note, or through journaling–you’re more likely to experience improved mental health in the long run.
In a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers looked at the connection between health and gratitude in over 50 studies. They came to the conclusion that gratitude is linked to higher levels of emotional and social well-being and positive emotional states, including overall life satisfaction and happiness.
Practical Ways to Give Thanks
A gratitude practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, some of the best ways to cultivate gratitude take very little time at all! Here are few ways to get started:
Just say thank you. Simply expressing gratitude verbally to others throughout your day is perhaps the easiest and most accessible way to become more grateful. As you move through your day, make an effort to express sincere thanks to those you encounter in your daily life.
Write thank-you notes. Let the people in your life know that you appreciate them! A handwritten note not only conveys thoughtfulness, but the process of writing it out with ink and paper rather than typing or texting will encourage your mind to slow down as you reflect.
Keep a gratitude journal. Reflect on the things in your life (both big and small) for which you are grateful. Just writing a few lines a day can shift and uplift your thoughts as you direct your attention to the blessings in your life.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we want to express our deep thanks to YOU! The Spine & Wellness Co. community would not exist without you. Thank you for being a valuable part of our wellness family.
