Change Your Brain And Improve Your Life With Gratitude

We see messages about gratitude everywhere—so much that the word loses a bit of its power to get our attention. But when it’s incredibly simple, soothing to your soul, and has so many benefits, it’s no wonder the word gratitude is splashed across books, journals, magazines, web pages, and written out in beautiful fonts on wall hangings and pillows.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that has the ability to change our lives in many positive ways. It's the feeling of appreciation and thankfulness that we have for the good things in our lives. Whether it's a big accomplishment or a small gesture, gratitude helps us to focus on the positive and appreciate the little things. It’s hard to believe, but simply practicing gratitude can change your brain and improve your life.

Gratitude has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating emotions, decision making, and social behavior. It truly changes our brain. When we feel grateful, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and happiness. Gratitude can also increase the release of serotonin, which is another neurotransmitter associated with happiness. This can lead to feelings of happiness, contentment, and well-being. It’s known to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety too.

If that’s not life-changing enough, this simple act of being grateful and focusing on the positive aspects of your life can also help to improve our physical health. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude have better sleep patterns, lower blood pressure, and stronger immune systems. And all of that can lead to greater resilience in hard times.

Gratitude also plays an important role in our relationships. When we express gratitude towards others, it strengthens our bonds and improves our connections with others. People who regularly practice gratitude have been found to have better relationships with their family and friends, as well as their colleagues and coworkers. Additionally, gratitude can help to improve our relationships with ourselves, as it allows us to appreciate the good things we have done and the progress we have made.

Simply put, when we focus on the good things in our lives and we’re grateful for what we have, it can help to reduce negative thoughts and emotions. That makes it easier to navigate difficult situations and to bounce back from setbacks. Additionally, gratitude can help to reduce feelings of envy, as we’re less likely to compare ourselves to others when we are appreciative of what we have.

Take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life and express gratitude for them, and try to make a habit of it. There’s no time commitment, you only need to remember to do it. Gratitude is a powerful tool that will not only make a positive impact on your brain, but improve your life over time as well.