Science has finally revealed something that ancient wisdom has spoken of for centuries: gratitude can literally transform your life at a chemical level inside your brain.
Some of the ways that gratitude affects the brain include:
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Triggering prosocial circuits and reducing activity in defensive circuits, making you friendlier and more attuned to the moment
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Boosting serotonin and dopamine production, AKA the “feel good” chemicals
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Supporting the immune system and reducing the sensation of pain
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Increasing empathy and communication skills
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Reducing cortisol production and making it easier to manage stress
Even more impressive, science has revealed that regular gratitude practice makes these positive effects persist even when you aren’t actively in practice – similar to how a few weeks of pushups makes your triceps and pectoral muscles stronger and sturdier.
This means that gratitude is similar to a muscle that you can develop over time to experience more joy – even in stressful circumstances.
Quote of the Week
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Epicurus
Mindful Living Tip
If you want to reap the benefits of gratitude in your life, then you should start by building a simple and repeatable daily gratitude practice:
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Seek out stories of goodness, generosity, and service, either from real life or in fiction. Meditate on the most powerful of these stories often.
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Reflect frequently on situations from your past where you served other people and they expressed gratitude towards you. Recall how it felt, and imagine how it made them feel.
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Write down several reminders of your chosen narrative that will help you quickly call the story to mind – even in stressful circumstances.
- Review those reminders several times per week, perhaps by writing them on a sticky note and placing it on your bathroom mirror or computer monitor. Use the reminders to help you focus on the story.
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Author Bio
This piece was written by Christopher J. Fritz, a writer, podcaster, and musician with a passion for philosophy, mindfulness, and sustainability.