How Gratitude Impacts Your Brain
Gratitude impacts your brain at a biological level, and its implications are far-reaching for your ability to think and function on a daily basis. Studies continue to find that regular practices of thankfulness (not just during Thanksgiving) have long-lasting effects on your mood, brain, and body!
Here are a Few Ways Gratitude Impacts Your Brain:
Gratitude Improves Your Mood
People who practice gratitude regularly report less anxiety and depression. In addition, they also tend to be more optimistic and have better relationships than those who are not regularly thankful. Overall, gratitude lessens feelings of isolation and stress to help your mood stay more positive!
Gratitude Energizes You
People who regularly practice gratitude tend to be more physically active than their non-grateful counterparts. Additionally, the better mood and improved sleep that come with gratitude practices may make it easier for you to fully engage in your day-to-day life.
Gratitude Triggers Positive Brain Changes
Gratitude impacts the hypothalamus, a critical area at the base of your brain that regulates things like certain hormones, body temperature, appetite, sleep, metabolism, and more. Regular thankfulness practices appear to positively change the way this area of your brain functions on a daily basis, including helping you sleep better!
Gratitude Lessens Feelings of Stress
Speaking or writing gratitude impacts your brain in many different areas, including the ones that make you feel stressed or relaxed. Regularly practicing thankfulness in your daily life may help reduce stress so you can feel more calm and confident.
Gratitude Triggers Dopamine Release
A key neurotransmitter in your brain, dopamine is released when your brain perceives something pleasurable. Gratitude triggers this feel-good chemical and makes you more likely to want to repeat the action. Dopamine has many positive downstream effects on your brain and body, including:
- Improving focus
- Helping you stay on task for longer
- Increasing feelings of motivation
- Enabling long-term recall
- Stabilizing your mood so you feel better in general
- Improving physical stamina for sports, exercise, and day-to-day life
Click here to learn more of the brain benefits of dopamine! >>
Brain Changes Change Your Life
Improving the way your brain interacts with the world is fundamentally life-changing. At LearningRx, we believe in helping everyone achieve their fullest potential regardless of any labels they may have been assigned in school or life.
