PULSE Magazine | November/December 2019 Issue

WHAT IS... THE POWER OF GRATITUDE?

Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain to be Happier

Research into the physical effects of gratitude report tangible results. Focusing on the positive and feeling grateful can improve your sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Further- more, levels of gratitude correlate to better moods and less fatigue and inflammation. The reasons why gratitude is so impactful to health and well-being begin in the brain. 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 toward others and a feeling of relief from stressors. Gratitude activates the hypothalamus as well, with downstream effects on metabolism, stress, and various behaviors. The hypothalamus regulates hormones responsible for many critical functions, such as body temperature, emotional responses, and survival functions like appetite and sleep. We can perceive and experience gratitude and its many characteristics in a very broad spectrum. Openness and willingness to experience gratitude affects not only the individual but her/his interper- sonal relationships; a common strain in relationships is caused by repeated negative feedback by one or both partners without off-setting gratitude. Through the power of gratitude, you can wire your brain to be optimistic and compassionate, making you feel good. The more you look, the more you can find to be grateful for. This positivity can extend to those around you, creating a virtuous cycle.

When you’re actively looking for things to praise in another, you’re training your brain towards appreciation vs. judgment.

This Holiday Season is a perfect time to Practice Gratitude

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it’s time to focus on family and friends. It’s also the season to celebrate the many good things that have taken place in your life over the past year. Even if you’ve experienced disappointments or setbacks, there are still plenty of things to be grateful for in life. Concentrating on the positive can have a huge impact on your outlook and success.

The Power of Gratitude

People who express gratitude on a regular basis are healthier, more optimistic, make better progress toward their goals, have a greater sense of well-being, and are more helpful to others. Living in a state of gratitude is more than just thanking someone for opening the door for you – although that’s a good thing to do. It’s about having an attitude of gratitude regardless of the circumstances. Practicing these can help you remain grateful during the holidays and throughout the year:

38