The Effects of Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude Not Only Makes Others Feel Good But Check Out What It Can Do For You – Scientific Studies Prove that Practicing Gratitude . . .

– Enhances self-worth and self-esteem.

– Helps cope with stress and depression.

– Encourages caring for others.

– Helps build social bonds, strengthens existing relationships and nurtures new relationships.

– Benefits the heart as it reduces negative feelings like anger, bitterness, and greed.

– Helps you sleep better.

– Promotes a stronger immune system.

-Author Unknown-

According to UCLA Neuroscience Researcher Alex Korb

The benefits of gratitude start with the dopamine system because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine. Additionally, gratitude toward others increases activity in social dopamine circuits, which makes social interactions more enjoyable.

One powerful effect of gratitude is that it can boost serotonin. Trying to think of things you are grateful for forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This simple act increases serotonin production in the anterior cingulate cortex.

It’s not finding gratitude that matters most; it’s remembering to look in the first place. Remembering to be grateful is a form of emotional intelligence. One study found that it actually affected neuron density in both the ventromedial and lateral prefrontal cortex. These density changes suggest that as emotional intelligence increases, the neurons in these areas become more efficient. With higher emotional intelligence, it simply takes less effort to be grateful.

Mother Nature Reminds us Constantly

In addition, a verse from A Course in Miracles reminds us that even Mother Nature understands the importance of gratitude and practices daily.

All things that live bring gifts to you and offer them in gratitude and gladness at your feet.
The scent of flowers is their gift to you.
The waves bow down before you.
The trees extend their arms to shield you from the heat and lay their leaves before you on the ground that you may walk in softness, while the wind sinks to a whisper round your holy head. ~lesson 156

 

Gratitude goes hand in hand with love, and where one is the other must be found.
For gratitude is but an aspect of the Love which is the Source of all creation.
~A Course In Miracles

Be sure to join our online learning community to find out more about creating relationships for which you can be grateful. This path ultimately leads to the discovery of true love.

Thank you for sharing this blog with those you love, and more importantly, those you don’t.