I’ve written about gratitude as a lifestyle about two years ago, so let me share a bit more because it’s so important for your own peace of mind.
Gratitude is an easy way of retaining your brain to focus on the good, and thereby attracting more of good. It’s strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. So why is it effective?
1️⃣ It lights up the brain’s reward pathway 🧠
When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel 'good'.
2️⃣ It lessens anxiety and depression symptoms ☮️
Challenging negative thought patterns helps to calm anxiety and boost your mood.
3️⃣ It increases resilience ✊
You will easily bounce back from stressful events – gratitude will help you deal with adversity by acting as a buffer against internalizing symptoms
4️⃣ It increases empathy and compassion 💟
The more thankful we feel, the more likely we are to act pro-socially towards each other❣️
5️⃣ Improves physical health 🫀
The chemicals released in the moments you feel thankful also strengthen your immune system, lower you blood pressure, reduces symptoms of illness, and make us less bothered by aches and pains 💪.
6️⃣ Increases social connection 👥
When you feel grateful, you will feel greater connection and more satisfied with your yourself, friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers. 🤝
Practicing gratitude is your key to living a peaceful and happy life 😌. I myself sometimes find it hard to keep a positive mind when things go wrong and people do despicable things 🤷🏻♀️. Me writing a post about it is not only to share this with you, but also for me to have a reminder of it 🔔.
❗️Fun fact: before choosing to study business and tech, I thought of doing a major in psych 😂🙌 as in my teenage years I was drawn to psych and philosophy books🤓