The science of gratitude
Parent Post
Gratitude offers us a
Gratitude offers us a way of embracing all that makes our lives what they are.
More than just a happy feeling, gratitude encompasses the willingness to expand our attention so that we perceive more of the goodness we are always receiving.
Thankful to those we
Thankful to those we love
- The science: Stronger connections – Gratitude may increase a person’s desire to spend more time with someone, and it encourages prosocial behaviors.
- How it works: Better communication – Experiencing gratitude from acts of kindness increases connection and satisfaction in relationships.
- Why practice: It’s better together – Cultivating gratitude can open the door to a different perspective-one that values the goodness in our lives.
A brain built on
A brain built on gratitude
- The science: Feel happier – A study of people who wrote letters of gratitude showed they were happier and less depressed, even six months after the study ended.
- How it works: Strengthen positive recall – Strengthening your positive recall bias makes it easier to see the good things around you even when times are dark.
- Why practice: Deepen resilience – Practicing gratitude magnifies positive feelings more than it reduces negative feelings.
Nourish a grateful bodyThe
Nourish a grateful body
- The science: Boost immunity and heart health – Grateful people have fewer health complaints, such as headaches, digestion issues, and sleep problems
- How it works: Calm the nervous system – Gratitude leads to reduction in blood pressure and increase in vagal tone.
- Why practice: Make healthier choices – Grateful people report better physical health as they engage in healthy activities such as focusing on nutrition.