Why Practicing Gratitude is the Most Powerful Habit You Can Adopt

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude, in the simplest terms, is the quality of being thankful and appreciative of the good things in your life. It involves taking a moment to reflect on the small things that we often take for granted, which in reality, are the big things all along.

The Science Behind Gratitude

A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of PTSD (Kashdan et al., 2006). For years, research has shown that gratitude plays a significant role in overcoming trauma and enhancing mental and emotional well-being (Morin, 2015). In a white paper titled “The Science of Gratitude” (2018), research outlines several benefits of gratitude practice, including greater resilience, patience, humility, wisdom, increased happiness and positive mood, and greater satisfaction with life (Allen, 2018).

What Changes in Your Brain When You Practice Gratitude?

Studies have shown that regularly practicing gratitude can be a natural antidepressant as it triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters and hormones associated with happiness, including dopamine and serotonin. Additionally, gratitude is linked to a wide range of physical benefits, such as a stronger immune system, improved heart health, and better sleep (Morin, 2015). Research has even shown that expressing gratitude releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” which strengthens the connection and bond between individuals (Howard, 2021), regulating our cortisol levels responsible for feelings of anxiety and stress (Wright, 2023). Gratitude also impacts brain areas such as the amygdala and hippocampus—regions responsible for regulating emotions, bodily functions, learning and memory, alongside the areas of our brain associated with feelings of bliss (Howard, 2021).

Final Notes

The human brain has a natural tendency to give more weight to negative experiences or interactions than positive ones, making us more prone to take things for granted and overlook how blessed and fortunate we truly are, especially in the midst of hardships. By consistently practicing gratitude, you will be able to rewire your brain to focus on the positive aspects of your life, appreciate what you already possess, and experience positive, lasting changes.