HOW GRATITUDE CAN ALTER AND CHANGE YOUR BRAIN IN DIFFERENT WAYS
March 26 2025 – Delikate Rayne
Did you know that gratitude can actually change your brain for the better? Gratitude is a powerful mindset that can help reshape the way your brain functions. Practicing gratitude can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and chemistry, improving mental well being, emotional resilience, and even physical health. By consistently focusing on what we appreciate, we activate neural pathways associated with happiness, reduce stress, and strengthen social bonds.
Releases neurotransmitters: When you feel grateful, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which can make you feel good and have a positive outlook.
Activates the limbic system: The limbic system controls emotions, and includes the amygdala and hippocampus, which are activated by gratitude.
Diminishes negative thoughts: Gratitude can help you focus on the positive things in your life, reducing the negative ones, which can help you feel calmer and less anxious.
Reinforces positive neural pathways: Regular gratitude practice can strengthen connections in the brain associated with positive emotions.
Sources:
Calm, “The science of gratitude and how it can change the brain”