You’ve heard the adages; “Laugh through the tears.” “Smile, you’ll feel better.”When your world is overwhelming and it seems you can’t catch a break, the simple act of smiling and expressing gratitude can go a long way to mental and physical healing. It’s neuroscience! Gratitude triggers the release of “feel good” chemicals in the brain sometimes called a “Gratitude Cocktail”. Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin all are released into your system when you learn how to infuse gratitude into your life. A surge of those neurotransmitters can strengthen your immune system, decrease depression, anxiety, and chronic pain as well as improve your personal relationships.
The benefits come when you make the choice to be grateful and practice a few steps to create new response pathways in your brain.
Begin with self compassion. Acknowledge and name your loss, frustrations and challenges. Own it. Then look at your life as a whole. Reflect on people and factors that enhance your life and for which you are grateful. It’s called positive psychology.
Practice Kindness. According to a study from the Mayo Clinic, practicing kindness increases empathy, compassion and improves your overall mood. It can also decrease blood pressure and cortisol levels which lowers your stress.
Express your gratitude through a written or visual gratitude journal. The act of writing or doodling your thoughts physically connect those images with your brain.
Gratitude is contagious! Write and read letters of gratitude to those who are special to you. Don’t mail or email it. Write it and read it directly to that special person. Your heartfelt gratitude will enhance will create a special moment for you and the recipient.
Take a Gratitude Walk! Ditch the earbuds, headphones or conversation. Take a walk, with just yourself for company. Your senses will be elevated to pick up on the sounds, smells and energy around you. You’ll be amazed at how it enhances your day.
To learn more about how to harness the power and benefit of gratitude, catch our pod “ An Unexpected Life: Healing Through Gratitude.” Marianne Banister breaks it all down with Executive Wellness Coach Linda Roszak Burton.
You can listen or watch “An Unexpected Life” where you find all your favorite podcasts. https://clairemariefoundation.org/podcast
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