ce of expressi ng g

i en r ati
cs

tud
uro

e
e
the n

gratitude= being
thankful. showing
appreciation for
and returning
kindness.
grey matter in the brain
According to UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness
Research Center, regularly expressing gratitude literally changes
the molecular structure of the brain, keeps the gray matter
feel good “drugs”
At the neurochemical level, gratitude acts as
functioning, and makes us healthier and happier. Grey
a catalyst for crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin,
matter includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control,
dopamine, and norepinephrine — these neurotransmitters
and sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory,
manage our emotions, anxiety, and immediate stress
emotions, speech, decision making,
responses. By consciously practicing gratitude every
and self-control.
day, we can help these neural pathways to strengthen
themselves and ultimately create a per manent grateful
and positive nature within ourselves.

gratitude fosters adaptive

kids...did coping mechanisms.
you know? By managing positive emotions like
Saying “Thank You”, telling your mom and dad 3 satisfaction, happiness, and pleasure,
things you’re grateful for each night before you go
gratitude enhances our emotional
to bed, and writing thank you notes when you spend
resilience and builds our inner strength
time with someone or receive a present from them
will actually change your brain and help you feel to combat stress (Steinhardt, 2016).
happier and be able to do difficult things?! It’s TRUE!
Challenge: Try this for 30 days —record what you
do, and see how much better you feel!
an attitude of
gratitude really doe
s
have scientific back
ing
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