Health Benefits of Gratitude

The Health Benefits of Gratitude

The Facts: Scientists have discovered that feelings of gratitude can actually change your brain. Feeling gratitude can also be a great tool for overcoming depression and anxiety. Furthermore, scientists have discovered that the heart sends signals to the brain.

Here are two videos that can help you understand better how gratitude works.

I am
Grateful

Gratitude Synchronicity
Abundance & Flow

Reflect On: Every time we struggle with depression, why are we constantly encouraged to take prescription medication when mindfulness techniques actually show more promise?

Gratitude and Positive Feelings Can Change The World

Gratitude is a funny thing. In some parts of the world, somebody who gets a clean drink of water, some food, or a worn out pair of shoes can be extremely grateful. Meanwhile, somebody else who has all the necessities they need to live can be found complaining about something. What we have today is what we once wanted before, but there is a lingering belief out there that obtaining material possessions is the key to happiness. Sure, this may be true, but that happiness is temporary. The truth is that happiness is an inside job.

Having an attitude of gratitude changes the molecular structure of the brain, keeps gray matter functioning, and makes us healthier and happier. When you feel happiness, the central nervous system is affected. You are more peaceful, less reactive and less resistant. Now that’s a really cool way of taking care of your well-being.

It’s a matter of perspective, and in a world where we are constantly made to feel like we are lacking and always ‘wanting’ more, it can be difficult to achieve or experience actual happiness. Many of us are always looking toward external factors to experience joy and happiness, when really it’s all related to internal work. This is something science is just starting to grasp as well, as shown by research coming out of UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center.

Gratitude unshackles us from toxic emotions
Gratitude helps even if you don’t share it
Gratitude’s benefits take time & practice. You might not feel it right away.
Gratitude has lasting effects on the brain

To continue reading the article on collective-evolution.com click the picture.

Three simple steps to becoming more grateful:

If you’ve only got time to say one prayer today, make it the simple words of “thank you.”
This is worth keeping in mind as you go about figuring out your daily practices and routines.
Here are three practical steps you can take to infusing routines of gratitude into your life:

Keep a daily journal of three things you are thankful for. This works well first thing in the morning, or just before you go to bed.
Make it a practice to tell a spouse, partner or friend something you appreciate about them every day.
Look in the mirror when you are brushing your teeth, and think about something you have done well recently or something you like about yourself.

To continue reading the article on collective-evolution.com click the picture.