Giving Thanks: The Healing Power of Gratitude

Giving thanks should not be limited to only the 4th Thursday of November. Living in a space of gratitude needs to be a year-round practice. Experiencing and acknowledging when you are thankful have proven benefits on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Science has shown the rewards include better sleep, improving mental strength, higher self-esteem, overcoming trauma, and decreased pain levels. Plus, gratitude fosters better relationships, enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Three things we can all use more of these days. 
 
In 2009, The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a fascinating report about our hypothalamus. This gland is the part of our brain that regulates many of our bodily functions including our appetites, sleep, temperature, metabolism, and growth. Their study showed the hypothalamus is activated when we feel gratitude or express kindness.
 
In July of 2015, the NIH published a fascinating report called "The Role of Gratitude in Spiritual Well-being in Asymptomatic Heart Failure Patients". The role was overwhelmingly positive for a speedy recovery. 
 
Another study that took place in 2007 asked patients with hypertension to count their blessings once a week. Results showed a significant decrease in their systolic blood pressure. Even further this research discovered those who regularly wrote in a gratitude journal had reduced blood pressure by 10%. 
 
In a deeper study on journaling, a group of anxious and depressed subjects were asked to participate in a gratitude letter writing experiment. These patients showed significant physiological and behavioral changes. MRI brain scans revealed an increase in neural modulation. This is the process where nervous activity is regulated by controlling the physiological levels of several classes of neurotransmitters. The practice of writing thanks also brought about changes in the medial prefrontal cortex which controls memory and decision making. Together what this means is the subjects were better able to manage negative emotions such as guilt or shame plus were more willing to be helpful, empathetic and kind.
 
When we feel gratitude, are helpful or express kindness our brains are washed with a chemical called dopamine putting us in a natural euphoric state. As a result, we feel good when we help others with pure intentions. Because this warm fuzzy feeling is such a powerful intoxicant, we find ourselves highly motivated to feel it again. Gratitude becomes a healthy and free addiction we can turn to anytime.
 
Having an attitude of gratitude as our standard operating procedure, we will live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.
The Dalai Lama said “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible”.
I am grateful for every one of you and I wish you all blessings of peace and vibrant health.