Because this article is about expressing gratitude, let me take this opportunity to say thank you to @Macronald for giving my first upvote here on read.cash. I didn’t even think that someone will notice my work. It means so much to me. Thanks a lot!
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is a feeling of gratitude and delight that we experience in reaction to something we have received, whether the gift is material, such as a book, or intangible, such as a smile of encouragement from a loved one or a stunning view of a landscape.
Why Is It Important to Practice Gratitude?
Simply focusing for a minute on the things we're grateful for in our lives switches our mind to a calmer, more satisfied place, which instantly uplifts and comforts us. We educate our brain to shift to a positive mind-set more efficiently and maintain a healthier, more optimistic outlook when we make thankfulness a regular practice, whether we write a daily written list or a mental tally of things we are grateful for as we start or end each day.
Gratitude has strong physiological consequences on the brain and body, according to research. Researchers have discovered that when we think about someone or something we love, our bodies relax. Gratitude triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a soothing branch of the autonomic nervous system.
During emergencies, stress, and extreme activity, the sympathetic system is the “fight, flight, or freeze” responder. The parasympathetic system, which counteracts the sympathetic system, is all about “rest and digest.” It reduces heart rate, shunts blood from muscles to organs, and constricts the pupils of the eyes. Appreciation also causes a more regular heartbeat, which may lower the risk of heart attacks and lower blood pressure.
Thankfulness and appreciation impact brain neurotransmitter levels, particularly the release of dopamine toward the prefrontal cortex, where reasoning and logic take place. Dopamine is a key role in the brain's reward and motivation system, as well as a source of contentment. Those who keep gratitude notebooks or lists feel more hopeful and make more progress toward their goals, according to studies.
People who undertake regular self-guided appreciation exercises have better levels of alertness, excitement, resolve, attentiveness, and energy than those who don't. Students who think gratefully not only have a better attitude toward school, but their brains are also better prepared to study.
Many bodily activities, such as digestion, blood circulation, and breathing, are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The fight, flight, or freeze side of this system is in charge during times of stress. The tranquil half of the system takes over during sleep, rest, and relaxation.
Describe how you feel when you're stressed and when you're relaxed. Consider a variety of scenarios (an approaching test, receiving a compliment, recalling a kind act, speaking in front of the class). Which system is likely to be activated – the calm or the stressed? What grateful and appreciative thoughts help you relax?
Consider how many times you've recently shown gratitude. What kinds of things do you appreciate (pleasant gestures, kind deeds and words, presents, spending time or paying attention)? Are there any items that you appreciate that you can't buy in a store? What are the things you're most likely to express gratitude for? Are there any things for which you are grateful but don't generally express your gratitude?
Consider everything you've learned and jot down any questions that come to mind. Make a gratitude list of the things, events, and people in your life for which you are grateful. Consider a new ability you recently learned from someone and thank them for it. Consider how you could be more appreciative.
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