The Science of Gratitude & How to Build a Gratitude Practice | Huberman Lab Podcast #47

Emotional Gains

Gratitude practices have profound emotional benefits, enhancing genuine feelings of gratitude and joy. Andrew Huberman highlights the importance of authenticity in gratitude, explaining that genuine thanks are crucial for experiencing real gratitude, regardless of the gift's size 1. He references a study showing that wholehearted giving significantly impacts the recipient's sense of gratitude, emphasizing that "genuine thanks are what count" 1. Additionally, Huberman contrasts the traditional views of happiness and suffering, citing Sigmund Freud to illustrate how our default mindset often leans towards concern and defensiveness 2.

   

Motivation Boost

Gratitude practices not only enhance emotional well-being but also boost motivation and positivity. Andrew Huberman reveals that receiving gratitude is more potent than giving it, as it significantly activates prefrontal networks associated with positive psychological shifts 3. He describes a study where gratitude practices altered brain-heart connectivity, reducing anxiety and fear while enhancing motivation and positive emotions 4. Huberman emphasizes the dual benefits of gratitude, stating, "If you have a good gratitude practice and you repeat it regularly, you reduce the fear, anxiety circuits, you increase the efficacy of the positive emotion, feel good circuits" 4.