gratitude
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Gratitude is a powerful practice with significant benefits for mental and physical health. According to , gratitude practices can enhance subjective well-being, boost happiness, and build resilience against past traumas. These practices improve social relationships across various contexts and can have long-lasting effects on one's mental and physical health 1.
Brain research indicates that gratitude activates specific neural circuits, promoting positive emotions and reducing anxiety and fear circuits. Regular gratitude practice can shift brain function toward well-being and motivation 2. Additionally, gratitude affects the neural connectivity between the brain and the heart, further highlighting its broad physiological benefits 2.
Moreover, gratitude practices can significantly reduce inflammation and stress markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, offering additional health benefits beyond psychological well-being 3.
For effective gratitude practices, suggests focusing on emotionally impactful narratives and engaging deeply with these experiences, which can be more beneficial than merely listing things you're grateful for 4. This approach can help shift pro-social neural circuits, supporting overall well-being and potentially increasing motivation and achievement 5.
In summary, gratitude isn't just a feel-good practice—it's a potent tool for enhancing both neural and physical health 6.
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