As we count our blessings (and prepare to chow down) this Thanksgiving, we may be thinking of gratitude as something we celebrate — and prompt ourselves to feel — once a year.
But FIU psychology experts say gratitude isn’t about one holiday. It’s a lifelong mindset that can lead to overwhelmingly positive effects. From helping us reduce anxiety and increasing our sense of connection to loved ones, having a grateful attitude even in the smallest of situations can make a big difference.
FIU News sat down with Philip Lazarus, associate professor of psychology, and Rachel Ritchie, associate teaching professor of psychology, to learn more about the ways that gratitude can revolutionize our outlook on life, help us be happier — and how we can grow in our gratitude habits.
Here are four key things you need to know about tapping into the power of thanksgiving.
1. Gratitude literally changes your biochemistry — and makes you healthier.
“Experiencing gratitude actually rewires the brain,” Ritchie says. “It helps communication in neurological pathways. It’s been linked to improved sleep, relationship health and mood regulation.”
When we feel gratitude, Lazarus explains, our brains release hormones associated with happiness and joy — dopamine and serotonin. “Those are two crucial neurotransmitters that are responsible for our emotions,” he says. “When we release these hormones, they make us feel good. They immediately make us feel happy from the inside.”
Lazarus, who is the past president of the National Association of School Psychologists, adds that studies have shown that people who feel grateful have reduced levels of cortisol, the “stress” hormone; have better cardiac functioning; and are more resilient when they face emotional setbacks or negative experiences. Gratitude also reduces anxiety and depression and helps people manage stress more effectively.
Additionally, studies have shown that keeping a gratitude journal or engaging in thankful thoughts help ameliorate the effects of physical pain such as injury.
The bottom line: “There’s no negative side effects of feeling gratitude,” Lazarus says. “There are only positive aspects for us.”