Did you know that gratitude has positive effects on the brain? 

It’s true! 

While it may seem a little cliché to talk about gratefulness during the Thanksgiving season, there is a reason why practicing gratitude is becoming such a trending topic.

In our latest article, we talked about how to cultivate a grateful heart but we didn’t tell you why!

Not only is practicing gratitude a beautiful way to show the love of Christ to others, but there are mental and physical advantages to starting that practice in your daily life.

Gratitude may just be the key you’ve been searching for to get you out funk!

Today will go over what happens to your brain when you start counting your blessings, and some positive side effects you never know about.

Empowered with the knowledge you’ll receive today, you’ll be primed to take on 2025 with a bang. 

Does gratitude affect the brain? 

According to Positive Psychology, gratitude not only changes the neural structure of our brain, but it regulates the functioning of the immune system and triggers the release of hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine– that manage anxiety, and immediate stress responses.

What are the benefits of practicing gratitude?

Medical jargon aside, here is what gratitude does:

1. Lessens the power of toxic emotions. Gratitude emphasizes the good in our lives and shifts our focus away from negative emotions such as resentment or envy, putting them on the back burner of our minds. 

2. Reduces physical pain. While it’s true that gratitude releases dopamine, our body’s natural pain reliever, it also fills us with more energy, making pain less potent.

3. Improves sleep. Gratitude stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain, which is responsible for the production of oxytocin. Oxytocin is thought to counteract the effects of stress and produce better sleep. 

4. Regulates stress. A 2004 study showed that participants who demonstrated more gratitude and appreciation had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. They were also more resilient when facing emotional setbacks.

5. Improves anxiety & depression: Because gratitude lowers stress hormones and helps balance the nervous system, it reduces depression and anxiety. It also strengthens the part of the brain that regulates negative emotions like guilt and shame. 

What are the 4 A’s of gratitude?

While it is clear that gratitude is a wonderful gift, it can take some practice to build our gratefulness muscle, luckily there is an easy way to keep this new mindset at the forefront of your life- the four A’s of gratitude. They stand for: appreciation, approval, admiration and attention, as followers of Christ let’s see what looks like based on our previous article:

1. Appreciation: Recognizing God’s blessings is the foundation of gratitude. Scripture reminds us to “praise the Lord and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). By appreciating His daily provisions—whether big or small—we acknowledge His faithfulness and care.  

2. Approval: As believers, we seek God’s approval above all else. Gratitude grows when we align our actions with His will, knowing that He delights in our obedience and faith. When we embrace His plan, we reflect His goodness and express trust in His sovereignty.  

3. Admiration: Admiring God’s character deepens our thanksgiving. From His perfect love to His unchanging nature, reflecting on who God is fills our hearts with awe. Nahum 1:7 reminds us that “the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble,” inspiring us to admire Him in all seasons.  

4. Attention: Gratitude requires focus. By intentionally turning our attention to God’s presence and promises, we overcome life’s distractions. Philippians 4:4 encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always, directing our thoughts toward His blessings.  

A Gift That Keeps Giving 

Life keeps us so busy we forget to appreciate the big and small blessings that surround us daily. 

Amidst the hustle of work, school activities, and the daily grind, it’s easy to forget that in a world that’s hurting, we are not just blessed but highly favored.

But gratitude is the gift that keeps giving. By keeping our eyes on the perfecter of our faith, Christ Jesus, and everything He has done for us, the world’s worries fade, and life takes on a sweetness once again. 

Our bodies respond to the peace that only comes with giving thanks, and our spirits and mental health are recharged. 

Starting today, receive the gift of gratitude and extend to the Lord all the praise He deserves for his love and kindness. 

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