Throughout scripture we are urged to have a grateful heart. The most familiar of which is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which reads, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Feelings of gratitude directly activate brain regions associated with the neurotransmitter dopamine. As we have already discussed, dopamine makes the brain feel good, which is why it’s generally considered the “reward” neurotransmitter.
However, dopamine is also almost important in initiating action. Increases in dopamine make you more likely to repeat behavior. It’s the brain saying, “I like that. Do it again.”
Gratitude can have such a powerful impact on your life because it engages your brain in a virtuous cycle. Your brain only has so much power to focus its attention. It cannot easily focus on both positive and negative stimuli. So give it the positive!
Additionally, your brain loves to fall for confirmation bias, looking for things that prove what it already believes to be true. Dopamine reinforces all of this!
So once you practice being grateful, your brain keeps looking for more things for which to be grateful.
That’s how the virtuous cycle gets created. That is how we become more like Christ.
Here is what happens when you practice gratitude:
· Your brain floods with reward/positive chemicals.
· Your anxiety and depression symptoms lessen.
· Your hypothalamus works better, which controls and regulates:
- Hunger
- Sleep
- Body temperature
- Metabolism
- Body growth
· It enhances your resilience, which is your body and brain’s ability to bounce back from seriously stressful/traumatic events.
· You will fall asleep more easily…consider Thanksgiving…it’s not just the turkey that makes you sleepy, it is the grateful brain!
· You experience more positive emotions overall.
When you are feeling better, you are better able to be an ambassador for Christ! So be intentional about being grateful and test this neuroscience!
ACTION FOR THE WEEK:
1) At the end of every day this week, list 10 very specific things (perhaps in a journal) for which you are grateful. (Make sure they are more than just “my job,” “my kids,” or other general topics. Be specific as to why you are grateful for those things. “I am grateful to have read a book with Bobby.”
2) Each day, explore these questions in conversation or by journaling:
a. What surprised me today?
b. What touched my heart?
c. What inspired me?
d. Where did I see God?
3) Talk with your spouse, children, roommate, family member, or friend about three things for which you are grateful (follow the specific strategy previously listed).
4) While tucking them in, ask your children to name three things for which they are grateful from the day. Return the gesture.