Are you aware :: backed by science, one of the most effective ways to practice gratitude?

No, it’s not writing a list, reciting or even expressing gratitude - often we’ve been persuaded to believe…

Studies have shown, a gratitude practice of…

• writing down

• reciting

• thinking of 5-20 things we’re grateful for

is not particularly effective in shifting neural circuitry toward enhanced activation.

So, what is more beneficial? 

Think :: story or visualization

• Recalling when somebody was thankful for something we did (remembering how we felt when receiving that gratitude) 

OR

• Envisioning the emotional experience of someone else receiving help

Nerd tip :: this type of repeated practice changes our resting state in functional connectivity of the emotion + motivation regions in our brain, causing anxiety + fear circuits less likely to be active.

Gratitude Practice :: Rooted in a Story

• Recall a time we were genuinely being thanked OR someone else is genuinely expressing thanks at which we observed

• Jot down 3-4 bullets from this experience to replay

• Absorb the state of feeling both before and after

Pro tip :: gratitude grounded in replaying a story can invoke neurochemical, anti-inflammatory + neural circuit mechanisms that are equally as beneficial as when we do a HIIT workout. 

When gratitude is practiced repeatedly in this manner - from as little as 1 to 5 minutes :: positivity is proven to become our new default - dominating physiology + mindset impacting our mental and physical well-being. 

Let’s give it a try … and live better!!