What Gratitude Actually Does to Your Brain
- Marissa Rosales
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good emotion, it’s a neurochemical game-changer. When you practice gratitude regularly, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin. Two key neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and increase feelings of well-being.
The Science of a “Thank You”
Studies in neuroscience have shown that expressing gratitude activates areas of the brain associated with reward, empathy, and moral cognition. When you write down what you’re thankful for or express appreciation to someone, your brain interprets that as a social connection. Connection is a powerful antidote to stress and isolation.
Gratitude as a Regulator
During the chaos of the holidays, or just the grind of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s not working. Gratitude offers a powerful reframe. It grounds us in what is going well, what we do have control over, and who we can lean on.
Even a 5-minute gratitude habit, like listing 3 things you're thankful for before bed, can have lasting effects on emotional regulation and resilience.
Make It Stick
Here are a few quick ways to build a brain-friendly gratitude practice:
Keep a gratitude journal (just 3 lines a day!)
Text someone just to say “I appreciate you”
Pause during your morning coffee to name one good thing
Use nature or daily rituals as cues to reflect on what’s working
Your Turn: What’s one thing you're grateful for today — big or small?
Need a reset this season? Our team can help you refocus on what’s meaningful. Schedule a session or follow us on Instagram for bite-sized reflections to keep your momentum going.