The Attitude of Gratitude

At a time when many are celebrating Christmas, buying presents and anticipating gifts, it's also important for us to reflect on all of the things that we have to be grateful for. While for some, this time of year tends to bring families together, it is also a time that perpetuates consumerism and materialism, exacerbating feelings of needing more or simply not having enough. For the sake of our collective health, we just want to encourage everyone to uphold an attitude of gratitude, especially during these tough times!
Professor Robert Clemmons, a Psychology professor from UC Davis has done extensive research defines Gratitude as “A deep appreciation for what you have received.” The Oxford definition for gratitude is “ the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” In this regard, gratitude is not just something you experience internally, but that you also express or put into action externally. 
According to Emmons, multiple things happen in your body when regularly practicing gratitude:

• Rewiring your brain, Teaching yourself to scan the world for the positive instead of the negative 
• Triggers a positive chain reaction from the release of dopamine
• Initiate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your nervous system that helps you rest and digest. 
• Lowers blood pressure, heart rate and breathing to help with overall relaxation.

Dopamine has astounding affects on our physical and mental health such as:

• Learning
• Motivation
• Heart rate
• Blood vessel function
• Kidney function
• Lactation
• Sleep
• Mood
• Attention
• Control of nausea and vomiting
• Pain processing
• Movement

Practicing gratitude regularly can improve functioning for all of the above listed aspects of our health and wellness. 

Here are some easy ways you can begin to practice gratitude:

1. Before you go to sleep, or immediately when waking up, take note (mentally or on paper) of all the different things that you are grateful for in your life.
2. Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a point to regularly write reflections about the things and opportunities in your life that you are grateful for. 
3. Always express thanks and appreciation for others when they do things for you.
4. Prioritize spending time immersed and focusing on the things that you are grateful for. (Being attentive to loved ones, witnessing the beauty of your environment).

Written by: Leilani Salvador