Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday season is under way, the concept of gratitude is more relevant than ever. While the holidays remind us that practicing gratitude is important, it turns out that being thankful actually has a positive impact on your mental health according to experts. 

According to the ADAA (The Anxiety and Depression Association of America), showing gratitude allows the body to release neurotransmitters like dopamine, and serotonin. This improves your mood and helps decrease anxiety and depression. There is a part of the brain called the limbic system, and showing thankfulness activates the main parts of this system which also controls a person’s emotions and memories. This part of the brain also releases dopamine and serotonin. If you continue to show gratitude for a long time, it will permanently change your brain in a positive way.

Freshmen Mckenzie DeSpirto said, “Being grateful makes me feel good because it makes me feel happy and content.” 

Showing gratitude gives the brain a feeling of reward, and this feeling allows you to feel more safe and uplifted. Gratitude also regulates the nervous system. This allows the brain to get rid of negative thoughts and focus on the positive ones.

Showing gratitude can also build stronger relationships with the people around you. Having healthy relationships is a crucial part of good mental health. 

Freshman Harper Monego shared that, “Sometimes I’ll be doing nothing and I’ll get a wave of gratefulness and I feel happy.” 

Thankfulness is also known to improve sleeping habits, since it reduces anxiety. Without overthinking and negative thoughts, the brain is able to relax and shut down easier at night. This will make you feel more rested and energized during the day. 

There are many ways that you can show your gratitude. One suggestion is creating a gratitude journal by writing down things you are grateful for every day. This causes your brain to focus on positive things. It is also important to give yourself time to reflect on memories that evoke gratitude. 

Showing gratitude is a small action with a big impact. When we acknowledge the good people and things in our lives, we remind ourselves that we aren’t alone and that we all have something to hold onto. Whenever you have an opportunity, show that you’re grateful. It may not fix every problem, but it will allow your mind to become healthier, stronger, and calmer.