Can Expressing Gratitude Make You Happier & Healthier?

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Published: Nov 4, 2024

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Vani Sharma
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Abstract

The human brain consistently receives stimuli and adjusts accordingly. From social cues and emotions to memory consolidation for your studies, the brain is a moving part that is shaped by the environment and its inputs. One of these inputs is gratitude which can lead to changes in the brain’s molecular and chemical structure leading to outcomes such as increased confidence, less anxiety and depression, increased resilience, motivation, and productivity. This paper focuses on the power of gratitude and positive self-talk and how that can be harnessed in applications in the real world and to improve overall mental health.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024): Brain Matters
Section
Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biography

Vani Sharma, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Vani Sharma is majoring in MCB Honors on the pre-med track, with a minor in public health & neuroscience certificate. She is a writer for Brain Matters, which allows her the opportunity to learn about the brain & its neuroanatomy in depth along with her interest in brain disorders. On campus, she is heavily involved with medical clubs & the Illini Strings Orchestra, serves as an undergraduate research ambassador, is a part of the Madak Erdogan Women's Health & Metabolism Lab, and works as a teaching assistant for chemistry. After graduating from UIUC, she hopes to attend medical school.