Gratitude is greatness.
Gratitude truly affects your brain at a biological level. You know what the antidepressant Wellbutrin does? Boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine. So does gratitude.
When you are happy and in a state of joy, then your ability to be creative and think critically doubles because you are activating the prefrontal cortex which is essential for critical thinking, complex planning, and problem solving. Have you ever really solved a complex problem when you were angry? How about being relaxed and happy in the shower and ideas just “pop” into your brain? When your level of happiness is elevated, then you are more likely to be focused, alert, and able to retain information.
This is why getting in the right state of mind and changing your attitude is so critical. Research shows that memory and levels of recall are associated with the state of mind we are in at that particular time.
How do you get in that state of mind?
- Think of what or who you are grateful for today
- Write down your purpose or goal (seeing and reading the words re-enforces it in your brain)
- Play music to put you in a better mood
- Exercise to get the endorphins pumped up
- Practice meditation or autogenic training
Starting with gratitude helps you shift to a state of empowerment. You will then be more productive, achieve more, and get to solutions quickly.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” ~Jean Baptiste Massieu
Source Credit: Business Insider and Dr. Alex Korb, The Upward Spiral, March 2015.
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