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The Science of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Improves Mental Health

Start each day with Thankfulness

written by Jason Brown... MindRight Counseling & Coaching – North Richland Hills, TX


November is often called the season of gratitude—but what if gratitude was more than just a seasonal feeling? What if it was one of the most effective, evidence-backed tools for improving emotional health year-round? I've seen firsthand how practicing gratitude can reshape the way clients think, feel, and even heal. Research in psychology and neuroscience confirms what many have felt intuitively: gratitude changes the brain.


The Brain on Gratitude

When we focus on thankfulness, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin—the same neurotransmitters that antidepressants target. These chemicals help us feel happier, more relaxed, and more resilient to stress. In brain imaging studies, regular gratitude practice activates the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. This means gratitude doesn’t just make you feel good—it helps you think more clearly, respond more calmly, and connect more deeply.


Gratitude Reframes Our Thinking

Anxiety and depression often thrive on what’s missing—what could go wrong, what we don’t have, or what hasn’t worked out. Gratitude flips that lens. It doesn’t ignore pain or challenge; it simply shifts focus toward what is still good, working, and hopeful. Think of gratitude as a gentle mental exercise that trains your brain to notice the positive, even in hard times. Over time, this shift builds emotional strength and reduces the impact of daily stress.


Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude

  1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for. They can be small—like a warm cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or a moment of laughter.

  2. Express It Out Loud. Tell someone you appreciate them. Gratitude expressed strengthens connection and lowers loneliness.

  3. Pause and Notice. Throughout the day, stop for 10 seconds to take in something good—sunlight through the window, a meal shared, a deep breath.


The Ripple Effect of Thankfulness

Gratitude doesn’t just benefit your mental health; it improves relationships, builds community, and promotes empathy. Families that share daily gratitude moments report better communication and stronger emotional bonds.


Bringing Gratitude Into Therapy

In our counseling sessions, we often integrate gratitude practices with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. Clients who commit to small gratitude routines often report better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a more hopeful outlook within weeks. If you’ve been struggling with stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion, gratitude may be a simple but powerful first step toward healing.


At MindRight Counseling & Coaching, we help individuals, couples, and families discover practical ways to rebuild peace, purpose, and joy. Gratitude is one of many tools we use to help you move forward with clarity and calm.



 
 
 

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