Practice gratitude to promote positive emotions from "summary" of Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 7 Weeks by Seth J. Gillihan
One powerful way to shift your focus from what's lacking in your life to what's going well is to practice gratitude. When we intentionally take note of the good things in our lives, no matter how small they may seem, we train our minds to seek out the positive rather than dwelling on the negative. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on our overall mood and well-being. Gratitude is not just about saying thank you or expressing appreciation to others. It's about cultivating a mindset of appreciation for the things we often take for granted. This can include simple pleasures like a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a beautiful sunset, or a kind gesture from a friend. By actively acknowledging and savoring these moments, we can train our brains to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives more consistently. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can increase feelings of happiness and contentment, improve relationships, and even boost physical health. When we focus on what we are grateful for, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. This can create a positive feedback loop, where the more we practice gratitude, the more positive emotions we experience. Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, where you write down three things you are grateful for each day. You can also make it a habit to express gratitude to others by sending a thank-you note, complimenting someone, or simply saying "I appreciate you." By consistently practicing gratitude, you can begin to rewire your brain to focus on the good in your life, leading to a more positive and fulfilling existence.
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