A common theme for this time of year is gratitude. An easy concept to understand, being grateful means being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Everyone from high profile businessmen to yogi gurus have advocated for folks everywhere to adopt an attitude of gratitude. 

Yet a feeling of gratitude can be fleeting for so many of us in today’s society.

It can be hard to feel grateful with the whirlwind of political, economical, and environmental issues that get tossed in our faces every time we watch TV or check social media.

Combine that with the challenges we all face in our own personal lives, and it just gets harder.

Well, today we’re here to give you a little motivation to attempt a more grateful attitude. 

Recent studies from a multitude of institutions are showing that practicing the act of being grateful can not only make you happier, it can physically change your brain for the better.

One study has shown that practicing gratitude can boost the neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine. More serotonin and dopamine? Sign me up. 

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Another study showed that subjects who showed more gratitude overall had higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls some pretty essential functions like eating, drinking and sleeping. Gratitude also has a huge influence on metabolism and stress levels. 

At this point, you might be thinking, Wait, so more “happy chemicals” in my brain and a faster metabolism? If only gratitude could help me get rich…

Well…

A landmark study completed back in 2014 had some “truly profound findings” linking the emotion of gratitude with the financial decisions and situation of the subjects taking part. So while it might not buy you a new car, science proves that a more grateful attitude has some serious life benefits. 

‘Bout to go out and get me some gratitude!

But seriously, we try really hard behind the Blue Door to be as grateful as possible. 

Thank you for reading and learning something new every day. We are grateful for you!