Gratitude and Emotional Stability

Human reactions to events are characterized by emotions. The nature of a person's reaction is determined by the context in which the emotion arises. When someone positively receives something, they are filled with joy. When a person is helpless, they are depressed. In a single day, we experience millions of emotions, including happiness, sadness, excitement, disgust, anger, confusion, thanks to others, frustration, and much more. 

Our emotions have a significant impact on our daily lives. We make choices about the next phase based on our emotions. We choose interests and pastimes based on the emotions they elicit. Knowing our emotions can help us manage our lives more easily and progressively.

Emotions prompt certain behaviors, which result in consequences. According to various studies, the healthiest emotion of all time is "GRATITUDE." The term gratitude refers to the feeling of being thankful for others or being present to appreciate others' positive efforts or assistance. It is one of the healthiest and most positive emotions, assisting the individual in focusing on the worthy blessings in their life. Simply, it is the feeling of being grateful for our blessings. You may be thankful for having your parents or siblings, clothes, water, someone who can cook for you, a mobile phone that helps us all in numerous ways, and a plethora of things.

Just pause while reading this and think of 10 things you are thankful for, it will create a feeling of gratitude. 

Other factors associated with gratitude include innovative hopes, faith in life, reciprocity, thankfulness, happiness, feeling blessed, success, satisfaction, and relaxation. These emotions will make you feel relaxed and at ease in one’s ordinary routine. Life is chock-full of obstacles and challenges; we tend to concentrate on the unpleasant aspects of life while downplaying the positive. As humans, we should scrutinize our emotions and keep striving for a healthy routine of being grateful for our blessings. 

Neurotransmitters play a great role in our emotions for the brain’s ability to regulate mood. Now that we know, the system's workings don't just depend on neurotransmitters. But let's also not downplay their significance. They are deeply involved in how nerve cells communicate with one another.” When the communication between nerve cells is impaired or connected in a strong link in any way, we’re more likely to experience emotional regulation.

When gratitude is practiced regularly, its effects can be very similar to those of prescription drugs. The physiological basis for this feeling of lasting happiness and contentment is at the neurotransmitter level. 

Dopamine and serotonin, two important neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, are released by the brain when we express gratitude and receive it in return. They immediately lift our spirits and give us a genuine feeling of joy. 

We can aid these neural pathways in strengthening ourselves and, in turn, develop a permanent grateful and positive nature within ourselves by consciously practicing gratitude every day.

A sign of thanks or a string of kind words from someone else can be considered an act of gratitude. But even these brief expressions of gratitude have a significant impact on how our bodies as a whole, particularly the brain and nervous system, function.

15 Days Challenge

Write a letter of gratitude daily for about 15 days whatever you are thankful towards things, people, emotions, etc. 

Benefits of Writing a Letter of Gratitude

1. Improves sleep quality 

2. Reduction in stress, depression, and anxiety

3. Discontinues overthinking

4. More satisfied life

5. Release toxic emotions and catharsis toward positive

6. Overcome cognitive distortions 

7. A feeling of being superior 

Our brain is immediately dispatched to focus on what we have when we offer and receive "thank you" notes, resulting in self-motivation and a keen awareness of the present. Gratitude also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that control our emotions, anxiety, and acute stress responses, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. 

Don't be afraid to express your bliss. Notify yourself that you have made sacrifices for this and that you truly deserve it. Acknowledge your joy and be thankful for the moment, whether it is a huge accomplishment or a small success. Accepting happiness strengthens us and tends to make us more grateful for what we have. We learn to appreciate our efforts and better prepare ourselves for future challenges.

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness”