Be Grateful

Hey there, a gentle reminder from last time, when you place your tongue at the roof of your mouth, it improves your breathing and jaw structure. Try to do it now if you can. Moving on.

Hubermanner, Huberman dived into the gratitude literature for a full podcast. He understood how it works and why experts advise us to do it. So, why is gratitude really good for you? What’s going on in your brain?

You have a brain region called the anterior cingulate cortex. It’s dedicated to ‘thinking about people’. When it’s activated, it promotes positive neurochemicals. It increases serotonin, makes you feel connected to others, and makes you happier.

Gratitude activates the ACC and other brain areas like the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the OFC in a way that’s ‘pro-happiness’.

So, you should try to engage in stories and emotions that make you feel grateful every now and then. If you do, look at what happens. (Source article from Huberman)

Hubermanner, let’s put this into practice and make you feel a rush of happiness neurochemicals.

Take a second and think of someone who feels dear to your heart. I’ll think of Sarah, she’s awesome.

For you, it could be a parent, a best friend, a partner, a sibling, or even a mentor. Who are you grateful for?

Great. Now think through some good moments you’ve had together. When you traveled, graduated, played sports, recovered, or just sat together. Pause and recollect all the good times. Watch them happening again in front of you.

Realize how much you’re grateful to have this person in your life. Or at least, for the experiences you had together.

Your brain is gushing like a marshmallow right now.

So.

Whenever you need a happiness boost, think of the good times you had with someone you admire.