Gratitude doesn't come as a natural thought process for most, especially daily, unless you train your brain to think that way. Learn more about the science of gratitude in this episode! 

Transcript:

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in about 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat and we talked a while back in Episode 49 about acting “as if”.  Well, the research shows that this also works for gratitude.  When you act more grateful, you can make yourself more grateful and when you are more grateful for what you have (and not what you want), you are happier.  

Well that seems simple enough.  But, we’re complex humans and it’s just not always that easy, especially if we don’t have a consistent practice for doing it.  

This is all about being mindful and intentional and turning your outlook to one of gratitude.  

In an article in Psychology Today, they asked, how does gratitude make you happier? 

The research says that one way is by stimulating two important regions in our brains.  The area that regulates stress, and the area that plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system that produces feelings of pleasure.

In this article, it quotes Arthur Brooks' suggestion of three strategies to harness the positive effects of gratitude. 

Practice interior gratitude, like keeping a gratitude journal 

Practice exterior gratitude, like writing a thank you note 

Practice being grateful for the little things, the things you often overlook, like clean water and a fully stocked grocery store. 

So, I am grateful for you, for listening to this episode.  I am grateful to you for sharing this micro-podcast and leaving a review on Amazon, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, wherever you tune in, if you are inclined to do so.  

And remember, kindness is contagious. 

Inspiration for this episode and the research mentioned comes from an article from Psychology Today. 

Get Everyday Happiness delivered to your inbox by subscribing at: https://www.katiejefcoat.com/happiness

And, let’s connect on social at @everydayhappinesswithkatie  and join the community on the hashtags #IntentionalMargins and #everydayhappinesswithkatie on Instagram

Links:  https://onamission.bio/everydayhappiness/