Science of Gratitude
Gratitude is shown to increase one's ability to sleep, relax, and "rest and digest" by decreasing this trauma response to stress
Fight or Flight
The act of writing down a list of things we are grateful for is done in this
Gratitude Journal
Writing a gratitude journal for 15-minutes at night can improve the quality and duration of this daily activity.
Sleep
Name three everyday things to be grateful for
Examples: Change of seasons, having food to eat, running water, a home, transportation, health, ability to walk, etc.
What movie holds the record for the highest-grossing weekend in Thanksgiving history?
Frozen 2
Gratitude increases this neurotransmitter that increases mood and motivation giving us the feeling of being rewarded
Dopamine
A three-letter acronym signifying when someone does nice things that will positively impact someone else.
RAK (Random Acts of Kindness)
Grateful individuals are more likely to have strong connections in this area of life.
Interpersonal Relationships
Which type of thinking error can be considered an antonym of gratitude?
Catastrophizing (thinking everything is awful/the worst)
"Thank you for being a friend," is the iconic phrase of a catchy theme song from this TV show, featuring Betty White
Golden Girls
Gratitude decreases the stress hormone known as _____
Cortisol
When we show gratitude for ourselves along with respect and kindness even through difficult times or mistakes that is called ______.
Self-Compassion
Gratitude is shown to increase pro-social behavior, reduce aggression, and improve one's ability to _________ with others.
Empathize
Reframe the following:
"My life is the worst. Nothing will ever be good again."
Example: Life may be hard right now, but it could be worse. I will survive and life will get better.
Jude (Beatles Song: "Hey Jude")
Gratitude increases this neurotransmitter which affects mood regulation and sleep, known as the "feel good" neurotransmitter. Low levels of this neurotransmitter contribute to depression and anxiety.
Serotonin
An activity where you write to one person expressing the major impact they had on your life.
Gratitude Letter
Gratitude is shown to decrease not only mental health concerns such as stress but also reduces the body's _______ ___ ____ by 16%.
Aches and Pains.
Reframe the following situation to find gratitude:
"I just relapsed after 3 months of sobriety now I have to start all over."
Example: "I have three months where I was able to stay sober, I can get there again."
In 1863, which U.S. president decided that Thanksgiving would be observed on the last Thursday in November?
Abraham Lincoln
Gratitude boosts activity in this part of the brain which is involved in decision-making, planning, and organization.
Pre-frontal cortex.
A style of meditation shown to increase empathy and gratitude for yourself and others - even those we may not like.
Loving Kindness Meditation
According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology's 2003 article, recognizing all you have to be thankful for during the worst times significantly increases what trait in people?
Resilience
Reframe the following situation to have gratitude:
"My dog was old and just passed away. Life is going to be horrible without him. I want him back. It's not fair."
Example: "I am blessed I had many wonderful years with my dog and he could have a happy life."
Which two NFL teams have played a game on Thanksgiving Day since 1966?
Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys