Gratitude Basics
What is the simple definition of gratitude?
Recognizing and appreciating the good things in your life.
Gratitude boosts which feel-good chemical often linked to mood?
Dopamine.
What is one easy daily gratitude habit many people write in each morning or night?
A gratitude journal.
Expressing gratitude to others makes relationships feel more what?
Appreciated and supported. Expressing your gratefulness can bring people closer together.
Gratitude activates the reward center of the brain. What is the name of this area?
The ventral striatum.
True or False: Gratitude only matters when it's about big, life-changing things.
False: Gratitude matters just as much for small moments in life as it does for the big moments.
Practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of what two common mental health concerns?
Anxiety and depression.
Name one way to express gratitude to someone else.
A thank-you note, text, compliment, or verbal appreciation.
What type of listening shows gratitude for someone else’s feelings?
Active listening.
Gratitude can decrease activity in what brain area linked to fear and stress?
The amygdala.
What emotion is gratitude most often confused with, even though it’s different?
Happiness.
People who regularly practice gratitude tend to sleep better because it reduces what bedtime feeling?
Rumination/worry.
What’s the “3 Good Things” exercise?
Writing down three positive things that happened that day.
What effect does expressing gratitude have on conflict between friends?
It reduces tension and increases understanding.
What scientific study method is often used to see how gratitude changes the brain?
fMRI (functional MRI).
Which part of the nervous system does gratitude help activate: “fight-or-flight” or “rest-and-digest”?
“Rest-and-digest” (the parasympathetic nervous system).
Gratitude helps rewire the brain by strengthening what kind of thought patterns?
Positive and optimistic thinking patterns.
Practicing gratitude during difficult moments is called what type of gratitude?
“Challenging” or “situational” gratitude.
Why does gratitude help friendships last longer?
It builds trust and mutual appreciation.
Gratitude stimulates the release of which bonding/connection hormone?
Oxytocin.
Gratitude is both an emotion and a what?
A practice/habit (something you can intentionally cultivate).
What long-term physical health benefit has gratitude been linked to due to lowered stress?
Improved heart health / lower blood pressure.
What’s the difference between gratitude intention and gratitude reflection?
Intention = choosing to look for good things; reflection = looking back and acknowledging them.
Researchers say gratitude creates a positive cycle in relationships. What is this cycle called?
The “upward spiral” of kindness (positive reciprocity).
Scientists say gratitude helps with neuroplasticity. What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.