Did you know gratitude (and journaling about it) can improve your mental health?
I find that engaging with diverse groups, reading literature, and actively listening to others (even through podcasts) increases my grateful energy and pro-social behavior.
It shifts my focus from scarcity to abundance and allows me to see challenges as opportunities.
Neuroscience finds:
1. Gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
It also reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear and stress center — helping calm anxiety and stress.
2. Brain scans show that practicing gratitude increases activity in the reward and motivation circuits (similar to the dopamine system), reinforcing positive behaviors.
Writing and delivering a "gratitude letter" significantly increased happiness and reduced depressive symptoms for up to a month.
3. Higher gratitude linked with lower inflammatory biomarkers, better sleep, and improved cardiac health.
People reported better sleep quality and longer sleep duration, partly due to fewer negative thoughts before bedtime.
Recently I had a spicy debate with brilliant minds about science & faith and whether they compliment each other or not. One camp said they do; another said they don't.
I went on to posit that when someone insists every text or miracle could have scientific proof, it doesn't mean they are against God; it doesn't have to shake their faith. It's a purely individual experience.
Scripture is replete with verses about gratitude and being thankful. Texts that were written millennia ago. Today, science confirms the benefits of it within our body, our relationships and our overall well-being.
When Scripture doesn't categorically condemn something, who are we to? This includes the science behind the Flood, Creation, etc.
Controversial, you say? Comment below.
What does this tell you?
Science is a miracle
Gratitude is a miracle
You're a miracle
What are you grateful for today?
Join SheFi Season 15 in October 2025.
Want to earn while writing? This is your platform: Publish0x
