The Art of Gratitude

Headspace Studios. Hi there. It's Dora. Welcome to Radio Headspace and to Monday. One podcast I've been really loving lately is the Huberman Podcast where Dr. Andrew Huberman explores different wellness topics using scientific research and data. In an episode about the science of gratitude, he explained that writing down the things we're grateful for doesn't actually have that much of an impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, especially when it's forced. I'm sure we've all been there. Sometimes we pressure ourselves to be or feel certain things that we aren't. It was reported that in order to activate the circuits in the brain related to gratitude, we need to put ourselves in the shoes of another person who is receiving thanks. So let's take a moment just to try this together. If you can, get comfortable and take three big deep breaths. Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. And then returning the breath back to its natural rhythm. And thinking back to this time last year, what were you doing and who were you with? Maybe there were certain situations you found yourself in. Just take a moment to reflect with a sense of compassion. And then begin to thank yourself or appreciate the you that existed back then. And you that you are now. What has happened in between and what can you be grateful for? Maybe we set firm boundaries, we had more fun, whatever it may be. Now bringing to mind you a year from today, envisioning where it is you desire to be. And again, giving and receiving gratitude. Then just letting that go. And taking a moment to notice how that felt for you. When we can find a gratitude practice that works for us, as I learned physically and mentally, we're changing our perception, our minds, and bodies. So hopefully this inspires you to get creative with your own gratitude practice if you have one or start a gratitude practice if you haven't before. Be sure to check out the Appreciation Course in the Headspace app for a fun way to cultivate more gratitude in your life. As always, thank you so much for tuning in today and I'll see you soon. (relaxing music)...