Gratitude Journal

Helps develop positivity.

Subdues active regions of the brain for fear.

Modifies brain regions responsible for stress.

Benefits social relationships.

Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Journal
What should I write about?
What should I write about?
What should I write about?
  • Choose an inspiring story of people helping each other (ex. book or movie) or where you received gratitude for helping others.

  • What was the struggle?

  • What was the help?

  • How did it impact you emotionally?

How much should I write?
How much should I write?
How much should I write?
  • For 5 mins

  • 3 times a week, for 10 weeks

What else should I know?
What else should I know?
What else should I know?
  • Reflecting on the same story is more effective than seeking new stories every time.

  • Write after waking up in the morning or just before going to bed at night.


Evidence
Evidence

How does it work?

How does it work?

How does it work?

A cognitive neuropsychologist, Antonio Damasio, who has long studied the correlation between gratitude and neurology, has explored how two major brain regions are activated when people feel grateful. These two areas are the anterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex, which are said to be activated by the serotonergic system.

Damasio and his colleagues had subjects watch videos showing victims of genocide, who had other people help them along the way as part of their story of survival. Using fMRI during these experiments, the researchers found that as subjects watched the videos and empathized with the stories to some extent, their neural circuits for gratitude were robustly activated.

Additionally, researchers including Andrew Huberman and Kelly McGonigal from Stanford University have found that regular gratitude journaling can alter the functional connectivity of emotional pathways. This works by reducing the activation of anxiety and fear circuits, while increasing the activation of circuits for feelings of well-being and motivation.

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Get Clarity In Minutes

The most healing journaling app

Get Clarity In Minutes

The most healing journaling app

Get Clarity In Minutes

The most healing journaling app