One of the most simple but often overlooked tools to prime the mind for greater intelligence is a gratitude practice. Practice being the key word because if cortisol has a shelf life of 26 hours, impacting our system long after we seemingly feel better, then we must practice elevating oxytocin, the bonding hormone which currently only has a shelf life of four.
Many studies indicate the positive impact of gratitude on our overall wellbeing. Gratitude elevates our feel good hormones and helps to regulate cortisol.
This is probably why one study showed that gratitude is good for our heart (Mills, 2015). Gratitude lowers blood pressure, decreases stress, and improves sleep.
A successful practice in gratitude can lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being aware of one’s level of gratitude could be the starting line for someone desiring improved well-being. Positive emotions broaden and enable the opportunity to build. Gratitude is a disposition that allows others to improve, as well. (credit. Kelly Miller, BA, CAPP, Positive Psychology. )
Curious about your level of Gratitude?
Take the Gratitude Questionnaire (McCullough, 2002 ) The Gratitude Questionnaire, referred to as the GQ-6 scale, is one of the most frequently used assessments in gratitude.
This tool is a self-report questionnaire that measures the tendency to recognize, respond, and experience gratitude.
This questionnaire measures gratitude as an emotion and a person who experiences higher numbers elicits more gratitude as an affective state.
