Gratitude and appreciation are powerful emotions that can have a positive impact on the brain. Researchers have found that practicing gratitude and appreciation on a regular basis can rewire the brain in a number of ways.

We often get caught up in negative thinking because something bad comes our way. A negative outlook often yields more negative results. It’s a vicious circle! How to get out of it: the answer lies in the word “grace.” What does it mean? Grace is feeling grateful for all the emotional events in our lives. 

How to rewire your brain by exercising grace?

Grace is the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, faith, and disposition to benefit or serve another human being. It is the mercy of God as distinguished from his justice. It is a state of acceptance and enjoyment of divine favor. Grace is the favor of God, and gratitude is how we acknowledge that grace in our lives.

Daily affirmations centered on gratitude and appreciation can help you introduce grace into your life. Practice saying, “It’s not enough for grace to be amazing to me. I must actualize grace to become amazing.” to gradually rewire your brain and live consciously.

Decoding the science of gratitude and appreciation

Gratitude and appreciation can activate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with positive emotions and well-being. This can lead to an overall increase in feelings of happiness and contentment.

Without gratitude, no one is able to walk in the grace of God. Gratitude is much more than just saying “thank you” for every little life experience. Gratitude works on a neurochemical level. So when we feel thankful, we activate the left prefrontal cortex of the brain, or the region of the brain that is responsible for positive thinking. 

Conversely, when we feel upset, down, or angry, we activate the right prefrontal cortex of the brain. Thereby, the practice of gratitude and appreciation can rewire your brain. 

Can you think of a situation in your life that initially seemed negative, but once you went through it, you understood why it had to happen? Once you understand a certain event or situation, you can appreciate it. Gratitude makes all the difference. As Frank A. Clark said, “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”

How to practice gratitude to transform your life

You’ve got something to be grateful for at every single moment. Every breath that you take is a gift. Thank God for all he has given you. The person who walks in grace has their eyes opened to the wonder of God’s creation. Everybody can look at the negative things and complain. It’s easy to find something to complain about. But it’s much easier to find areas in your life to thank God for. Start practicing gratitude daily to rewire your brain, and watch how your entire life starts to transform. 

Remember:

• Start each day with gratitude. You have so many things in your life to be thankful for. 
• Practicing gratitude will transform your life.
• Think of new things that you are grateful for every day.
• There are both physical and mental benefits to feeling grateful.