In the first part of “Gratitude Journeys,” Laurel Brennan introduces her father, Dr. Richard Krebs, a retired psychologist and Lutheran pastor, who embarked on a transformative “Year of Gratitude.” Recorded just before Thanksgiving, Dr. Krebs shares the inspiration behind his gratitude journey, which commenced on his 85th birthday in August.
Motivated by the realization that time with loved ones is precious and acknowledging the impact of people on his life, Dr. Krebs decided to express gratitude directly to individuals who enriched his life. The journey spans from childhood friends to family members, with face-to-face expressions of gratitude being a key focus.
He reflects on the joyous interactions, reaching back over 80 years, and recounts stories of friendship and shared experiences. Notably, Dr. Krebs extends gratitude not only to those who directly impacted him but also to individuals who positively influenced his late wife, Barbara.
Laurel explores the emotional and meaningful aspects of this gratitude journey, delving into personal stories of appreciation. Dr. Krebs shares his experiences of thanking people in person emphasizing the reciprocal nature of gratitude.
In part two of this episode, we’re exploring the profound impact of gratitude on our brains and well-being.
As we delve into the neuroscience of gratitude, information is shared from, the Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain which can be found at positivepsychology.com.
Psychological Benefits: Gratitude enhances positive thoughts and emotions, increases self-satisfaction, and boosts mood—a recipe for a happier you.
Social Benefits: Embracing gratitude improves communication, empathy, interpersonal relationships, likability, and team involvement. (Laurel shares a personal anecdote about how focusing on gratitude transformed her own marriage counseling experience.)
Physical Benefits: Gratitude contributes to a stronger immune system, reduced body pains, optimal blood pressure, cardiac functioning, and improved sleep-wake cycles—an investment in a fitter you.
Five ways our brain is impacted by gratitude:
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Release of Toxic Emotions: Gratitude activates the limbic system, aiding emotional well-being.
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Reduction of Pain: Studies show that gratitude, through dopamine regulation, reduces subjective feelings of pain.
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Improvement in Sleep Quality: Gratitude triggers hypothalamic regulation, contributing to deeper and healthier sleep.
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Stress Regulation: Gratitude reduces cortisol levels, enhancing cardiac functioning and resilience to stress.
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Reduction of Anxiety and Depression: Gratitude, at a neurochemical level, increases prefrontal cortex neural modulation, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Highlighting the vital role of the hippocampus, Laurel connects Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and gratitude. She shares a meta-analysis linking anxiety to an increased risk of all-cause dementia, emphasizing the potential significance of anxiety in cognitive decline.
TED Talk by Brother David Steindl-Rast, encourages listeners to “stop, look, and go” as a daily practice to cultivate gratitude.
While I have struggled to implement a gratitude practice that is external (i.e. gratitude journal, gratitude jar), I have realized through the research to create this podcast that I have actually already found the practice that works fairly well for me. (grace at dinner, expressing my gratitude to others). I most connected with the suggestion to Stop, Look, Go. I will try on that one for a while.
What gratitude practices have you tried? What has worked?
Laurel Brennan, MOTR/L, RYT Resources:
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