Can Expressing Gratitude Make You Happier & Healthier?

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Vani Sharma

Abstract

The human brain consistently receives stimuli and adjusts accordingly. From social cues and emotions to memory consolidation for your studies, the brain is a moving part that is shaped by the environment and its inputs. One of these inputs is gratitude which can lead to changes in the brain’s molecular and chemical structure leading to outcomes such as increased confidence, less anxiety and depression, increased resilience, motivation, and productivity. This paper focuses on the power of gratitude and positive self-talk and how that can be harnessed in applications in the real world and to improve overall mental health.

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Author Biography

Vani Sharma, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Vani Sharma is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) with an honors concentration, alongside a minor in Public Health and a Neuroscience certificate. As a writer for Brain Matters, she investigates the intricate interplay between the brain and diverse phenomena, including the neural foundations of gratitude, the influence of music on cognitive processes, and the complexities of neuroanatomy and neurological disorders. Through her work, she blends rigorous scientific research with engaging narratives to illuminate the brain’s extraordinary intricacies while promoting scientific literacy and making complex concepts accessible to a broader audience.