We all have heard about the importance of gratitude in our lives. It helps us connect to others, feel calmer, happier, more focused, more connected and healthier. But did you know that making gratitude lists before bed or first thing in the morning is not actually very effective at getting you to experience these benefits?

Recent studies revealed interesting things about gratitude. First is an upgrade on the old classic. If you want to stick with your list, make it after getting your nervous system aroused. It can be after a cold shower, exercise, wonderful sex or anything else that lights up your body. Writing your gratitude list will be much more effective in rewiring your brain when you have more vibrancy and color to the things you are grateful for. 

But there is something even more exciting and surprising. The most effective way to derive full physical and mental health benefits of gratitude is to RECEIVE gratitude. When we receive a GENUINE appreciation and gratitude of others our brain changes for good. 

And if you don't want to wait around for others to express the gratitude to you, you can derive the same benefit watching stories of other people who struggled and were helped by others. Feeling resonance and connection to the person being helped lights up the same brain circuits in your brain as receiving gratitude yourself.

So go ahead. Do good things. Help others. Receive thanks graciously. Celebrate others overcoming obstacles. 

Lets create a kinder, stronger and more grateful society. 

With love and wishing you wonderful holidays