Gratitude – More than a Virtue, It’s Science
In a study from Berkeley, researchers call gratitude the “social glue” that binds us, believing it to be evolutionary and not just a cultural phenomenon. Researchers believe that gratitude is more than a social construct. Gratitude is part of our evolutionary history, dating back to ancient times, deeply rooted and embedded in our DNA.
So, how exactly has gratitude shaped us?
In nature, scientists have been able to observe what they call a “reciprocal altruism” in other species of animals and birds. An animal may perform a behavior for another animal, where the animals instinctively understand that the behavior will be repaid later. This reciprocity is a form of gratitude, researchers say.
How did gratitude become instinct? Gratitude drives this reciprocity which improves relationships amongst others, creating allyship, and stability as a means for survival. Researchers believe this reciprocity gave birth to gratitude and became the “backbone of society”. It is literally in our evolutionary DNA.
The other benefits of gratitude
Now that you understand the science and history behind gratitude, let’s dive into other ways gratitude can improve your life!
It improves your mood
Because gratitude triggers a dopamine release, this is going to naturally reduce stress, make you happier, regulate your emotions, and improve your moods.
It improves your relationships
Going back to the study, researchers show how a shared interaction of gratitude actually bonds us socially. A world of grateful hearts improves the quality of our communities. It creates trust, because gratitude begets generosity, and this creates a sense of safety and trust around a person and social interaction.
It’s grounding
Gratitude, conceptualized, helps you realize that positive outcomes can be external as well as come from within. You create positivity in your life through gratitude, but you can also come into the realization that there are positive things around you. This is inherently grounding and increases nervous system regulation.
How to cultivate gratitude today
At the end of the day, we all just want to be happy. With increased stress in the workplace, at school, in relationships, and stressors of daily life, it is hard to feel peace and stability.
Sometimes those positive moments may not always find you so you have to seek it out yourself. This is where daily gratitude practice comes in!
A daily gratitude practice is something anyone could begin at any time. The easiest way to begin gratitude? Here’s an exercise you can try right now!
Take a deep breath.
Inhale
Exhale
Repeat this slowly two more times.
Now become aware of your surroundings. What do you see, hear, taste, or smell that makes you feel grateful in this moment?
It could be something simple like the birdsong outside, or the sunrise you see, or that first sip of coffee which is always euphoric. It’s that easy!
Now, take a moment to become aware of how you feel. Better, right? It can be this simple.
Conclusion
The secret of gratitude is seeing what is already there but taking a moment, even if it’s just 5 seconds, and feeling that sense of awe, wonder, and comfort in its existence. You are tapping into an ancient, evolutionary practice that has carried humankind for thousands of years. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good emotion. According to Berkeley, it’s science.