Want to be happier? Try adding a little gratitude to your life!

While technological advancements and global connectivity have brought many benefits, they also pose challenges to our mental and emotional well-being. Tackling these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting mental health awareness. In today's fast-paced work environment, finding ways to boost happiness and well-being are crucial. One powerful yet often overlooked tool, is gratitude.  

The neuroscience of gratitude 

Neuroscience has shown that gratitude, while an emotion in its own right, significantly contributes to a heightened experience of happiness. Gratitude triggers a cascade of positive neurochemical changes in the brain. When we express or feel gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitters that enhance our mood and overall sense of well-being.  

Additionally, gratitude activates the brain's reward system, reinforcing the behaviour and making us more likely to repeat it. Regularly practicing gratitude can lead to long-term changes in the brain. It enhances neural plasticity, making it easier for the brain to adapt and respond to positive as well as negative experiences. 

Research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has identified that when we express gratitude, specific brain regions involved in emotional regulation and positive self-perception are activated. These changes not only make us feel happier but also improve our emotional resilience and stress management. 

Gratitude in the workplace 

Expressing gratitude at work can lead to numerous benefits, both for individuals and organisations. Here are some significant ways how gratitude can contribute to your work life: 

• Improved relationships: Regularly expressing gratitude fosters a positive work environment, strengthens relationships, and builds trust among colleagues. 

• Increased motivation: Feeling appreciated boosts motivation and productivity. Co-workers who feel valued are more likely to go the extra mile. 

• Enhanced mental health: Gratitude reduces stress and anxiety, leading to better mental health and overall well-being. 

• Higher job satisfaction: Employees who practice gratitude report higher job satisfaction and are less likely to experience burnout. 

Practical tips for cultivating gratitude at work 

• Start with yourself: Begin each day by reflecting on what you are grateful for. This sets a positive tone for the day. 

• Express thanks regularly: Make it a habit to thank your colleagues for their contributions, no matter how small. 

• Create gratitude rituals: Incorporate gratitude into team meetings or create a gratitude wall where team members can post notes of appreciation. (Try a Miro board for virtual or hybrid teams.) 

• Lead by example: It’s not only managers and leaders that should model gratitude by regularly acknowledging and appreciating their team's efforts. No matter what your position in the team, department or organisation, we can all set a positive example. 

Conclusion 

Gratitude is a simple yet powerful tool that can significantly enhance happiness and well-being in the workplace. By incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, you can create a more positive, productive, and fulfilling work environment. 

For further reading on gratitude and its impact on happiness, check out these resources: 

• The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain  

• Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier 

• The Science and Research on Gratitude and Happiness 

• The Neuroscience of Happiness: What You Didn't Know About Gratitude 

• Giving Thanks at Work: An HBR Guide 

• Five Ways to Cultivate Gratitude at Work 

• The Benefits Of Showing Gratitude In The Workplace