At Quip Laboratories, we are always interested in the science of things, and that includes the science of gratitude. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to share some science on how gratitude affects our brains and bodies, and how we can cultivate more of it in our lives.

The Chemistry

So what goes on in our brains when we experience gratitude? Well, for starters, gratitude activates the right anterior temporal cortex and increases the gray matter volume in the right inferior temporal gyrus. It also releases dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters for happiness and well-being.

Dopamine—often called the “motivation molecule” or the “pleasure chemical” because it contributes to feelings of happiness, reward, motivation, and focus³—helps us form positive associations with the things that make us grateful. Serotonin, on the other hand, regulates things like mood, sleep and appetite. When we express gratitude, our brain releases more of these chemicals, which can boost our mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety².

Gratitude can also affect other parts of our brain that are responsible for emotional regulation, memory, learning, and stress response, and can even enhance the activity of the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in planning and problem solving. Finally, gratitude can also increase the connectivity between the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex, which are involved in processing emotions and social information⁵.

So now that we’ve laid out the neurochemistry of gratitude, where are we going with this?

We’re Grateful for You

As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude for the researchers, facilities managers and program directors who have trusted us with their biosafety needs. When we think about the loyalty, feedback, and collaboration we’ve experienced over the last year, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed (by chemistry!). You are the reason we strive to provide the best products and services for achieving and maintaining biosafety in your facility. So with that in mind, this Thanksgiving we’d like to thank you for choosing Quip Laboratories as your partner in biosafety.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and that you find many reasons to be grateful this week. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Quip Laboratories!

^References:

1. ^{Brain Balance Centers. (n.d.). Gratitude and the Brain: What is Happening? Retrieved from https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/gratitude-and-the-brain-what-is-happening}
2. ^{(2021). The Neuroscience of Gratitude. Retrieved from https://www.byrdie.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude-5191622}
3. ^{(2019). The Neuroscience Behind Gratitude: How Does Cultivating Appreciation Affect Your Brain? Retrieved from https://chopra.com/articles/the-neuroscience-behind-gratitude-how-does-cultivating-appreciation-affect-your-brain}