Today I'm sharing another video about how we can actually be transformed.
We've been told how to do this both in the Bible and the messages we have been given about health a hundred years ago. And today our message, our topic, is specifically about gratitude. And the Bible talks about giving thanks and on being thankful to God for what He has done for us, but did you know that gratitude actually changes people’s brains. Very fascinating.
Do you know what Wellbutrin does? Wellbutrin is a drug for depressed people that increases the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. How about Prozac? Do you know what prozac does? Prozac increases the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Now did you know that both dopamine and serotonin can actually be increased in your brain through gratitude? Science has shown us this. So think about this, one of the things we can do to actually help ourselves out is to praise our God. God commanded us do it. As we're thankful, meaning as we look over our life. . . now you say, "But, I don't have much to be thankful for. . .” maybe you say that. The reality is this. . . Number one, we all have things to be thankful for, but what the science shows is that it's not even just finding something to be thankful for that increases your dopamine and serotonin, but just the act of looking for it.
So thinking on the things that you are grateful for will increase your serotonin, it will increase the dopamine in your brain. But it even goes further than that. What the studies have shown is that, part of our brain, the frontal lobe, you may have heard Dr. Neil Nedley talks about the frontal lobe as the seat spirituality, morality and the will. There are many things that go on in the frontal lobes, it is the decision making center of the brain. Some have called it “the citadel of the brain." Now in the frontal lobe they've discovered that in two different portions of the frontal lobe that the neural density, meaning actually the brain has changed. The brain has more density to its neurons in those who are thankful and have gratitude. So you can change the structure of your brain, become a happier person. The study shows that it actually benefits our social relationships. When we look for ways to be thankful for the things that others have done for you this also benefits the brain. Additionally, spending time each day thinking of all the things you are thankful for can promote your health.
Here is a fascinating quote from fantastic book called, "Mind, Character and Personality.” "Gratitude promotes health. Think this is written back in 1905. "Nothing tends more to promote health of body and soul then does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings-- as much a duty as it is to pray." So I want to challenge you. Why don't you, right now, sit and think of five different things that you are presently thankful for. Thank you God. And here’s the thing, it is not just the things that you are thankful for but just the act of looking is a blessing to your body. You are actually increasing the neurotransmitters in your brain. Not only that, but also you are coming in contact with your heavenly Father.
