I have made it my life’s work to study how to help people deal with difficult moods, probably because I have needed it so much for myself. Few things have been as helpful as what was revealed to me from this research:
Daniel Amen and Psychologist Noelle Nelson did a study on gratitude and appreciation. Dr. Nelson was working on a book called The Power of Appreciation and had her brain scanned twice. The first time she was scanned after 30 minutes of meditating on all the things she was thankful for in her life. After the “appreciation meditation,” her brain showed very healthy.
Then she was scanned several days later after focusing on the major fears in her life. “What if I got sick and couldn’t work. Then I would lose my job. I wouldn’t have enough money to pay my bills. I could end up on the street…” And down the drain she circled.
Dr. Amen scanned her brain after she mulled on these thoughts. Her frightened brain showed seriously decreased activity in two parts of her brain. Her cerebellum which we know controls physical coordination such as walking are playing sports. But new research shows that the cerebellum also is involved with “emotional coordination.” That part of the brain determines how quickly we integrate new information.
When the cerebellum is low inactivity, people tend to be clumsier and less likely to think their way out of problems. They think and process information more slowly and get confused more easily.
The other area that was affected was the temporal lobes, especially the left one. The temporal lobes are involved with mood, memory, and temper control. Problems in this part of the brain are associated with some forms of depression, but also dark thoughts, violence, and memory problems.
In Noelle’s scans, when she practiced gratitude, her temporal lobes were healthier. When she frightened herself with negative thinking, her temporal lobes became less active.
Negative thought patterns change the brain in a negative way.
Dr. Amen ended this section in his book by saying, “Practicing gratitude really helps you have a brain to be grateful for.”
I have heard this before and thought it to be true. But after seeing Amen’s research, I have made it a practice to read my gratitude list every day, especially when things don’t seem to be going so well. Reading my list actually does lift my mood. I wrote a list in my journal for easy access, I read it regularly, and add to it as the Lord brings more and more things into my life to be grateful for.
During this Thanksgiving season, is a good time to start this game-changing habit. I can’t recommend it enough.