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As the aroma of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, Thanksgiving beckons us to pause and give thanks. Beyond the feast, this holiday taps into the powerful human emotion of gratitude which science shows can profoundly boost our well-being. But why does giving thanks feel so good, and what happens in our brains during these moments of appreciation?
Gratitude, researchers find, is more than a warm fuzzy feeling; it’s a neurological game-changer. When we express or receive thankfulness, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that spark joy and calm. A 2017 study in Scientific Reports found that writing thank you notes increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region tied to decision-making and social bonding, with effects lasting months. This explains why sharing what we’re thankful for around the Thanksgiving table can leave us feeling connected and uplifted, even amidst family quirks.
Psychologically, gratitude rewires our perspective. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, notes that it shifts focus from what we lack to what we have, reducing stress and envy. In a 2003 study, participants who kept gratitude journals reported better sleep, less anxiety, and stronger optimism compared to those focused on neutral or negative events. Thanksgiving’s ritual of naming blessings — whether for loved ones, health, home or pie — amplifies this effect, anchoring us in the present.
Socially, sincere appreciation strengthens bonds. When we thank others, we foster trust and reciprocity, keys to human survival. A 2010 study in Emotion showed that expressing gratitude increases prosocial behavior, making us more likely to help others. At Thanksgiving, this translates to passing the mashed potatoes with a smile or resolving old grudges, as gratitude softens tensions. Even virtual celebrations, common since 2020, trigger these benefits when we share heartfelt thanks via Zoom.
Yet, not everyone feels the glow. For some, Thanksgiving stirs stress or grief, especially if expectations clash with reality. Here, science offers a fix — small, intentional acts like noting three things you’re grateful for daily can build resilience. As neuroscientist Glenn Fox notes: Gratitude helps us “find meaning in both joy and struggle.“ This Thanksgiving, as you gather — or reflect alone — lean into gratitude. Whether it’s savoring a kind word or a perfect slice of pie, science confirms what our hearts know – that giving thanks doesn’t just feel good — it can transform us.
