11/10/2025
Gratitude is good medicine for your brain.
Dr. Stephanie Yang, ND, explains that research shows gratitude can actually change the way the brain functions. It activates the medial prefrontal cortex, which supports emotion regulation, empathy, reward processing, and decision-making. It also increases dopamine and serotonin, helping you feel more balanced, while calming stress centers and lowering chronically high cortisol levels.
New research in epigenetics suggests that gratitude may influence how genes related to inflammation and immunity are expressed, without changing your DNA. Simple daily practices like journaling or quiet reflection can strengthen these effects, helping your brain build resilience and encouraging a deeper sense of calm and connection.
Beyond the science, Dr. Yang reminds us that gratitude restores perspective. It helps us recognize our relationships, growth, and purpose, and it gently brings us back to what matters most.
As November invites us to slow down and reflect, take a moment to notice what feels steady and supportive in your life. Small moments of gratitude can bring healing to both your heart and your brain.