This is a brief explanation of the way gratitude affects our bodies, the science behind it, and some simple concepts to live more gratefully. To read more visit: http://unleashedgrowth.com/the-gratitude-platitude/

1. The Gratitude
Platitude
Blog Update

2. Positive Psychology
• Gratitude studies is a part of a field of psychology
called positive psychology.
• This field is more focused on what’s right with
humans, rather than what’s wrong.
• This is Martin Seligman
• He’s called the father
of positive psychology.

3. Studies
• Seligman studied a lot about well-being.
• What he found was that practicing gratitude was
the most effective way to increase happiness and
well-being.
• Gratitude was the only treatment that had effects
lasting longer than a week.

4. Gratitude’s Influence
• Gratitude increases alertness and feelings of
calmness.
• Feelings of gratitude also influence the Vagus nerve
which regulates many of our bodily functions.
• This nerve activation and state switch releases
Oxytocin, which creates feelings of trust and love.

5. Alert or Anxious
• Gratitude activates
the parasympathetic
nervous system.
• This calms our
fight or flight
response.
And relaxes us.

6. What is Gratitude?
• Gratitude has many definitions.
• The simplest way to put it is “being aware of and
thankful for the good things that happen.”

7. The Platitude
• A platitude is defined as “a remark or statement
especially one with a moral content, that has been
used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.”
• The idea of “being grateful” has become a platitude.

8. Practicing Gratitude
• Everyone always says “be grateful” but there’s little
explanation of how to be grateful.
• Many people understand the concept of
gratitude, but have never experienced the benefits.
• This is why they don’t practice gratitude and reap
the rewards.
• Let’s look at some ways to practice being grateful.

9. Practicing Gratitude
• Note: I say practice because gratitude is not a
switch you can turn on or off. It takes practice and
mastery. Being grateful is a skill.
• You have to retrain your mind to search for positives
instead of negatives.
• You have to be grateful for challenges rather than
discouraged by problems.
• Consciously choosing this viewpoint will eventually
retrain your subconscious to think the same way.

10. How to practice:
• Write down 10 things each morning you are grateful
for.
o Focus on the little things.
o Take a moment to really appreciate each one of these daily gratitudes
for the influence it has had in your life.
• When an unexpected, negative situation arises look
for three positives. Say:
o This is good because _______________________
o This is great because _______________________
o This is wonderful because ______________________

11. Thanks!
• I’m grateful for you, my readers.
• To get more positive, grounded thoughts on all
aspects of life, business and networking visit:
UnleashedGrowth.com