How Gratitude Changes Your Brain 🧠

How can you use gratitude to improve not only your mood, but your overall cognitive performance?
Gratitude is something we’ve talked about quite a bit on this show. You already know that being grateful is good for your mental health. It lowers stress and anxiety, while building resilience and deepening your relationships. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible benefits to your brain health and overall cognitive performance.
I want to do something special on today’s episode. As we enter the season for giving, I want to take a moment to dive into the science behind gratitude and highlight the many ways it can improve your brain.
When you practice gratitude, it can change the molecular structure of your brain. It helps you make better decisions, achieve more, and increase productivity, all while providing you with peace of mind. And in a chaotic world, calm becomes one of the most valuable currencies. Listen in as I give you practical things you can do every day to help you grow more of the things you appreciate.
0:00 Kwik Brain
1:25 Benefits of gratitude
6:11 Kwik Reading
6:37 Science behind gratitude
13:50 How to practice gratitude
Discover how to read faster in just 21 days with my Kwik Reading program: bit.ly/3QPKMNH Now with a special discount.
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[@JimKwik]

Share something you're grateful for in the comments below. Subscribe so we can stay in touch. ❤ Like this video if it was helpful. 👍

[@53blfoster]

“Express gratitude” , thank You, Jim Kwik!!!

[@rogerledingham]

​Yeh and the kids were very sad when they made the effort into a few days after we were at a place in our team with our

[@timdyck8492]

Grateful for positive change & auto correct 🤦‍♂️😂

[@joemardini4180]

Thanks Jim - i am grateful you are helping me continue to believe in my life growth. Merci et a bientot.

[@nxco999]

I have MCI

[@hoosierbaddy3052]

Rumi said, ‘Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life’.

[@lesterweinheimer665]

I'm very grateful that I found you on the internet. I'm 72 and I wish I would have had a mentor like you when I was younger. I'm telling my children about you because I know you can make a huge difference in their quality of life. You are a lifesaver. Thank you so much!

[@Brainshorts117]

Thank you mam, your Quote made my day✨🌟

[@hannahbrooks7398]

Yes this is great to teach children!!

[@lesterweinheimer665]

@@Brainshorts117 thanks! Happy holidays

[@victoriousf.3431]

I am learning this at a late stage in life, but I am so thankful to God that I found your channel. It's never too late to learn!!❤

[@rileydavidjesus]

Beautiful. You give me hope!

[@DuongTran-mh7ci]

Gratitude is something I feel all the time. I am, at the 80s, filled with wonders how I am still in one piece physically anf mentally after so many terrible ups and downs in my life. Now every morning I walk into my garden I see amazing nature greeting me at no cost. I am blessed with beautiful and good children and grandchildren. I feel so emotionally grateful to everyone and everything!

[@MichellleAustin]

I’m grateful for KZbin and the access to knowledge it has given me.

[@marlenecampbell6520]

I am so grateful that we are still a family if five people. My oldest son attempted suicide April 2022. Fortunately, there was a glitch in his plan that made him aware of what he was trying to do, so he didn't hurt himself. Since then I have been grateful he is still alive and I don't need anything for Christmas ; my family of five is the most valuable thing in my life.

[@Roseruler]

Stay blessed 🙏🏻🧿

[@brendastanton1924]

I started a drawing journal 2 years ago and decided that nothing negative would be allowed. If I had gone out to eat, I might draw the restaurant logo and maybe my food. Then write who I was with and how I appreciate them. Even my parents funeral was added with good memories and gratefulness. It’s such a happy book and when getting together with friends, they always want me to bring the journal to see new things that were added. So now it makes others happy as well

[@stevenmccallan9202]

There is no question that having gratitude is good for the mind, body and soul. I'm grateful to God for giving me life and all that comes with it, both good and not so good.

[@christiannesanchez3397]

The moment I wake up gratitude is part of my prayer.

[@frankmeyers7304]

Well bless your heart.

[@sile8389]

I do a daily gratitude journal. My daily meditations include gratitude, self love and love and kindness. My life is better for it. Today I’m grateful for my life, warm bed and my plants ❤❤❤❤

[@marketrealestate9230]

Jim. Thankyou. I drive UBER and thankful for that. Yesterday, i drove a family to the hospital. The wife was in labor. What a blessing. I had a small part of bringing life to the world. I am grateful for that. Not sure if i wrote that in my gratitude journal. The entire way to the hospital i was smiling. I would have drove the for free. Thankyou

[@KK-xt3ug]

👍🏼

[@jimrose71]

I'm in AA. They push Gratitude hard and it does help, big time I start every day with 10 things I'm grateful for

[@andreaomegah6126]

I am grateful for my health, my husband, my family, my job, my birthday next week, and my desire to be better in 2024. Also, grateful for all of you that wrote what you are grateful for, which helped me to write what I am grateful for. ❤

[@bevbrownrigg4917]

I am so grateful that my hubby is still here. He was hit by a car on December 1st in Canada, we live in the US now. He will need surgery on his knee, but it could have been so much worse. I’m going to practice gratefulness and hope that our medical bills will be minimal. So glad I happened across your video this morning.

[@mpho8018]

"There's no such thing as a good or bad memory. There's a trained and untrained memory" Phew!! This is a powerful statement. I've been putting off going back to uni because I'm unsure of my ability to learn and remember stuff. You've helped me realise that I CAN train my mind to be a knowledge sponge and in turn, I CAN become an academic weapon! I feel so empowered!! Today, I'm grateful for renewed perspective! Thank you for this message Jim🎉

[@annvrabel6517]

An academic weapon!❤❤❤

[@lucybrue1868]

I must share. I was brought up poorly and could not afford to attend college. At 65, after retirement I decided to go back to school to become a massage therapist, my heart's desire. Well, I graduated last week from a difficult curriculum and I'm so proud. You hear this all the time if I can do it so can you And I never believed that but it's true.. Good luck to all of you And remember it's 1 ft in front of the other and I promise you'll get there.

[@saulbravo3485]

Gratitude is Attitude!

[@kristin4840]

I’m so glad this video popped up. I have a son who is an extreme drug addict who is sober now in a court ordered rehab. I try to be grateful each day that he is alive and sober and not worry about the future when he is released.

[@sharonnice]

I am grateful for you, Jim Kwik. I am grateful you shared your childhood story of being called the boy with the broken brain, which I shared with my child, who struggled in elementary school with learning and being severely bullied requiring medical intervention. Your inspiring story helped my child through some of the darkest moments of being bullied by a peer while blind and visually impaired and having invisible disabilities. Your story offered hope, encouragement, and motivation to keep going and not give up. My child has overcome so much because of people like you and Mel Robbins. Your words…‘Knowledge is power, learning is your superpower’ became our mantra. My child carries books everywhere we go, and hopes to share their story of overcoming blindness and trauma from bullying to inspire, encourage, and help others struggling in life. We both have a deep appreciation for those who are making a difference in our corner of the world. Thank you for sharing your story and the scientific evidence of a gratitude practice so others will start experiencing the benefits of gratitude. I have been practicing daily gratitude with my child since I became a mother. It has been the single most important daily ritual that has helped me to focus my attention and energy on the positive things through every difficult situation, diagnosis and loss. It is a ritual that I have passed to my child because it is truly transformative. 🙏

[@duvessa2003]

1. Grateful for this podcast. Will be sharing with my daughter 😊 2. Grateful for job opportunities 3. Grateful for my home, at a time when so many have no home.

[@kathleenpamphille1659]

I am grateful for LIFE , The Person I am , My Kids and Grandkids, I am grateful for Health❤️

[@mohansequeira3236]

everyday before i go to bed...i thank almighty God for another good day...i thank him for the good health, food and protection on the road while driving, taking care of my steps while walking or exercising..and any other event...two weeks ago i was certainly saved from a four wheeler brushing against my two wheeler..that day I offered special gratitude to the divine power...this is also enough....to keep mind good while going for sleep

[@l.b.977]

Grateful for the little things in life....sunrise and sunsets, laughter, trees, etc.😊

[@aunties5798]

I am grateful for this channel. Gratitude changes everything in your life.

[@bonitatorres5543]

My Mom is 90 years old with Alzheimer's but always says "thank you" and "God Bless You.". So it's real!

[@rayaperera1889]

Every morning I work for an hour and that time I say nonstop all the gratitude I have in my life. Every day when I wake up I look through the window and “Thank you for this day,thank you for the air I breathe,thank you for the gift of life “ the same I do the last before going to bed. I just started to follow your podcast and I love it. Thank you for great kook tips 🙏

[@carlonharrington]

I’m grateful for my mentors, I’m grateful for Jim, and I’m grateful to excel at this amazing thing called life.

[@vaska1999]

Modest, aren't you? 😅

[@jessicamadrid5799]

I am recovering from sever childhood trauma and struggling most days. I am a therapist, so I knew about gratitude improving depression. During my healing journey, I woke up feeling fatigued, depressed, and miserable. One day, I chose to change my mode and I started saying out loud some things I was grateful for. It was immediate relief! My heavy eyes lifted, I felt more energy and the heaviness from my body lightened. I was so amazed at the immediate effects of gratitude, and how it shifted my brain. It is now apart of my regime to cope with difficult days.

[@carolwicks2863]

Good morning Jim. I was in a very low place this morning when I woke up feeling hopeless and wondering what life is all about. Your video has given me a change of heart and mind and I am feeling positive and invigorated

[@5thdimension625]

I hope you’re feeling better. Remember all good feelings are in the present moment. Keep coming back to the now. Feel it to heal it.

[@jasnaklauzar]

Grateful for these podcasts/videos/books and for people who fight for a better tomorrow ❤

[@angel.heart007]

I’ve been fighting anxiety for over 10 yrs and the past couple years have caused so much havoc on my health. The past 2 weeks I’ve been anxiety ridden and dealing with panic attacks, I’m now learning to be grateful and so far it feels really good to be positive during attacks. I’m still learning and hope I’m doing the right thing to help my mental state. I’m an over thinker and catastrophize everything. To make it even harder it’s all health anxiety related…. Grateful to have found this video..

[@dr.jamesst.michael8175]

I am grateful for my spouse, for friends, that we have a warm place to live (in Alaska), enough food, for my mentors (like you Jim), and for my health. I am thankful that we have enough finances to pay our bills and to go on a trip soon.

[@alshaw7418]

😂😂😂❄️👍🏿👍🏿

[@rekayluft7223]

I'm grateful to be able to live my love & purpose in life... following 37 years of dedication to my career...and then retiring. I'm SO happy to wake up every morning at 5am/6am... and teach others fitness. I never imagined becoming a NASM-CPT and doing this all at 62 years old... and I'm loving every minute of it!!! I'm SO grateful.

[@hendrylee4294]

I am grateful for my faith even though there are good and dry seasons. I have been practicing thanksgiving with my wife every night before we sleep. Thank you Jim for your sharing and we will incorporate the feeling component in our Thanksgiving and not just words.

[@renupathak4442]

I accidentally stumbled upon your channel and feel a tremendous surge of gratitude to you. Gratitude I feel is humbling. When my students remember me I feel humbled. I am from India

[@Cuuhleerity]

Grateful for what I have in the present and the things I will have 🌸

[@sunshine885]

I was raised by complainers. I do grateful for finding you and switching my brain to being grateful for everything. From washing the dishes, working in my yard, hot water in the shower, even driving in traffic, etc. It has improved my life. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@smmlf676]

This makes sense! The nights I pray with so much gratitude, I wake up with pure energy.

[@paullavender-pc1uz]

Hi Jim, and thank you for your podcast. It was brought to me by a friend name Mark, who bought a kerosene heater to keep his family warm. I had it on craigslist he brought me to you and this is something I really need in my life. I love your podcast. I love the way you think I love how you feel, I am a 7 1/2 year member of AA I believe in the spiritual connection I believe in gratitude and helping people I am a new fan and will order your book and thank you thank you thank you thank you again be well I am grateful for you and for Mark. 🙏🙏🙏 May we all be warmed by this day.

[@monca9975]

Dear Jim❤ I am so grateful for you to remineding me to be gratefull🙏..........that I have amazing kids Poppy and Bosco they are the best that ever happened to me I always say they are my lottery win .Thank you so much for beeing here Monika from London

[@noelplazo3404]

Thank you very much po Lord Jesus Christ, for the fitness program I have in my life !!! :-) 🙏🏽💕🇺🇸

[@stefanieolivares3290]

I am grateful for the many teachers like yourself who have used the Internet to share their wisdom. Thank you.

[@carinafalhas2935]

I'm grateful for having Jim Kwik as my brain coach ❤

[@user-rr3je1co3l]

I thank The Holy Spirit for guiding me to this broadcast. I feel very motivated and appreciate this information . Thank you.❤

[@Selestinspired]

I am grateful for my church and the ability to attend fellowship today ❤

[@deborahclemons6068]

Getting through the day with out using drugs, waking up today, my daughter brought me coconut water, having lamps, my children and grandchildren, and listening to this podcast 😊

[@11Garrett11]

I ❤ lamps!!!

[@cozsheroyal.1043]

I’m greatful for the progress I am making everyday towards healing and rediscovering myself ❤

[@timeenuf4200]

I am grateful for a place to play in the dirt lacing it with seeds and plants, watching in amazement as they grow to what they are supposed to be. May we all do the same. It is in us to prosper, be healthy and prosper others with our beauty.

[@Dil.Careem]

This video on how gratitude changes your brain is an absolute must-watch! The science behind it is fascinating, and I'm feeling inspired to cultivate a daily gratitude practice. Thanks for the positive vibes and the reminder of the power of gratitude.

[@noeliagrau9403]

I'm grateful for listening to you. I'm learning English and how to be a better person.

[@lynbutler3905]

I'm greatful for having internet service to be able to listen and part take in this wonderful gratitude episode. If I'm blessed with your book I will read it sign it and then gift it to someone else that I feel will need it. Then ask then to do the same. That way more people can get to read it as well. This will be for those that can't afford it as well. Thanks

[@khimsonita2224]

I am so grateful for your video to help me practice gratitude more and more. I just know that I need to be grateful for all situations, but I never know how gratitude affects the brain. Thank you so much.

[@barbieskates540]

I'm grateful for the internet. These days we have EVERYTHING at our fingertips. We can learn anything we want. Its heaven on earth to find the answers quickly in minutes, that used to take years and years.

[@wallstreetenglishmestre1231]

I’m greatful for many little and big things. Today a student gave me a ticket to watch her rehearsal at the theatre and it was awesome. So many great talents. Music makes the world a better place. You are wonderful in sharing your knowledge and helping us become better people. While listening to your video tonight while driving home a car was trying to cut me off, I hit the breaks and let him through, he then put his emergency lights for a couple of flashes to say thanks…I smiled and appreciated. Kindness if free…and also catching, so let’s be kind and watch others catch on.

[@allanreed5236]

I am 78 and you have inspired me to use every morning with gratitude. It has instant effects 😊.

[@angelinaubbu1250]

Hey Jim….do you never age….you must have a heart full of love and a mind a producer of fine thoughts……❤❤❤ thank you 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

[@lidarall5346]

Jim Kwik. This is an amazing message. May gratitude go viral. Replacing fear, greed and anxiety. Thank you Jim. You are making a difference and motivating us to do the same. 👊🙏

[@hannahbrooks7398]

This is really helpful. This is an awesome teaching and so true!!

[@janeabbott2578]

I really loved this & used to write down things I was grateful for on the bus on the way to work, jim has reminded me to do this again in the mornings, thank you

[@hannahbrooks7398]

Jim is a powerful teacher. Thank God for His presence on Earth!!

[@Appleloucious]

I am grateful for every learning opportunity : D One Love! Always forward, never ever backward!! ☀☀☀ 💚💛❤ 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏼

[@roderickfsmith6474]

I'm grateful for daily opportunities to bless others.

[@delainerobinson7811]

For the last several years, starting in January, my students start each class period in English writing in an online Gratitude Journal. It only takes a few minutes while I take roll. I show mine each day on my projection screen as an example. By the end of the semester, they have a pretty comprehensive list of the things they are most thankful for in their lives. The last entry of the school year is to react to the journaling experience. It is always rewarding to see how many of them are genuinely happy with what they have written and plan to continue on their own!

[@jeng7723]

I am grateful that I found your video today. It is January 21, 2024 and you appeared while scrolling. Thank you for our gentleness and compassion. God bless you, your family and your team. ❤

[@smmlf676]

I’m grateful for the G-d of the universe. I’m grateful for my sanity. I’m grateful for life.

[@kathyhou4648]

I’m grateful for the consistency, love and the way you make every episode simple and understandable in bite size pieces so that all can understand. Thank you for sharing!

[@astralfluxaf]

Whenever I feel super sad or upset I just try to stop myself and relax. Then I try to find gratitude for something or multiple things. Not to downplay what is going wrong in my life but to help center myself and remember how far I’ve come. A grateful mind can definitely help you feel more at peace in your daily life.

[@nancycastro6135]

Yes! being grateful and expressing gratitude to God for everything that happens in your life gives you a sense of security that all things work together for good no matter the challenge it IS GOOD TO BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING!

[@ConsciousKinks77]

I'm grateful for my life, my son, my mind, my complete family, I'm thankful for the baby growing in my stomach, im grateful for peace of mind and all my body parts,

[@mariahlonipho8911]

I am grateful for life with no aches and oains at 72 years of age

[@cinderellamarquez7339]

I am grateful for the many blessings in my life ❤ Health, my daughter, my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my job, my co-worker, friends … Thank you God, thank you Universe ❤❤❤ thank you

[@jamesbadey7312]

I'm off to a good start one thing I could say about myself is I've always been a very positive person I believe my glasses is always have full and never have empty I will continue to watch and grow through you by the way listeners I'm 67 so it's never too late I work everyday I have a small business but this is just an added bonus finding Jim's channel god bless you all. !!!

[@hannahbrooks7398]

I am grateful for life, health, and strength. I am also thankful for Jim Kwik and His awesome story. He is great in sharing His beautiful gift of wisdom!!!!

[@brendarobinson1680]

Hi Jim: I'm grateful for coming across your programme. I'm grateful for resigning from my job and learning to relaxed in my bed before seeking new employment. I'm grateful for each breathe of life that is keeping me healthy and happy daily. 😅😂😊

[@rachellerichard-leger7248]

Thank you for sharing and reminding people that gratitude is a super power practice. I truly believe that when a person take the time to write in a gratitude journal they learn to acknowledge being alive is the gift and that being grateful we honour love and we awake the light in us to be kinder to ourself and each other. so really our brain should be dancing with gratitude light … I think that is magical ❤. Make it a great day. Cheers. Rachelle

[@TheHypnotherapyHub]

I've recently started getting some of my clients to keep a gratitude diary, the ones that are actually doing it are reporting great positive changes. It only takes a few minutes a day too.

[@that_hawaiian_gal]

I’m grateful for your videos and teachings. I’m grateful for the church bereavement ministry, for the Mililani Mortuary, and for the Hawaii Veterans Cemetery for honoring my mom on funeral day last Tuesday, November 14, 2023. I am grateful for all the cousins and adopted family for generously stepping up to help us celebrate her long well-lived life. My heart is so very warm. 💞🙏🏽

[@lesterweinheimer665]

RIP to your mom! I am so sorry for your loss!

[@that_hawaiian_gal]

@@lesterweinheimer665 Thank you💞🙏🏽

[@ssw7282]

If you're ready and willing, I would be grateful for any memories you'd love to share of your mom with us. I enjoy asking people to share memories of their loved ones who've passed to help share and keep their memories alive and pass on any greatness to help others or just share any joy or love!

[@faithlynwaugh5382]

I am grateful I have good health, I am grateful that I have a good job and I am grateful for my work colleagues, The truth is I am very grateful for everything because God is good. 😊❤

[@RoeSync68]

I’m grateful that you had brain issues at the beginning of your life. You seem very driven and I think “limitless” in how you approach what you do. It’s fantastic thank you Jim for what you do.

[@BellyBreath]

Even in a short time, I can already feel a shift in my stress levels and a deeper appreciation for the relationships in my life. Understanding the broader impacts on brain health and cognitive performance really motivates me to integrate gratitude more actively into my daily routine. Thanks for sharing such impactful insights-it's incredible how powerful a simple act of gratitude can be!

[@marleneahibbard]

I'm so grateful for you, Jim Kwik. I'm a MindValley member and because of your memory course.

[@angellight2315]

I am so grateful I found your work online. Thank you 🙏

[@kristinhillegas8976]

Love the THANKS an-acronym. Thank you Jim! I kept a gratitude journal in my 20s and have just been gifted a beautiful journal to continue this practice into my 50s! It just feels so good to say, thank you, thank you, thank you! 🙏 😊

[@annyvettejoseph4760]

I am grateful for this reminder Jim. I am grateful for my three adult children and my seven grandchildren.

[@myrielstern2307]

Dear Jim Kwik, Thanks for your generosity and contribution to growth, thanks for reminding me what ist Essential, this helps me to Focus on the positive. may you be blessed infinitly with Joy and gratitude ❤

[@Usernamecomingso0n]

Eternally grateful for KZbin and to you as well for your contribution to this planet!

[@veronicagutierrez9746]

I am grateful for people like you that practice generosity sharing their knowledge 😊

[@janetrowe186]

My daughter says I'm too glad no matter why..it's better to smile even if I dont feel it.i put a smile

[@gelinellorin1477]

I am grateful for my family, friends and my career.

[@ErvinWells-bz5cj]

I am grateful to be here. I showed up today in my right mind with a healthy! There are hundreds of things imbedded there that many take for granted. I m here

[@janetrowe186]

I say thank you wether it small kindness or big..it's appreciation.

[@anastasiamarselly4065]

THANKS T : Time, scheduled it! To feel grateful, not just see it, but feel it❤ H : Highlight the moment. Review your day at night A : Acknowledge other people. Give thanks to other people. N : Nature. Spend time in nature can release stress K : Kindness. Giving to others. S : Savour the small thing. Review, appreciate every small joy, small victory and experience.

[@vivianpecson4188]

One of the grateful thing happen today is when I watched this episode. Many points you mentioned are exactly what I need to do to overcome my anxiety and sometimes confusion on my daily activities and routine. I want to be productive for my major tasks and responsibilities.

[@voicevamp]

I so appreciate the beautiful, loving relationship I share with my husband, Frank. 💜

[@antheascordilis3198]

Im grateful for awareness, compassion, understanding. Im grateful for the ability to choose to take the right action. Im grateful for forgiveness. Im grateful for my friends and family. Im grateful for hugs and smiles. Im grateful for my teachers who guide me. Im grateful for actively, mindfully making decisions to change my life. Im grateful for the person I am and for who I am becoming. Im grateful for my beautiful body and this amazing planet we call home.

[@abhijeetkamble2577]

I am grateful for every breath that i take every day. I am grateful being healthy physically and mentally. I am grateful for my parents and family and friends being in good physical and mental health

[@MsMccopeland]

I’m grateful for the ideas in this podcast. Great way to start my Monday morning this morning.

[@adolivivianomada7662]

I am grateful for the richness of Good health, am grateful for people like you that keep encouraging us not to give up, am grateful to God almighty for his grace, mercies and favours upon me

[@Enduringtiltheend]

This was an awesome teaching that the Lord God allowed me to “ stumble” upon! It was enlightening & inspiring! I’m looking forward to implementing these things into my daily practices. One thing that I’m grateful for, is people like yourself, who are committed to sharing life changing information and being a blessing to others! Thank you!

[@nancyte7]

Thank you for this podcast! I practice grateful affirmations everyday, it works!

[@Theappalachianbaker]

Grateful for my family & my church community.

[@keshacollenfusin3363]

I am grateful for the internet that it landed me to your channel. I am grateful to you for giving me this idea on how to live better.

[@lorellemiller4995]

I have to add my gratitude to this video, thank you for this video. Gratitude has changed my life. I lost everything twice in a span of 3 years. Looking for the positive in these moments and practicing gratitude and moving forward has changed my life. I learned that I can find things to be grateful for even when life is not going as I had hoped or expected. It really work!!