Blog Post — Numero Uno

This is where I would like to articulate what I learn, on a weekly basis. It will give me the ability to explore what I’ve learned, deepening my understanding. It will also allow me to share what I’ve learned, with those who are curious enough to broaden their own understandings.

This week I finished a gratitude challenge in my neurophysiology class— Learning about the areas in the brain responsible for gratitude, the neurotransmitters that help create the feelings of gratitude, and the nerves in our bodies that in turn help relax our bodies. The specific part of our brain that lights up, during purposeful gratitude, revolves around our Medial (Middle) Prefrontal Cortex, or the mPFC. The transmitters that are active and making changes during this mindful gratitude are oxytocin, vasopressin, and mu-opioid peptides. The C-Tactile nerves in our bodies, the nerves that allow us to feel light and sensual touch on our skin, are also responsible for releasing oxytocin and mu-opioids.

When we practice intentional gratitude with our minds, we signal the above neurotransmitters to release, which in turn relaxes our nervous system— potentially leading to deeper relaxation, reductions in pain and inflammation, and genuine contentment.