Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feel-good moment—it’s a powerful, science-backed practice that can transform your emotional wellness. For busy professionals juggling work, family, and everything in between, taking the time to recognize and appreciate the good in your life might seem like another item on your to-do list. But here’s the truth: research shows that actively practicing gratitude doesn’t just make you feel better in the moment—it has a positive and lasting impact on mental and emotional well-being.

As we step into the holiday season—a time filled with connection, reflection, and, let’s be honest, a little chaos—it’s the perfect opportunity to pause and actively acknowledge the positive moments in our lives. Gratitude should be more than a seasonal ritual; it’s a practice that brings clarity, balance, and joy to our everyday experiences, helping us thrive well beyond the holidays.

At SIX, we’re passionate about helping individuals measure and track the positive emotional benefits of practices like gratitude. By focusing on emotional fitness, our goal is to empower people to live fuller, more connected lives. Personally, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this journey, which started back in 2008 when I joined Dr. Paul Zak’s academic lab in Claremont, CA to help run the research now at the foundation of our tools. Today, it’s deeply rewarding to be working on a solution that helps people uncover and prioritize the moments that matter most to their personal thriving. 

Let’s explore how the simple act of practicing gratitude can impact not just how we feel, but how we truly thrive.

The Neuroscience of Gratitude

Gratitude is a simple practice with far-reaching effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Neuroscience shows that gratitude activates the brain's reward centers, releasing dopamine and serotonin—key neurotransmitters that boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall emotional balance. Research from UCLA further demonstrates that consistently practicing gratitude positively impacts the brain’s reward system, improving motivation and reinforcing goal-directed behaviors that help us thrive. 

And the emotional benefits don’t stop there. An overview in Forbes highlights multiple studies showing that gratitude is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression while fostering resilience and optimism. This ability to reframe challenges and find strength in positivity is a cornerstone of emotional wellness.

Gratitude also strengthens our connections with others. By boosting oxytocin–often referred to as the “love hormone”—gratitude fosters trust, intimacy, and stronger relationships. This supports findings from our work at SIX, where we’ve seen how oxytocin plays a pivotal role in deepening human connection and enhancing emotional fitness.

The benefits extend beyond the brain. Additional data from UCLA highlights how gratitude can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost immune function, establishing a foundation for better physical health. These findings underscore the profound, holistic impact of gratitude, making it an essential practice for thriving in every aspect of life. Beyond the brain, gratitude has significant physical benefits. 

Why Outwardly Expressing Gratitude Matters

Writing down what we’re grateful for is a powerful practice, but sharing that gratitude with others amplifies its impact in transformative ways. Expressing thanks strengthens relationships, deepens emotional bonds, and creates a ripple effect of positivity that can extend far beyond the moment. Research from Baylor even shows that gratitude inspires generosity, making people more likely to give their time, resources, and energy. 

In my own life, I’ve seen how outward expressions of gratitude—whether it’s a heartfelt note to a colleague, a quick text to my bestie across the country, or pausing to tell my husband how much I appreciate him—can turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Reflecting on the incredible people I’ve met through my work, I’m reminded of how much gratitude fuels collaboration and joy. In 2025, one of my personal goals is to express this appreciation more openly, especially to the inspiring partners and professionals I have the privilege of working with.

How SIX Supports Gratitude

The SIX app is designed to make the practice of gratitude more intentional and impactful. By helping you identify, measure, and reflect on the moments that truly matter, SIX fosters a deeper awareness of the experiences that bring you joy, connection, and fulfillment. This heightened awareness allows you to prioritize these meaningful moments and integrate them more fully into your daily life.

It’s not just about recognizing these moments—it’s about understanding their impact and using that insight to live a richer, more intentional life. By measuring what resonates most with your brain and heart, SIX helps you focus on the experiences that elevate your well-being and emotional fitness.

This holiday season, we encourage you to use SIX to track the moments that spark gratitude and fulfillment. Let those insights inspire you to share your gratitude outwardly—through a kind word, a thoughtful note, or a simple expression of thanks to someone who has made a difference in your life. Small acts of gratitude can have profound and lasting impacts, both for you and those around you.

Gratitude as a Path to Thriving

In today’s busy and often overwhelming world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We’re constantly pulled in different directions, and the demands of work and life can feel relentless. Gratitude offers a counterbalance by shifting our focus from what’s lacking to what we have, helping us cultivate resilience and stay grounded in the present moment.

As we approach the holiday season, and Thanksgiving in particular, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. Neuroscience shows that this simple practice not only improves how we feel—it also improves how we live. Gratitude can strengthen emotional resilience, enhance physical health, and deepen social bonds. By making gratitude a daily habit, we can thrive emotionally, physically, and socially—not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.

A Personal Note of Gratitude

I want to close by expressing my gratitude for the people and experiences that enrich my life.

To my team at SIX and our parent company, Immersion Neuroscience: Thank you for your dedication to creating tools that help people thrive and connect. Your passion and creativity are what make our work possible.

To my husband, family, and friends: Thank you for being my greatest supporters and my greatest sources of joy. Your love, humor, and encouragement keep me balanced and inspired every day.

And finally, to you—our readers and SIX users: Thank you for embracing emotional fitness and choosing to prioritize your well-being. Your journey inspires all of us at SIX to continue creating tools that help you thrive! 

This holiday season, may you find moments of gratitude that light up your life, deepen your connections, and remind you of the beauty that exists in both big and small moments.

Cheers to you & yours!
Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates