Can 'Thank You' Change Your Brain!? The Power of a 'Gratitude Journal' Discovered During a Work Trip to Shizuoka

The Work Trip to Shizuoka and the Perceived Time on the Shinkansen

Yesterday, Friday, I went on a work trip to Shizuoka.
The Shinkansen is faster than I thought, and it is possible to reach Shizuoka in as little as 40 minutes.
I was nervous, but the work wasn't that difficult and I didn't feel much fatigue; in fact, I feel more tired from my regular hospital visits.

Since I live on the outskirts of Yokohama, it takes me 40 minutes just to get to Shin-Yokohama, the same amount of time as the Shinkansen ride.
The 40 minutes on the Shinkansen felt like it went by in a flash, but the 40 minutes (or 45 minutes, to be precise) on the local train felt somehow unsatisfying.

The reason it feels slow is probably because it stops at too many stations.

The Relaxing Effect of Reading While Traveling

My fatigue level only changed from about 65% to 70%.
I was able to focus on my reading on the way back, so my mood was good.
Being able to feel safe and relaxed on the way home likely contributed to this mental control through reading.

Encountering the 'Gratitude Brain'—Can 'Thank You' Change Your Brain?

The book I read this time is called 'Gratitude Brain,' written by Dr. Shion Kabasawa and Masataka Tashiro.
The theme is that 'gratitude can cure illness,' which is a concept that would even surprise spiritualists. Honestly, at first, I was a bit skeptical, thinking, 'Gratitude can cure illness?' I thought it might be leaning towards the spiritual. However, as I read on, scientific explanations were woven in, and I was gradually convinced.

Serotonin and Dopamine Produced by Gratitude

It is said that gratitude can activate serotonin and dopamine.
The story goes that both the person saying 'thank you' and the person receiving it release serotonin.
Come to think of it, no one ever feels bad when someone says 'thank you' to them.

Serotonin is currently receiving attention as a'happiness hormone'.
There is also data suggesting that people with depression have lower levels of serotonin.

The Simple Habit of a Gratitude Journal

Also, this book recommends keeping a gratitude journal.
A gratitude journal is an ultimate technique to eliminate anxiety, requiring only an investment of a notebook, a pen, and time to activate serotonin and dopamine.

I will write another article about how to keep a gratitude journal.
And my thoughts on the gratitude journal as well.

My Current Situation: Wanting to Ease Anxiety and Tension

Right now, I am easily overwhelmed by anxiety and tension. Sometimes I am bothered by auditory hallucinations, and at night I eat snacks and get a stomachache (laughs). I always have a desire to ease that instability, even just a little.

That is why I felt that this 'gratitude journal' might be a small salvation. All you need is a notebook and a pen. It doesn't cost money, and there is no risk. Honestly, if this can make my heart feel even a little lighter, it's worth a try.

I Tried Writing Down Three 'Thank Yous'

For now, I decided to write down three 'thank yous' every night before going to bed.
・Thank you for finishing the Shizuoka work trip safely today
・Thank you for being able to make progress on my reading on the Shinkansen
・Thank you to the two authors who wrote the book

It is strange how just writing this much makes me realize that 'today wasn't actually that bad.'

Future Experiments—Will 'Thank You' Make My Heart Lighter?

I am looking forward to seeing how my mood and symptoms change when I continue this for a week or two. Perhaps my anxiety will gradually fade, and I might become better at finding small joys in my daily life.

I will use myself as a test subject to see if the word "thank you" can actually change the brain.

Would you like to try this experiment with me?

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