The Power of Appreciation

Last week someone dropped off a giftbag, with a beautiful beach towel inside, in front of my house and the only label on it said: Thank you, Heike. I had no idea who put it there and why. I jumped around with joy, not just because of a new beach towel but because I felt genuinely appreciated. It put a smile on my face and made me feel good. In a world increasingly consumed by the chase for success, the feeling of being appreciated often takes a backseat. However, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that feeling appreciated can have profound effects on our health, happiness, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. So, what exactly happens in the brain?

Feeling appreciated isn't just a fleeting emotional high—it involves complex interactions within our brain areas that affect both our mental and physical health. Feeling appreciated triggers a cascade of neural and hormonal responses in the brain.

The most immediate response occurs in the brain's reward system, particularly the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the striatum, which includes structures like the nucleus accumbens. When you feel appreciated, these areas become activated and release dopamine, a neurotransmitter often associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. Dopamine doesn't just make you feel good; it also motivates you to repeat behaviors that led to the reward. This is one reason why feeling appreciated can enhance motivation and productivity.

Feeling appreciated also triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in social bonding and trust. Oxytocin is released from the hypothalamus and has effects on various regions of the brain. Its release fosters feelings of closeness and trust, reduces fear and anxiety, and promotes overall feelings of well-being.

When we feel appreciated or acknowledged for our accomplishments, it can stimulate the release of serotonin in our brains. This contributes to feelings of contentment, boosts our mood, and can also help to reduce anxiety and depression. High levels of serotonin also help us to feel more focused, emotionally stable, and less anxious. Interestingly, serotonin also influences social behavior. Research has shown that when serotonin levels are normal, individuals are more sociable and willing to take social risks, such as trusting others.

Dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin interact in the brain to generate the full range of emotional and social responses associated with feeling appreciated.

When you feel appreciated, it can lead to a decrease in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's central stress response system. Overactivity of this system, often due to chronic stress, can lead to a range of health issues, from anxiety and depression to cardiovascular disease. By reducing the activity of the HPA axis, feelings of appreciation can help protect against these negative health effects.

Over time, feeling appreciated can also lead to changes in the brain's structure and function through a process called neuroplasticity. For example, it can strengthen the neural pathways involved in positive social interactions and emotions, contributing to more robust social networks and better emotional health in the long run.

There is still a lot of research needed to fully understand these complex dynamics.

Impact of Feeling Appreciated

Improves Mental Health

Feeling appreciated helps lower stress and anxiety levels, which can significantly benefit mental health. It fosters a positive self-image, boosts confidence, and promotes feelings of self-worth, all of which are essential for maintaining good mental health.

Enhances Physical Health

The psychological benefits of feeling appreciated can lead to improved physical health. Reduced stress and anxiety levels are linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Boosts Job Satisfaction and Performance

In the workplace, appreciation is a critical factor influencing job satisfaction and performance. When employees feel appreciated, they are more engaged, motivated, and productive, and less likely to experience burnout.

Strengthens Relationships

Appreciation is a cornerstone of healthy relationships. Feeling valued and appreciated fosters trust, enhances communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens the emotional connection between individuals.

Promotes Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Ultimately, feeling appreciated contributes to an overall sense of happiness and life satisfaction. It helps foster a positive outlook on life, promoting resilience, optimism, and the ability to enjoy life's pleasures.

It's clear that a little appreciation goes a long way in creating healthier, happier individuals and communities.