Appreciation Break (neurological underpinnings, physical effects, and how to activate it)

Appreciation Break
(neurological underpinnings, physical effects, and how to activate it)

Open Heart Meditations engage regions of the brain involved in sustained attention and emotional processing (Hoffmann et al., 2011). These practices alter frontal alpha asymmetry in a direction associated with more positive emotion (Moyer et al., 2011).

Appreciation and gratitude are good entry points for people attempting to access a positive emotional state. Those who establish a daily gratitude practice are more likely to experience positive emotions, a higher likelihood of achieving their goals, better sleep, lower blood pressure, and longer lives. They also feel more alert, energic, and alive.

The gratitude practice below takes about 30 seconds, and it disrupts the hurried routines we often find ourselves in.

Today, set an alarm to go off later in the day. If you are able, we encourage you to make the alarm repeating for every day this week.

When the alarm goes off, take a break from what you are doing.

Take a few slow, deep breaths.

See what you can appreciate right now in this very moment. Explain to yourself why you feel appreciative.

Smile to yourself.

Experience the feeling of gratitude in your heart and allow it spread.

Ready to give your practice a boost? Taking a class and sharing with others is a great way to boost your routine.
We have multiple classes and workshops coming up to help you get started, including a virtual and in-person classes and workshops.
Visit our classes or workshop page.