Inquisitive.me

I recently shared why I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal—and since then, my reasons have only grown stronger.

One of the biggest shifts came after reading No Self, No Problem by Chris Niebauer, PhD. It’s a fascinating book that blends neuroscience with Buddhist philosophy, and it offers a fascinating lens on how our brains work—and how that might influence not only our emotions, but even how we experience physical pain.

One of the book’s key ideas is that the “self” we often identify with is mostly an illusion. Neuroscience hasn’t been able to locate a specific place in the brain where the “self” lives. Instead, what we experience as “me” is largely constructed by the left hemisphere of the brain.

This side of the brain is responsible for language and interpretation. It constantly creates meaning, even when that meaning isn’t fully accurate. In practice, that means the left brain fills in gaps in our understanding with assumptions—stories, explanations, and predictions.

And this is where things get especially interesting from a physiotherapist’s perspective.

If someone experiences pain without a clear physical cause—no injury, no inflammation—the left brain may still try to make sense of it. “Something must be wrong with my back.” “I’m probably damaging it when I move.” “I better avoid activity just to be safe.”

These narratives don’t necessarily reflect what’s actually happening in the body—but they feel true. The brain’s interpretation becomes the reality. And that can lead to increased fear, tension, avoidance of movement, and even more pain.

This is where the right hemisphere comes in.

Unlike the left, the right brain doesn’t get caught up in narrow interpretations. It processes the whole picture. It’s responsible for emotion, intuition, connection, and context. It helps us sense safety, connect with others, and regulate how we feel—both physically and emotionally.

And this is exactly where gratitude comes in.

Practicing gratitude helps activate the right brain. It shifts us away from obsessive thinking, catastrophizing, and problem-fixing—and into a broader, calmer, more connected state. Just like breathwork, meditation, or mindful movement, keeping a gratitude journal helps regulate the nervous system.

And when we’re more regulated, we perceive pain differently.

Research shows that gratitude practices are associated with:

• Increased optimism and resilience
• Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
• Less focus on health complaints
• A higher likelihood of engaging in physical activity
• Greater emotional balance and creativity

A gratitude journal can help you see the world in a richer, more meaningful way.

There’s even a biochemical side to this. According to Niebauer, the left hemisphere is dominant in dopamine, which plays a role in motivation and reward—but can also increase the brain’s tendency to see patterns or danger where there is none. The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is associated with serotonin and noradrenaline, which promote calm, connection, and emotional stability.

In modern life, our dopamine systems are overstimulated—constant notifications, scrolling, quick rewards. And if dopamine pushes our left brain into overdrive, it could explain why so many people today feel anxious, overstimulated, or disconnected from their bodies.

If an overstimulated left brain fuels anxiety, overthinking, and emotional distress, then activating the right brain could be the antidote. And what better way to do that than by keeping a gratitude journal?

So when I reflect on why a gratitude journal matters, it’s not just about feeling good or writing nice things down.

It’s a small but powerful way to engage the part of the brain that helps regulate how we interpret pain, how we relate to our bodies, and how we show up in the world.

That’s a habit worth keeping.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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Gratitude rewires your brain
—and how you experience your body.

So how do you take this insight and turn it into something tangible?

🎯 Try This:

Write down one thing you’re grateful for each day—no need for a formal journal. Use a sticky note, a scrap of paper, or a jar.

Especially if you’re dealing with pain or discomfort, try acknowledging something your body can do. Even if it’s just: “I walked without pain today” or “I could stretch without hesitation.” This helps rewire your brain’s relationship to your body.

The simple act of writing helps shift focus from your overactive left brain to your more balanced, big-picture right brain. Over time, this small habit can rewire your mindset toward greater clarity, calm, and joy.

🧠 Final Thought:

Gratitude won’t fix everything—but it can change the lens you’re looking through.

It calms the noise, widens your perspective, and helps you reconnect with what’s working—even on the days that don’t feel perfect.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊