Verbally expressing gratitude helps lower stress [Video]

Verbally expressing your gratitude can lower cortisol levels and enhance your rationality. Sarah Baldeo, neuroscientist and TED speaker, joined CTV Morning Live’s meteorologist Cory Edel, on why saying thanks is important.

This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Cory Edel: Many of us are preparing for the Thanksgiving long weekend. It’s already here in a few days, and it’s a time of celebration with friends and family, giving thanks and showing gratitude.

But why does gratitude feel so good? The answer lies within the human brain. Sarah Baldeo, neuroscientist and TED speaker, joins us to explain the science behind it all. This is such a cool topic and perfect timing.

What happens to us physically when we express gratitude?

Sarah Baldeo: I would say the key is you need to express gratitude verbally.

When you’re expressing it verbally to other people, you’re reducing the stress hormone cortisol. So when you’re anxious and when you’re stressed out, and you verbally express gratitude to other people, you’re actually going …