<p>We’re always told that gratitude is the route to happiness – that we should be grateful for every experience we have. But when life feels like it’s falling apart, gratitude can feel less like a comfort and more like pressure. In reality, gratitude and pain often have to coexist.</p> <p>In this episode, we ask whether gratitude actually does make us happier - what it really is, how it rewires the brain, and why it sometimes feels impossible.</p> <p>We explore:</p> <p>•        What makes gratitude so powerful<br>•        The cognitive and neuroscientific mechanisms behind gratitude<br>•        Toxic gratitude when life simply feels hard<br>•        The gratitude paradox<br>•        The guilt associated with not being grateful enough<br>•        Some alternatives for when gratitude feels inaccessible</p> <p>If you’ve ever struggled with the idea that you ‘should’ be thankful for the hard times in life, this episode is for you.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book">ORDER MY BOOK</a></p> <p>Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a></p> <p>Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a></p> <p>For business: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> </p> <p> </p> <p>The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.</p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>