Vitamin G: How Gratitude Boosts HRV, Lowers Cortisol & Unlocks Healing (Faith + Physiology) cover art

Vitamin G: How Gratitude Boosts HRV, Lowers Cortisol & Unlocks Healing (Faith + Physiology)

Vitamin G: How Gratitude Boosts HRV, Lowers Cortisol & Unlocks Healing (Faith + Physiology)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Send us a text

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Own It Show, host Justin Roethlingshoefer introduces “Vitamin G”—gratitude—as a spiritual discipline and a biological signal that shifts the body from protect → heal. Beyond surface-level thank-yous, Justin unpacks embodied gratitude that rewires the brain, raises HRV, lowers cortisol, and realigns your nervous system with peace and presence. From worship playlists to breath-linked journaling, he shows how gratitude transforms physiology—and why it’s the essential “vitamin” your soul needs to thrive.

Episode Highlights

  • Gratitude vs. Thankfulness: Moving from polite thanks to embodied reverence that changes state.


  • Bio-Signal, Not Just Mindset: Gratitude activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/repair), often reflected as higher HRV, better recovery, immune function, and emotional regulation.


  • Neurochemistry of Gratitude: Engages the prefrontal cortex; supports serotonin & dopamine pathways → durable, positive neural wiring (not just a temporary mood).


  • Faith Meets Physiology: Scripture’s call to thanksgiving aligns with measurable stress reduction and decision clarity.


  • Environment Matters: Music and inputs shift state (e.g., worship vs. “depressive playlist”); be the thermostat, not the thermometer.


  • Real-World Wins: Clients who integrate gratitude stacks often see HRV and symptom improvements (e.g., brain fog, bloat) as stress load decreases.
    Pattern Interrupt (daytime):
    When stress hits, take one slow breath and recall one specific gratitude; notice the state shift.


  • Evening Rewind (3–5 minutes):
    Play High–Low–Buffalo (high = win, low = challenge, buffalo = surprise) and find gratitude in each.


  • Track Your HRV:
    Note last month’s average; run the three practices for 7 days and compare average HRV, sleep quality, and mood.


  • Worship Playlist:
    Start or end the day with gratitude-centered worship to prime the nervous system for calm, clarity, and connection.


Scripture & Studies Mentioned

  • Psalm 100:4 — Enter his gates with thanksgiving (gratitude opens gates).


  • Psalm 46:10 — Be still and know (stillness precedes state change).


  • Gratitude & HRV / Parasympathetic Activation: Research linking gratitude journaling/practice to improved HRV, emotional regulation, and recovery.


  • Neuroplasticity & Neurochemistry: Gratitude practices support prefrontal activation and serotonin/dopamine balance, reinforcing resilient pathways.

===========================
Subscribe and Listen to the Own It Show HERE:
➡︎ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@justinroethlingshoefer
➡︎ Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3KCyN3j
➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3F58Ez4lbIKQ6kMu2pfpIG

===========================
Resources:
⚡️CHECK OUR PROGRAMS: https://ownitcoaching.com/programs/
⚡️BOOK: https://thepowerofownershipbook.com/

===========================
Connect with Justin Roethlingshoefer on Social Media:
➡︎ linkedin.com/in/justin-roethlingshoefer
➡︎https://www.instagram.com/justinroeth/?hl=en

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.