Practicing gratitude calls for an attitude adjustment. You might actually be close to practicing gratitude already. That means you just need to be more self-aware so that you can embrace the benefits. When you practice gratitude, you’ll find that you get a boost for your mental health. That’s because you can be less stressed throughout the day. You’ll also be more willing to accept change. That’s a great thing to lean into. Practicing gratitude goes beyond saying, “Thank you.” That is the foundation and you should notice how often you do say it; can you step it up? Here’s what else you might consider doing to practice gratitude.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Writing down all the things that you’re grateful for will help you focus on your gratitude. At first, your gratitude journal can be filled with all the things you are presently grateful for. Then you can start adding the moments of gratitude that you feel each day. It would be great to keep adding to that list. Make it an online journal for easier access.
Remember the Bad Stuff
Being grateful means appreciating where you are in life and how you got there. That means reflecting on the times that might not have been so wonderful. Remember how it felt in those dark times? Doesn’t it feel better now? That’s is something to be grateful for!
Share Your Gratitude
Your gratitude shouldn’t just be shared with random strangers who help you at the store or restaurant. It should be shared with the people closest to you. We all take our family and friends for granted. That should change. If you’re on the receiving end of a delicious dinner, then thanks should be given and not just on Thanksgiving!
Open Your Senses
Being grateful isn’t just about good things happening to you. It is also about experiencing things with your senses. You can be grateful for fragrant flowers or a bite into a blueberry muffin. Is there a sight you see on your commute that makes you smile? Take a moment to recognize all the input that your senses provide and be grateful for that.
Reflecting on your gratitude can be part of your daily meditation practice. There is a lot to be thankful for!