How to Practice Gratitude Every Day
I believe that gratitude changes things. When you have a sense of gratitude (along with purpose and connection), you have the ability to build a more beautiful life. Practicing gratitude — actively choosing to feel it, experience it, and act on it — will make you happier.
But, gratitude, is not a one-and-done thing, that’s the practicing part.
If you knew something would make you happier would you do it? What if it only took five minutes? If you could easily add it into your daily routine? If you this one action item was guaranteed to make you happier, would you do it every day?
While it may seem counterintuitive, finding time to practice gratitude will give you energy. Science shows there are actual health benefits to practicing gratitude. It will help you sleep better, feel better, and experience greater happiness. It will help you stay in the moment and as an Enneagram 7, I really need help with that one.
So how do you practice gratitude when life gets busy? How do you practice gratitude when you’ve got a million things on your to-do list and you’re stressed, and it’s the holiday season, and all the other things? You figure out a way to integrate it into your daily routine!
I’ve seen the benefits of practicing gratitude in my own lifetime and time again. Simply put, gratitude breeds joy. T
oday, I’m sharing 5 quick ways you can practice gratitude every single day. Keep reading to see if one of these practices could fit into your regular routine. I promise it will be worth it!
5 Everyday Gratitude Practices
- Keep a running gratitude list in your planner or in a notebook. I encourage you to pull out a pen and paper here. Yes, keeping a gratitude list on your phone is also a great option! But I find real value in writing it out. Add to it each day or use it as a reflection tool when you need a boost.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Journaling has been a huge part of my life in the last few years and has been especially important as I’ve worked on the book. Consistency is key here. Create a daily habit by picking a time to journal every day.
- Make it a family and friend affair. Ask your loved ones to share three things they’re grateful for at mealtime each day! We do a version of this at our house and it’s a beautiful time to reflect, laugh, and connect with my husband and kids.
- Tell someone how grateful you are for them. Phone a friend, write a letter, send a text. It doesn’t have to be a long message and it doesn’t need to be directed towards a specific person. This is a quick endorphin boost for you and the recipient!
- Give yourself the kindness and grace you deserve! Being grateful is a mindset you can practice on yourself. It might sound silly but name something you’re grateful for about yourself. Write it down. Say it outloud. You’re doing the best you can and you should acknowledge it!
I’m putting this practice into action today and sharing my gratitude list here!
- You!
- Wrapping up another round of book edits with an incredible team
- The opportunity to host youth group over the weekend
- Our kitchen reno is underway (it’s messy, and we don’t currently have a working kitchen but will be worth it!)
- Breakfast meeting with my editor
- Spending time with cherised friends at a fundrasier last week!
- Hot coffee with my favorite creamer
- Ebay (I’m shoping for doll-house accessories and it makes me so happy!)
- Halloween candy
How are you going to practice gratitude today? Share below!
