Gratitude changes you and your brain. Many studies over the last decade have shown that people who count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. This can be a spontaneous feeling, but research has demonstrated that putting this into a conscious practice can have many social and personal benefits. Here are 5 ways to incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily life:
1. Make an effort to notice the goodness in life
What are things in your life that have positively impacted you? Start noticing the simple things like good health, sunshine, weekends and the ability to read this right now. There are so many things to be grateful for that we take for granted every day.
2. Keep a journal
Cut out your endless social media scrolling and decompress at the end of the day with journaling about all the positive things that happened. Pushing yourself to notice the things you appreciate and feeling less cynical can put you in a more thankful mindset. Communicating your thoughts on paper can be a great way to process your gratitude.
3. Write down three good things
If you are a type-A person and love lists, end every day with jotting down three things you were grateful for that day. I think you'll be surprised to find that this practice gets easier and you won't want to limit yourself to just three good things.
4. Write thank you notes
Think about the people who have inspired you. What have they done that has made a lasting impact? Share your gratitude with them - positivity is contagious. Postable offers cute cards for any occasion. You order them online and they will send them to your recipient!
5. Spend time in nature
Our worlds are constantly stimulated by noise. It can be difficult to drown out the chaos to stop and appreciate what you have. Give yourself space in the peaceful outdoors as you count your joys!