How to practice gratitude? It is actually very simple! Below are 8 simple methods that you can implement in your life, today!
The amazing thing about practicing gratitude is that it generally takes eight weeks of practice for a person’s brain processes to change, resulting in increased happiness. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will reap the benefits of thankfulness.
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The benefits of practicing gratitude
Gratitude comes with many advantages when practiced daily. It impacts every aspect of our lives, bringing positive energy and enhancing our quality of life in both noticeable and subtle ways.
Those who make gratitude a priority in their lives are more likely to have a positive outlook on things. People who live a life of gratitude are more likely to:
- Have more energy;
- Be kinder and more caring;
- Be physically and mentally stronger;
- Have a stronger immune system;
- Sleep better;
- Experience reduced levels of tension, stress, and anxiety;
- Experience reduced instances of aggressive behavior;
- Be more relaxed;
- Heal faster from mental trauma and psychological wounds;
- Be more trusting and humble;
- Experience improved productivity and decision-making.
- Live longer.
8 Simple ways to practice gratitude
1. Maintain a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is a daily journal in which you keep track of all the good things that happen to you on a daily basis, and the things you are grateful for.
The purpose of a gratitude journal is to remind you of your blessings.
Not sure what to write in your gratitude journal? Gratitude journal examples to inspire you.
2. Write thank you notes to people
Thank you notes are lovely for the people receiving them, but it’s good for the person writing the notes too, particularly if you are experiencing those feelings of gratitude while you are writing the notes.
3. Say daily gratitude affirmations
It is recommended that you say your gratitude affirmations as soon as you wake up or before you go to bed. However, if these times don’t work for you, say it when you can.
Make your affirmations to express your gratitude for all of the good in your life. Repeat them on a daily basis. At the end of the week, you can update or change the affirmations.
You can speak the affirmations out loud or silently in your head. You could also write them down. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to feel gratitude while you are doing it.
128 Powerful gratitude affirmations that can change your life
4. Practice mindfulness
Every day, sit down and think about five to ten things for which you are grateful. The key is to visualize it in your head and sit with the sensation of thankfulness in your body. If you do this every day, your brain will automatically become more thankful, and you’ll begin to feel happy after each session.
5. Look for gratitude in difficult situations
Gratitude isn’t just about being grateful for good things. In fact, thinking about bad or challenging situations can sometimes help you pinpoint exactly what you have to be grateful for.
6. Keep a gratitude jar
A gratitude jar is similar to a gratitude journal—you’re simply writing down things you are grateful for, and putting them in a jar. It can be very satisfying to see the jar grow. It’s a gentle reminder of the blessings in your life.
Not sure how to get started? Gratitude journal prompts for effective journaling.
7. Look for gratitude in everything
Gratitude does not have to be reserved for life’s “major” events. The habit of being grateful begins with appreciating all of life’s blessings and realizing that there is nothing too small to be grateful for.
Don’t leave anything out while practicing thankfulness, even if it’s as basic as enjoying the clear weather or how fast your mailman delivered your mail last Friday.
8. Say thank you to everyone and for everything
Go out and say thank you to the grocery store clerk, the mailman, or whoever you feel grateful for.
Gratitude is not reserved for people, but also for situations. If you are grateful that you made it in time for an appointment, feel the gratitude. If you are starving and you got the last slice of pizza, feel that gratitude.
