Our favourite gratitude practice
We are all guilty of having a down day. You know those days – where nothing seems to go your way, and the world doesn’t seem to be on your side. However, with just a few moments of gratitude, it usually doesn’t take long to remind us of just how lucky we are. We’re breathing, we’re alive, and there are so many blessings to be thankful for.
Practicing gratitude is one of life’s most transformative practices, as it helps to move us out of those down day funks, and helps us to take stock of what matters most in our lives. The result? Healthier, happier and more productive days, where we can focus on the positive. The health benefits of practicing gratitude are also abundant: increased alertness, better progress towards personal goals, and higher life satisfaction ratings.
To practice gratitude in your everyday life in an easy, but highly transformative way, here are three things you can do each day.
Write down 3 things you are thankful for
Write daily in a gratitude journal or notebook, covering three things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t need to be monumental or life-changing; it might be as simple as a call from a friend, that you made someone smile at work, or that you tasted a delicious pineapple. They can be moments, people, things, or anything at all that you feel grateful for. On the weekend, take a look back and see how much beautiful energy there is around your life.
Thank one person each day
The very best way to uplift yourself is to uplift others. So practice gratitude by thinking of one person who has made you happy or has helped you out. Maybe it’s someone you interacted with today, or perhaps it was someone in your past who has helped you become the person you are today. Whoever it is, send them a message or give them a call to tell them how thankful you are to have them in your life.
Do a weekly reflection on your accomplishments
Unfortunately, in our society, we tend to narrowly focus the notion of “success” around professional accomplishments. However, progress in our health, relationships, and wellbeing are just as important, and are accomplishments to be grateful and thankful for as well. To be alive, healthy, and with people we love is a huge blessing. So each week, write a reflection on your ups and downs. Take note of your accomplishments – not only at work, but also in your personal wellbeing. Even completing your gratitude journal counts! Congratulate yourself for putting prioritising your needs.
We’d love to know what other ways you practice gratitude. Tell us in the comments below!