It feels good to be grateful. Those who regularly practice gratitude are in tune with what they are thankful for and what makes them happy. This recognition contributes greatly in experiencing positive emotions, compassion and even general kindness. If you’re looking to incorporate some gratitude in your life, here are 10 great practices:
- Open Your Eyes
Often it is the things around you everyday that you are subconsciously most grateful for. Caring friends, doting family members, and your unconditionally loving pet. Even the simple things such as having a roof over your head and enough food to eat at dinner sometimes escape your thanks. When you open your eyes tomorrow morning, see every blessing in your life for what it is. As you go about your day, mentally catalogue all of the things you may actually take for granted.
- Remind Yourself
Throughout the day it’s easy to become discouraged with the stress of work and other everyday things that may demotivate or antagonize you. Don’t let these things tear down your gratitude. Place motivational and positive quotes around your home and workspace. Set your phone background as a favourite quote that reminds you why you’re grateful. All of these simple things will help promote your gratitude.
- Document Your Day
An effective way to express gratitude is to journal for a few minutes everyday. There doesn’t need to be a specific or explicit narrative – just write! Whether you’re thankful for something incredible that happened or something as simple as generally having a good day. This practice will help you to express your gratitude and appreciation.
- Embrace Nature
One of the most humbling things you can do as a human being is allow yourself to get lost in nature. Realize how small you are amongst the vast expanse of trees, mountains and oceans. First and foremost, it’s important to both enjoy and embrace nature. Get up early to watch the sunrise, eat lunch in the park, or spend your Saturday hiking and floating in the ocean.
- Express Yourself
So often our feelings and intentions are never expressed. Kind words, compliments and praise are thought about our peers, but not shared with them. A great way to express gratitude is by actually expressing gratitude. Make sure to message your loved ones or visit them and let them know how much you appreciate them. If someone makes your day, makes you feel good, or if you are just thinking of him or her – let them know! Not only will this make them feel fantastic, but it will also make you feel good knowing you’ve brightened their day.
- Eliminate the Negative
How many of your conversations are spurred by complaining or gossip? Probably more than you’d like to admit. Keep the positivity flowing by focusing on positive, complimentary and inherently good things. Remain conscious of the words coming out of your mouth and how they will likely be perceived. Do your best to remain uplifting and constructive!
- Discover Meditation
Being grateful can be difficult when we are inundated with information coming from our smartphones, Facebook, TV, and millions of other information sources we’re on all day. To help you disconnect from the constant stream and successfully quiet your mind, try practicing meditation. Find a few moments a day to sit still, gently close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and turn your focus inward. How are you feeling, how can you find a calm and how can you better your day and your life.
- The Silver Lining
For every challenge you face, think of its silver lining. What did you learn from this challenge? How did this tribulation help shape you in some way? Every negative has a positive and it’s important to always acknowledge the positives in any situation. Even the most difficult hardships help to shape and serve you!
- The Power of ‘Thank You’
In going about your busy way it’s easy to forget all of the little things people may do for you. The barista making your coffee, the businessman who held the door or the little girl who hands you your dropped $5 bill as your rush off to work. Take that split second to offer that kind stranger a smile and a ‘thank you’. Think of how good it feels to receive thanks for the little things you do and pay it forward. Giving back feels good!
10. Embrace Your Humanity
While all of these guidelines are certainly helpful in practicing gratitude, they are just that – guidelines. Practicing gratitude is about personal thanks and improving your life and your happiness. Missing a day journaling or complaining to one of your friends does not set you back. We are all human and it’s okay to make mistakes! As Confucius once said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
How do you express gratitude? We’d love to hear about it! Share your words of wisdom with us on our Facebook page. If you’re looking to add to your personal wellness, discover the power of a QRay bracelet today!