Gratitude can seem like one of those “feel-good” activities that you’re “supposed to do” for your overall well-being but really doesn’t move the needle.
But that’s not the case!
Research shows that regularly expressing gratitude helps:
- Lower depression
- Manage anxiety
- Support heart health
- Improve your sleep
- Manage stress
… and studies continue to hint that it may help benefit your immune health and more.
PLUS: Have you ever noticed how virtually every successful person mentions that they make time for gratitude in their busy schedule?
Pretty good for something that doesn’t cost a penny, takes very little effort, and leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings. Right?
15 Ways to Express Gratitude
- Say a sincere, look-them-in-the-eyes “thank you” to someone who does something nice for you — or simply for being in your life.
- Write a letter to someone who has made a significant impact on your life, even if they are no longer with us.
- Create a gratitude jar. Write down things you’re grateful for on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Then, when you’re feeling down, pull out a piece of paper and remind yourself of the good in your life!
- Send a small “just because” gift to someone you appreciate.
- Pay someone a compliment.
- Cook a meal for someone you’re grateful for.
- Support a cause that you or someone important to you cares about.
- Create art (a drawing, song, poem, dance, or other form of expression) about something you’re grateful for.
- Work out. Express gratitude for your health by taking care of your body.
- Be (intentionally) patient. The next time you’re feeling frustrated, take a few breaths as a show of understanding and gratitude for others.
- Send someone a text letting them know you’re thankful for them.
- Leave a Post-It note for someone you care about, expressing your gratitude for them — leave it on their car, desk, mirror, lunch, or other “surprise” spot.
- Pay it forward. When someone does something kind for you, pass on the good deed by doing something kind for someone else.
- Practice a random act of kindness for someone — pay for their coffee, pick up trash, or mow or shovel your neighbor’s walkway.
- Volunteer your time with a local food bank, animal shelter, or other organization to show your gratitude to your community.
Choose 1 or 2 of the items on this list and get them done this week!
Even better: enlist a family member or friend. Not only will you get those warm fuzzy feelings I mentioned above, others will benefit, too.
Thank you again for your support!
Make it an awesome day,
Lyonel Lumarque