Four easy ways to practice gratitude
Making room for gratitude may be easier than you think. These ideas can get you started.
Keep a gratitude journal
Take 5minutes each day to reflect on the people and things you’re grateful for. Did your spouse cook dinner? Get a call from a friend? Noticing those occurrences can help you adjust your focus. Over time, that can help you see situations in a more positive light.
Be mindful
Let go of negative thinking so you can concentrate more on what’s going well. It starts with distancing yourself fromworry and spending more time in the here and now. Meditation, prayer, or even taking deep breaths can help keep you in a healthier, more thankful state of mind.
Say thank you — andmean it
Did a stranger hold the door open for you on your way into the store? Maybe you can return the favor or pay it forward. And let them know you appreciate it. Calling a person or writing a letter to express thanks can leave a lasting impression. The exchanges that happen while doing so may also provide even more reasons to be grateful.
Give back
Doing good feels good — and there are lots of ways to be generous. Make a donation to your favorite charity. Drop off canned goods at a local food pantry. Volunteer to help a neighbor or an organization. When you practice gratitude through helping others, you also help yourself.
Nicole Abendroth is an Appleton, Wis.-based writer.
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