Gratitude can be an important way to adjust our perspective on the world. It’s no wonder it has found its place in the self-care pantheon. Among the benefits to gratitude are improved physical and mental health, increased optimism and improved relationships. Gratitude can be practised in a myriad of ways whether you wish to implement for your relationships or to boost your wellbeing. It can part of a personal routine, or enacted with others. Here’s a few quick ways to put it into practise.
For How Gratitude Boosted My Mental Health read here.
Gratitude Practises
Say Thank You.
Not just a rushed thank you for services rendered. Say it like you mean it. Take the moment to acknowledge when someone has done something for you. Whether or not is there job. Get better at saying it for things that often go unnoticed. Gratitude will help you notice those little things to.
Gratitude Jar.
Do this alone, with family or friends. All you need are scraps of paper and a jar. You can do this daily, weekly, monthly. Or on whatever schedule works for you. Everyone completes a scrap for the jar. Find a time every so often to go through it. If it’s a personal jar, maybe when you need a pick me up or your mood is low. As a family, perhaps when you’re feeling disconnected. If you’re doing it with others, you can sign your contributions or make them anonymous.
Meditation.
Gratitude meditations and yoga are another opportunity to put this into practise. It can be a great way to start your day on the right foot. Or even to end it. But consider it an option when you need a break from the world. Or when feelings threaten to overwhelm you. Whether you’re feel alone, frustrated, angry or low.
Appreciate Each Other.
This is one I’ve recently put into practise in a relationship. Every day we make time to say something we appreciate in each other. It’s such a small thing and takes next to no time. Firstly, it’s a lovely thing to hear that you are appreciated every day. But it also challenges me to notice the small things they do for me. It reminds me that I am cared for and has only brought us closer together. Just remember, keep it specific to something that day.
Gratitude Art.
Another option for personal practise or the whole family or friendship group. You could collage with magazine cut outs or online print outs, draw, paint or any other medium. Create a gratitude mood board. Those things that will lift your mood and make you feel grateful. You may find yourself inspired by all the good things we often forget to notice.
Gratitude Playlist.
Listen whenever or wherever. Bring all the songs that make you realise how lucky you are in one place. They may remind you of people you have in your life or have loved and lost. But felt so lucky to have known. Perhaps the song brings back good memories of live events, milestones or holidays. The song lyrics may speak to you or the music may touch you. If they help you feel gratitude, they belong on the playlist.
What does your gratitude practise look like? Do you find it easy to do? What works well for you? As always, let us know below