Gratitude can be shown and received in hundreds of different ways, but nearly every single way leaves at least one person with a feeling of satisfaction and appreciation. Showing gratitude is a small and easy way to show others you appreciate them and the things they do. Not only does showing gratitude outwardly improve your relationships with others, but it also improves your mental headspace and generally leaves you happier with your own life.
There are many different ways to show gratitude. Here are 3 examples of ways that you can show gratitude to others, and to yourself.
- Make a list of the things that you are grateful for before you go to bed at night.
There are some days when it’s easy to rattle off a list of dozens of things that bring you joy from the top of your head. There are other days when it’s not. Getting in the habit of consciously writing down the things that bring you joy will go on to make the harder days easier and can be re-read as a reminder of how many good things you have going in your life.
2. Text someone you care about and tell them how much you
appreciate them.
It may sound cheesy but texting or calling someone you appreciate not only can improve their mood, but will also go on to strengthen your relationship. Voicing your appreciation aloud for someone else makes them feel good about themselves and will validate their thought process in the things they do for you.
3. Put time aside for yourself. Show gratitude to yourself.
It can be hard with our hectic daily lives to take the time to honor ourselves and the things we need. Putting time aside for yourself is an easy way to show yourself gratitude and stay in tune with the things you need. Putting time aside for yourself can be as easy as taking 5 minutes before your morning coffee to watch the sunrise, or talking a short 10-minute walk outside after work. However you choose to use your time for yourself, it will keep you in tune with your wants and needs, as well as creating a free headspace for your thoughts.
