Gratitude Practice 101

Gratitude improves our health, relationships, emotions, personality, and career. It isn't just an action. Gratitude is a positive emotion.

Let's talk about ways you can practice gratitude and how it can benefit your life!

Keep a gratitude journal. Journaling for five minutes a day about what we are grateful for can enhance our long-term happiness. There are millions of things around us to be grateful for. Keep a journal and spend some time each day to physically write down those things. It’s a great practice to have. You'll be filling up that journal in no time. 

Morning mediatation. Spend a few minutes a day to reflect on things that you are grateful for. First thing in the morning is a good time because it puts you in a positive mindset to carry you through the day. These things can be as simple as the smell of morning coffee, the laughter of your little one, the love of your significant other, or the huge promotion you just landed. 

Gratitude walks. Walking has wonderful health benefits. Why not take that walk to the next level? Take time to find the beauty in everything around you. The colors of the leaves, the sound of the birds, the smell of fresh cut grass. I take these walks in our beautiful Tennessee parks often. I breathe in the fresh air, watch the wind move the trees, see the squirrels rummage through the fallen leaves. I am reminded how blessed I am to be surrounded by nature's pure perfection everyday. And I am filled with gratitude. 

Being more gratefully aware of what you have takes away the envy for what others have. This day in age it's way too easy to scroll through all the social media perfection and wish you had that life full of glamour, adventures and perfect relationships. Be happy for what you have.

With gratitude practice you'll have more energy and feel healthier. Experts believe this link is because grateful people tend to appreciate their health more than others, and they will be more likely to take better care of themselves.

Here are some gratitude prompts to get you started:

I’m grateful for these three things I see...I’m grateful for three things I smell...I’m grateful for three things I hear...I’m grateful for three things I taste...I’m grateful for three things I feel...I’m grateful for these friends/family members/teachers

Do you have a different way a showing and practicing gratitude? I would love to hear about it! Comment below and let me know.