It is no secret that life can be busy. We often get so caught up in our lives that it can be difficult to slow down and appreciate what you have, rather than always wanting more. Making time for gratitude is necessary for well-being, emotional and mental health.

Benefits of Gratitude

Being gracious for all that you have while appreciating others can have a big impact on your well-being and increase feelings of happiness, subsequently reducing stress and negative emotions. It can help you feel more confident and satisfied with your life.

Gratitude has even been shown to improve quality of sleep and the combination of an optimistic attitude and better sleep increases your energy levels. Additionally, research has concluded that counting your blessings and showing appreciation for others benefits you emotionally and socially as you improve your interpersonal skills.

Try these tips to help you cultivate your gratitude!

Keep a gratitude journal

Whether handwritten or digital, keeping a journal of all the positives in your life can help foster a sense of gratitude.

Mind your manners

“Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others. It demonstrates respect and appreciation.

Practice sincerity so the recipient knows you are truly appreciative

Write a note

If there is someone in your life that has had a significant positive impact on you, tell them in a handwritten note. Not only will it make them feel good to receive it, but you will also feel good sending it.

Compliment someone

Saying something nice to at least one person a day can make them and you feel good. At the same time, if someone compliments you, accept it sincerely with a smile and thank you–avoid brushing it off.

Spend quality time with someone you appreciate

Plan an activity to do together just for the fun of it

Take a few moments each day to sit quietly and meditate on all the things for which you are grateful

Give to those in need

Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate food, send care packages to hospital patients, or visit an eldercare facility. You will improve someone else’s day and your own!

Make gratitude a daily habitEvery day, write down three things you are grateful for and one thing that you will do for someone else. Making this a daily habit yields great results!

**Adapted from Health Advocate