The power of daily gratitude

One of the simplest, most effective things we can do to boost happiness and enhance our mental and physical health is to adopt a daily gratitude practice. It’s been associated with reduced anxiety, stress relief, improved sleep and even heart health!

I’m using the upcoming American Thanksgiving holiday as a prompt to commit to a daily routine, and to stick with it (the second part is what I’ve found to be the most challenging.)

So, to get started, I’m going to be intentional about doing at least one of the following 5 things every day between now and the end of the year:

🍁 Using a gratitude journal. I love the Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change. (And it also makes a really beautiful gift.)
🌿 Whenever I feel any kind of fear, I’m going to breathe and think of someone or something I’m grateful for. You can't be fearful and grateful simultaneously.
🍂 Writing a note of gratitude to someone in my life – past or present – who had a positive impact on me in some way. A written card is always a beautiful way to express, but a short text can also be really meaningful.
🍃 When I make a mistake or fail at something, recognizing the opportunity for growth and being grateful for it.
🍁 In moments of waiting, thinking of someone or something I’m grateful for. I’ve heard that to maximize the benefit of this one it’s important to really savour this image or memory – and hold it in every cell of your body, not just your mind.

Are you doing any of these and have you found they’ve made a difference?
How do you practice gratitude? I’d love your ideas and inspiration!