A Mindful Shift: Creative Ways To Practice Gratitude

Life moves fast. We often find ourselves in a whirlwind of stress, deadlines, and daily annoyances. Think about those moments when something unexpectedly goes right—like catching the bus you were sure you’d miss. In those few seconds, you might feel a rush of relief and a quick, heartfelt “thank you” to the bus driver. But just as quickly as it appears, that feeling of gratitude can disappear, replaced by the stress of the day.

Unlike more prominent emotions like anger or joy, gratitude can be fleeting and easy to overlook. But with a little practice, we can make the conscious choice to acknowledge the parts of our lives—big or small—that we appreciate. Gratitude is far from a frivolous practice. Expressing it, or even witnessing it, can gradually rewire our brains to see the world from a new perspective. This shift can have a widespread impact on our minds and bodies.

So, how do we make practicing gratitude a little less like another chore and a bit more like a natural part of our day? The key is to find a practice that feels right for you. Let’s explore some ideas to help you add a small dose of gratitude to your routine.

Find Your Personal Gratitude Style

Practicing gratitude is most effective when it’s specific and personal. Instead of a generic “thank you,” try being more detailed. For example, you could say to a family member, “I’m so thankful for the time you take each week to help out; it makes me feel really supported.”

You can also find ways to weave gratitude into your daily life:

• Share as a Group: Prompt your family or friends to share three things they’re grateful for during dinner. It can be a simple way to create positive, connecting conversations.

• Take a Nature Walk: Spend a few moments being present in the natural world. Pay attention to the shape of the clouds, the color of the leaves, or the sound of a bird’s song.

• Write It Down: You could keep a gratitude journal or even start a gratitude jar with your family. Write down something you’re grateful for each day and read the entries at the end of the week.

• Establish a Nighttime Routine: Reflect individually on your day, or take turns sharing with your partner or children.

• Express It Outwardly: Send a text to a friend, give a shout-out to a coworker, or write a review for your favorite local coffee shop.

Related reading: Why You Should Cultivate Gratitude Everyday

Build Resilience Through Gratitude

It’s easy to feel grateful when things are going well. But what about when they’re not? During our lowest points, it might feel like there’s nothing to be grateful for. The practice of gratitude is not about ignoring pain, but rather about acknowledging that even in difficult times, there may be a glimmer of light. Maybe you can’t be grateful for your circumstances, but you might be grateful for a supportive friend, a kind stranger, or even the comfort of your favorite TV show.

These small acts of appreciation, especially during tough times, can help you build resilience. Pushing yourself to find gratitude isn’t easy, but it can help protect your body and potentially slow the biological aging process. It’s a practice that strengthens you from the inside out, preparing you to face future challenges with a little more grace

Ready To Get Started?

If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s completely normal. You might need help identifying what to feel grateful for, understanding your mental blocks, or combatting negative self-talk. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Consider booking a 1:1 coaching session to get personalized advice, ask questions, and pinpoint the reasons why you want to commit to practicing gratitude.

Find A Gratitude Coach →

Updated September 2025