How to Practice Gratitude Every Day
The act of practicing gratitude every day can seem unattainable for many people. Hectic mornings. The bombardment of daily to dos and responsibilities. Evening routines that never seem to end. When are we supposed to fit in a few moments of reflection? The first step is to start surrounding yourself with resources and people who already practice gratitude every day.
Some Practical Ideas
Depending on your day to day life, fitting in moments of gratitude or mindfulness can be easier than you think. It’s just a matter of intention and desire. These are all tips and tricks I have picked up over the years and are now a part of my daily routine.
Before you get out of bed for the day, stretch and breathe. Close your eyes and say affirmations out loud:
“Today is going to be a great day.”
“I am happy and thriving and unstoppable.”
“Everything I want in this life is within my reach.”
“Thank you universe for all the love and joy in my life.”
You can change/modify to any affirmation that suits where you are on your journey. If your first thoughts of the day are positive, it will be easier to notice all the good throughout your day. Promise.
Now, as you go about your day, take the time to notice when things are going right. You hit three green lights in a row on your way to school drop offs. The milk jug was full when you made your coffee. The purse you’ve been eyeing for some time drops in price and you have the extra funds to finally treat yourself. When you stop to notice and acknowledge all the good that is happening, more of it will start to show up for you. That is one of the best ways to practice gratitude every day.
Journal
If you are able to sit and take a few moments before your morning routine begins, then grabbing a pen and journal is what I would recommend. You can use this time to write out affirmations that you want to come true, or brain dump all your thoughts down before they consume you. You could reflect from the day before or plan for the day ahead. You can simply write three things/people/feelings you are grateful for.
Whatever helps your brain focus and feel energized for the day ahead. My only tip is to keep it positive and in the present. If you have kids, get them involved too! (I’ll be including a list of resources at the end to help support and further explain these ideas.)
Podcasts and Audio books
If your routine is anything like mine, podcasts and audio books could be your best option to practice gratitude every day. If you work from home, have a longer commute to work or are willing to change your workout music to talking, podcasts and audio books are a great way to learn new things and be intentional with your thoughts.
Maybe your brain comprehends information better when you listen to it rather than read it. Or every minute of your day is already spoken for, so the thought of actually sitting and reading (without interruptions!) is unfathomable. Multitasking may be your best option during this era of your life.
Content Creators
Some of my favourite routines came from every day people I came across on social media. TikTok specifically. If you find yourself doom scrolling when you should be sleeping, then why not follow a few creators who think and feel the way that you hope to one day? Surrounding yourself with like-minded people, including those you do not know, it does something to your energy and intentions.
When you notice how listening to their affirmations or thoughts on mindfulness impact your thoughts, you’ll start to seek it out, with a little help from the algorithm. Some of my favourite creators on TikTok are: @aspiring_alchemist @upspiral.life @keegjasper @offgridaustin
Books
Now, if you have the time or are already a bookworm, then physical books can also be a way to incorporate gratitude and mindfulness into your life. Certain self-help books teach the tangible skills you need and most include homework or a workbook to implement what you are learning.
One great resource that I have completed myself is Gabrielle Bernstein’s Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams. It’s companion workbook allows you to take a look inward and apply what you have learned from the text.
All of this to Say
Every person is living very different lives with very different routines and responsibilities. If you’re looking at your life and want to shift to a more meaningful and positive lifestyle, then you need to practice gratitude every day. We cannot obtain what we want if we do not first appreciate all that we have. Even the hard things can teach us how to be more patient, trusting, intuitive and reflective.
There will still be days that challenge us, but if you start today, you’ll have the tools and routine already established to re-center yourself and move forward. Once it’s a part of your routine, practicing gratitude every day becomes second nature. Once you intentionally watch or listen to other people who already do this so well, you’ll find those that speak to you and who will genuinely help you to change your life.
List of Resources to help you get started
365 Days of Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal
Daily Gratitude Journal for Kids
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you.
