Practicing gratitude has some amazing benefits to both our bodies and our minds. Here are 12 ways you can practice gratitude right now!

Pause right now and practice gratitude.

This moment is something to be thankful for. Pause right now and think of one thing you are grateful for. Say it out loud. 

Send a text.

Reach out to someone and brighten up their day. Make sure to include the ‘why’ you’re sending the text. Are you thankful for them? Why? The compliment hits harder when you get specific. 

Thank a former teacher.

Has there been a teacher in your life that has really helped you out? Reach out and let them know. Just say thank you for that thing. It could change their whole day.

Stretch your fingers to practice gratitude.

Give each one of your fingers a stretch. Say something you’re thankful for while stretching each finger. This can be more challenging than it sounds!

Take a walk.

Walking is something we often take for granted. A broken foot, injured toe, leg, or back pain can prevent this from happening comfortably. Go for a walk and say thanks.

Practice Gratitude with a body scan.

Start from your toes and take inventory of your body and everything you have to be thankful for. A human body is something to marvel at. No matter how your body looks, it’s better than not having one. It’s something to be thankful for.

Thank your eyes for seeing.

Close your eyes and imagine you couldn’t see anymore. Sit with this feeling for a few minutes. Then, open your eyes and say thanks for seeing.

Take inventory of the clothes you are wearing.

Where did you get your clothes from and how? Do any items that you’re wearing bring you joy? Are your clothes warm and comfortable? These are all things to be grateful for.

Take a shower.

On the reality TV show  ‘Survivor’ one of the prizes you can win is a hot shower. If you have a hot shower available, hop in today and notice how it feels on your body. It truly is something to be thankful for.

Practice gratitude by writing a review.

Have you gone to a restaurant or store recently and had a great experience? Did the barista at the coffee shop this morning do a fantastic job? 

Open up google and write them a positive review! Mention their name specifically. It will make their day better and they could do something nice for something else. The residuals of a positive review can flow forward many times over.

Take 3 deep breaths.

Take a moment to appreciate your breath. Notice where you can feel it the most and focus on that. On each exhale mentally thank your lungs for the oxygen you are receiving. 

Stand up and stretch. 

Feel the stretch as deeply as you can and express gratitude for the muscles, bones, and tendons that allow you to stretch. 

Thank you for taking the time to practice gratitude with us today.

If you want to take a quick gratitude challenge, we created a free one for you here.

We also recommend this guided gratitude exercise by the Mindful Movement.