Gratitude doesn’t have to involve grand gestures, as you may also find it in the small details of everyday life—discovering new ways to appreciate what surrounds us will make your life so much better. Anyone who’s looking for fresh ideas to bring more thankfulness into their days has come to the right place! Here are 11 unique ways to be grateful every day. These suggestions are sure to surprise you and help you see the world from a different perspective.
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Keep a Gratitude Jar
Find an empty jar & some scraps of paper—each day, write down something that made you smile, like a compliment from a friend or a delicious meal. Whatever you write down, fold the paper afterward and drop it into the jar so that, over time, you’ll have a jar full of positive memories. Simply reach in whenever you’re feeling down and read a few to remind yourself of the good things in your life.
Leave Hidden Thank-You Notes
Likewise, you could also write small notes expressing gratitude and hide them where you’ll find them later, whether that’s by putting one into a coat pocket or tucking another in a kitchen drawer. Finding these notes in the future will make you smile and serve as a pleasant reminder to appreciate the little things. Just try not to think too much about where you’ve put them!
Thank Everyday Objects
We usually overlook the things that make our lives easier so you should start acknowledging them by saying a simple “thank you” when you use them. Appreciate your alarm clock for getting you up on time, your coffee mug for holding your favorite brew—you could even show your sneakers some gratitude for supporting your feet during a walk! Doing so every day will make you more mindful of the conveniences you probably take for granted.
Practice Negative Visualization
You should spend a few minutes imagining life without certain things or people you value because it’ll help you appreciate these aspects even more. For example, you could think about what your day would be like without your morning coffee or the comfort of your home. It’s not meant to be depressing but in fact make you feel more grateful for their presence.
Create a Daily Gratitude Photo Journal
Try using your phone or a camera to take one photo each day of something you’re thankful for. It could be anything—a beautiful sunrise, a delicious meal or just a laugh you share with a friend—but either way, it’ll help you build a visual diary of positive moments. Looking back through these photos will lift your spirits and remind you of the joy in everyday life.
Write a Thank-You Note to Your Past Self
Think about a decision you made in the past that benefits you now, like saving money or choosing a healthier lifestyle, then write a note thanking your past self for making that choice. In doing so, you’ll acknowledge your own efforts and may feel inspired to make decisions your future self will appreciate. You’ll be surprised at how many good decisions you’ve actually made!
Set Random Gratitude Alarms
Set a few alarms on your phone to go off at unexpected times during the day and when one rings, pause and look around. You should try to think about something at that moment you’re grateful for, like the warmth of the sun or simply having a moment to breathe. These surprises will help you find gratitude in the middle of a busy schedule, which will make you feel happier!
Learn to Say “Thank You” in Other Languages
You don’t have to only be grateful in English—instead, pick a language you’re interested in & learn how to say “thank you,” then use it when expressing gratitude throughout the day. It’ll make your routine a little more interesting and it’ll also make you more mindful when saying thanks. You could even start some interesting conversations with others who recognize the language and that’ll open new doors for you!
Turn Chores into Gratitude Moments
Whenever you’re dealing with household tasks, think about what they represent—when washing dishes, be glad for the food you enjoyed. Doing laundry is a time for you to appreciate having clothes to wear, while cleaning your space allows you to feel grateful for having a place to call home. Having an open mindset like this transforms mundane chores into meaningful activities that’ll remind you of the positives in your life.
Create a Gratitude Playlist
Create a list of songs that lift your spirits or hold special meaning for you and listen to this playlist when you need a mood boost—or even if you just want to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Music has a powerful effect on emotions so surrounding yourself with uplifting tunes will make you feel more thankful. Of course, you should try to make sure that they’re only positive songs.
Do a Kind Deed Anonymously
One of the best ways to feel more grateful is by performing a small act of kindness without expecting recognition, which could be as simple as paying for the coffee of the person in line behind you or leaving some coins at a vending machine. Sending an anonymous note of encouragement is also great because you’ll know you’ve brightened someone else’s day! This will make you grateful that you’re able to make a positive impact in someone’s life.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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