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Thanksgiving Isn't Just One Day: How to Practice Gratitude Year Round

 

Thanksgiving Isn't Just One Day:  

How to Practice Gratitude Year Round

We all know that cozy feeling around Thanksgiving when everyone gathers, says what they’re thankful for, and dives into the turkey. But why wait for that one day a year to practice gratitude? Imagine how life might change if you turned that warm, fuzzy feeling into a year-round habit.  Gratitude has been shown to improve mood and resilience.

1. Gratitude Changes Your Brain

Gratitude isn’t just good vibes—it’s backed by science! When you focus on the things you're grateful for, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals responsible for happiness. Over time, practicing gratitude can literally rewire your brain to focus on the positive. It’s like building a muscle, and the more you flex it, the stronger it gets.

2. It Helps You Stay Grounded in Tough Times

Let’s be real, life throws curveballs. Whether it’s stress from work, personal challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, it’s easy to get lost in negativity. That’s where gratitude comes in. When you make a habit of looking for the positives, it becomes easier to stay grounded, even when things feel chaotic. 

3. Improves Relationships

Want to deepen your relationships? Start expressing more gratitude. Whether it’s a quick “thank you” to your partner for doing the dishes or sending a thoughtful note to a friend, gratitude helps strengthen connections. People feel seen and appreciated, and in turn, they’re more likely to reciprocate that warmth.  It's hard to be nasty to someone who's always positive.  Go ahead, try it!

Practicing gratitude is especially helpful in a relationship, because over time it's easy  for the day to day routine of life to set in and for negativity to take over, until people no longer want to be around you because you're never positive; there's always something to complain about.

4. It’s Good for Your Health

Not only does gratitude improve mental well-being, but it also has physical benefits. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude report better sleep, lower levels of stress, and even fewer aches and pains. So, in addition to your morning coffee, start the day by making a list of three things you're grateful for.  In fact, throughout the day, make note of the things you're grateful for.

5. Gratitude Shifts Your Perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in life’s “what ifs” and “I don’t haves.” Gratitude flips the script, shifting your focus to the abundance that already surrounds you. Instead of thinking about the promotion you didn’t get, you might find yourself appreciating the job you do have. It’s not about ignoring challenges, but recognizing the good that coexists alongside them.  When you shift your perspective, it gives you a whole new outlook on what you have and allows you to appreciate more.

How to Make Gratitude a Year-Round Practice

  • Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for every day. They don’t have to be monumental—it could be something as simple as a sunny day or the love of your pets.

  • Practice Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can help you reset your mindset when life feels hectic.  So, if you find yourself getting stressed, stop, breathe, and think about what you're grateful for.  If you're the journaling type, note these things in your journal.

  • Gratitude Letters: Every once in a while, write a heartfelt note or email to someone who’s made a difference in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate them.  I can't say enough about how much people appreciate heartfelt, handwritten notes of appreciation.  This is a practice I regularly did, when I was was working as a Supervisor in Child Welfare.  It makes a huge difference in morale.  In fact, as I write this, I may even send some of my prior colleagues a notes in the mail.

  • Verbalize It: Get into the habit of telling people “thank you” more often—whether it’s your spouse, a coworker, or even the barista who makes your morning latte. A little appreciation goes a long way.  How hard is it, really, to just thank or appreciate someone.  And even when we know someone is gratful to us for a specific action, it's important to let them hear our gratitude and how the actions made us feel.  We also enjoy being noticed for what we've done.

Gratitude Is a Choice

Gratitude is a mindset you can choose to cultivate, even on the tough days. The more you practice it, the more natural it becomes—and soon, you’ll find that gratitude is like a quiet superpower, making the ordinary moments in life feel extraordinary.

So, why wait for Thanksgiving? Start today and watch how gratitude transforms your world, one thankful thought at a time. 🌟


If you are considering therapy, please visit my website to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if couples or individual counseling may be right for you.

I provide online couples and individual counseling throughout Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, & California.


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Website - www.brittaniedmillslmft.com

Email - bdmills@brittaniedmillslmft.com

Phone - (925) 335-6122

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If you'd like to listen to the Married & Confused Podcast episode on this topic, please click here.

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