Write a thank-you note
You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank-you letter expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life.
Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month.
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Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you and mentally thank the individual.
Make it a habit to write down or share with a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day.
Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings — reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for.
Sometimes it helps to pick a number — such as three to five things — that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.
People who are religious can use prayer to cultivate gratitude.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.
Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).
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Identify 3 things that you feel grateful for about your present--right now--experience.
Be in the here-and-now. Right now, what can you appreciate about your experience? Think about the environment, the time you're taking for your own wellbeing, the chair under your legs, anything that relates to the now.
- Make exercise a priority. It can reduce stress and regulate stress-related weight gain.
- Eat healthier comfort foods, such as air-popped popcorn.
- Practice mindful eating. Focus on what you're eating without distractions such as your phone or the TV.
- Keep a food journal. Being more aware of what you eat could improve your eating habits.
- Drink more water. We often confuse thirst for hunger. If you eliminated mild dehydration and you still feel hungry, then grab a healthy snack.
- Incorporate stress-relief strategies such as reading a good book, taking a deep breath, listening to music, or going for a daily walk.
- In Judaism, the first words of the morning prayer could be translated, "I thank you."
- From a Christian perspective, thanksgiving is vital. Jesus gives thanks before he shares his last meal with his disciples.
- The 55th chapter of the Quran lists all the things humans have to be grateful for - the sun, moon, clouds, rain, air, grass, animals, plants, river, and oceans.
- Hindu festivals celebrate blessings and offer thanks for them.
- In Buddhism, gratitude develops patience and serves as an antidote to greed.