THE PERFECT TIME TO JOIN
50% OFF MEMBERSHIP

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies.

Cookie Image

This Simple Yet Life-Altering Exercise Will Help You Find Gratitude Every Day

We’ve all had those days.

A to-do list that seems impossible to get through; running late from the second you wake up; a seemingly endless parade of bad news and complaining on your Facebook feed; and then, to top it off, you spill your coffee when you’re walking out the door.

Stressed out just reading that?

The truth is, there is always plenty of bad to focus on, if we allow ourselves to dwell on it. It is up to us to consciously counteract the annoying and the downright depressing, by focusing on what is going right and what blessings we do have in our lives.

If we don’t intentionally practice gratitude and cultivate a gratitude practice, what starts as one bad day can easily become a bad week, and a runaway bad state of mind – if we allow it.
 

Amidst the chaos and strife in this world, remember that you are in control of your mindset.

 
As humans, focusing on the good and finding gratitude isn’t always our natural state of being though. Just like we must work on our flexibility on the mat or on muscles at the gym, practicing gratitude and appreciation for the good in life takes conscious effort.

And with the stress of the holiday season upon us, there’s never been a better time to practice gratitude and mindfulness to combat the hustle and bustle, the travel, the family time, and the various other stressors of the season.
 

 
 

So How Do We Define Gratitude?

Not just a trendy term, gratitude is an intentional practice and state of mind, and has been proven time and time again to literally improve our health, both physically and mentally. What we dwell on, we create more of, after all.

This “perception creates reality” is not just some woo-woo, airy-fairy talk, but can truly have a huge impact on our health and happiness.

The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence defines gratitude as, the “state of mind that arises when you affirm a good thing in your life,” specifically one that “comes from outside yourself.” It can also be as simple as just stopping to “notice and relish little pleasures.”
 

Gratitude can slow things down, recenter you, and remind you that there still is so much more good than bad in this world.

 
Studies have demonstrated numerous health benefits to practicing gratitude, both physical and psychological. And if that doesn’t convince you, then do it for the immediate rush of peace and that warm, fuzzy feeling of contentedness that comes from practicing gratitude.

If you find your mind whirring and pinging from place to place with stress, gratitude can slow things down, recenter you, and remind you that there still is so much more good than bad in this world.

It’s not just a trend: The Life-Altering Importance of Practicing Radical Gratitude
 
 

Practice Gratitude With This Simple Exercise:

Here’s one easy gratitude practice you can start today. For this practice, all you’ll need is something to write on and with, and some type of jar (we recommend a good old fashioned mason jar plus a lid).

Many studies have shown the benefits of physically putting pen to paper, rather than just thinking to ourselves – and this applies to gratitude practices too. By physically writing, we are able to organize our thoughts and “brain dump” what’s swirling around in our heads onto paper.

Choose a time of day that works for you – first thing upon waking or right before you turn the lights out for the night are good options. Keep the jar and writing supplies near your bed or somewhere you’ll see them often, so you don’t forget!
 

The more you stop and think, the more you will find to be grateful for.

 
Each morning or night, practice gratitude by jotting down a few things you’re grateful for, on small slips of paper. Fold them up, and stash them in your gratitude jar.

This can be as simple as the comfort from a warm cup of coffee in the morning, the freshly-washed sheets on your bed, a fun lunch date with a friend, or the fact that your fridge is full of nourishing food. We often forget to stop and have gratitude for things like this, but these are blessings many are not so fortunate to have.

The more you stop and think, the more you will find to be grateful for.

Too busy to practice gratitude? We’ve got you covered for gratitude on the go. Listen to This 1-Hour Yoga Playlist For Gratitude and an Open Heart
 

 
 
 

Practice Gratitude Today and Every Day

Having a rough day? We all do. A quick glance at your gratitude jar is a powerful reminder of the abundance of good in your life to dwell on.

Having one of those weeks, or just find yourself in a funk? If you find yourself feeling like everything is going wrong, pull out your jar and take some time to read through your slips of paper. Reading through past moments of gratitude is a powerful way to remind yourself of how much is going right.
 

Strengthen your gratitude muscle like you would any other muscle in your body.

 
Amidst the chaos and strife in this world, remember that you are in control of your mindset, and you are the director of the movie that is your life. Strengthen your gratitude muscle like you would any other muscle in your body, and watch as it gets stronger and stronger.

Do you practice gratitude? We love hearing from you and gaining ideas from one another! Share yours below!

For more simple ways to shift your mindset and find comfort when stressed, Try These 5 Simple Ways to Put Your Mind at Ease

This article has been read 1K+ times. Feelin’ the love!

Comments

wonderful comments!

Listen to This 1-Hour Yoga Playlist For Gratitude and an Open Heart
November is a month to reflect on gratitude. Here’s an hour-long yoga playlist filled with yoga music that will open your heart for the holiday season.
Read »

Emmy Schneider-Green

Emmy is a passionate vegan foodie with a wanderlust spirit. When she’s not working her digital marketing day job or writing, she's probably spending time with her two calico cats, lifting weights, listening to a true crime podcast, or daydreaming (sun & moon Pisces here!)

thenonjudgyvegan.com

This Month's Letter
From the Editor

Monthly motivation and food for
thought from our founder.

READ THE LETTER
Mind, body & life wellness in your inbox.
iPhone

Get the
YA Classes App

No WiFi? No Problem! Download
classes and take them without an
internet connection.

2k+
Download YA Classes app on the Apple App Store
Download YA Classes app on the Google Play Store

Also available in Apple TV , Mac and Amazon apps.

Send this to a friend
Follow us on Close

Create Your FREE Account

Woohoo! You’re about to unlock unlimited articles, exclusive
community content, and select on-demand yoga and fitness classes.

OR USE THE FORM BELOW

Lost password?