5 Steps to Practice Gratitude

Did you know that the simple act of gratitude can help reduce negativity and relieve stress? And, all it takes it to just stop for a few minutes out of your day to focus and reflect. Below are five steps you can take to put this fulfilling activity into your routine.

Step 1: Begin with a grateful thought

As soon as you wakeup, take a moment to think about something you are grateful for. It could be the warmth of your bed, the birds chirping, or simply the gift of a new day.

Step 2: Write it down

Keep a gratitude journal. Write down three items every day that you are grateful for. This practice will help solidify positive thoughts and continues that positive outlook that you started when you woke up.

You don't need to buy a specific journal as any notebook will do. But if it helps to have more of a guide then this book, Cultivating Gratitude: a guided journal for a positive mindset, is a nice one. If you like one with just plain pages there are many independent creators that publish on Amazon you can search for. This way you are supporting a small business while finding a journal that fits your style.

Step 3: Reflect and feel

After writing in your journal just take time to think and absorb what you wrote. Now, you don't have to do it right away but sometime during the day, read what you wrote and appreciate those things that make you grateful.

Step 4: Express gratitude to others

Take a moment to thank someone in your life. Pick up the phone, send at text, or go old school and send a notecard in the mail.

Sharing gratitude to others spreads positivity and strengthens relationships.

Step 5: Incorporate gratitude into your daily life

This may sound like you have been doing this with steps 1-4 but it is more about taking a daily moment of your day and appreciate that moment. Savor your morning coffee, appreciate the sunshine when you walk outside, or just meditate on an unexpected quiet break in your workday.

Health Benefits

On the UCLA Health website they list the many benefits of practicing gratitude.

• Reduce depression
• Lessen anxiety
• Support heart health
• Relieve stress
• Better sleep

Now, I am just starting to follow these steps because I really need to feel more positive and I need to improve my health. I mean, who doesn't. The hardest one for me is expressing gratitude to others. At work we have a program to send out appreciation notes to our co-workers that I have begun using but the thing is, I want to be genuine. I do not want to do a thank-you just to send one. Next, I'm going to try calling people and if I need to I will at least leave a voicemail because none of us answer the phone anymore. 

The one I have been having the most success with is incorporating it into my daily life. I will get up from my computer and go for a short walk or brew a cup of tea and savor it without being in front of my computer. It is helping me to actually be more productive and in turn reduces the stress level.

I do hope that you will start one of these steps today and let me know how it goes. That way we can all become a more positive and less stressed people.

Watch the short video of these steps if that helps:

Please note that links in this post may result in a commission paid to me that helps support me to create this blog. There is no additional cost added on to you when you make purchases. 

Four Ways to Start on The Path of Positivity

It's been a long time since I have been intentionally positive. It is just not a character trait that I feel I have. However, I have had colleagues and friends tell me I am one of the most positive people they

know and that I've never met a stranger. But lately, I've been kind of just, blah. 

There is so much negativity in the world and I want to make sure that I don't soak up those types of vibes which means I have to 

1. Practice Gratitude

Write down three things you are grateful each day. I have actually been having a hard time getting into this habit. I do okay at having the thoughts but need to get to the part where I actually write them down so that I can ingrain gratitude into my daily life. 

 2. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. This can be your family but also it can be the entertainment you consume. I love comedies for this reason and inspirational books and movies. And have you ever listened to upbeat music and not immediately felt a little more happy and positive? 

3. Embrace Mindfulness

Take a few moments each day to breath deeply, meditate, or simply enjoy the present moment. This item is one of my favorites as I have been practicing walking away from my computer and going to a different room or sitting outside when the weather is nice. Fresh air is an amazing elixir. 

4. Engage in Activities you Love

It can be a hobby, exercise, or spending time with the ones you love because doing what you love can boost your mood and your outlook. This is probably the toughest thing to do for me. I mean there are so many things I need to get done that the more enjoyable ones sometimes get set aside. Luckily, I can go back up to number two and get two items on this list done at one time. Sometimes, you need to be efficient. 

I will be looking at other ways to bring calmness and positivity into my life and sharing them here. The more information we learn and practice that knowledge the more we will stay on the path. 

If you like videos with soothing music, you might enjoy the short YouTube video I made with this information: 

Welcome

 Hello there. Are you like me and trying to make sense of this world? Do you find that impossible? Me too. So, I am going on a journey to find out how to focus on my own little world. I want to seek hope, mindfulness, peace, and positivity. 

This blog is going to be a companion to my YouTube channel of the same name and I will be posting those videos here and I will also be making text articles so that if you prefer to read the information you can. I don't always like watching videos when all I have is a few minutes and may not have access to audio or it's just plain inconsiderate to those around me. Reading, to me, is more personal and private especially when I am not able to wear headphones or listen to something without disturbing others. 

I would love to hear from you if you find yourself searching for peace and calm. Or let me know if you just want information that is positive and affirming. There will be no negativity here. 

So, I hope you will join me on this journey.