Gratitude practice lifts mood and strengthens relationships. Regular thankfulness enhances sense of purpose, reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
thankfulness, appreciation, gratefulness
Gratitude practice lifts mood and strengthens relationships. Regular thankfulness enhances sense of purpose, reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
Pause and take a full breath to help you to slow down.
If you'd like to record your gratitude, grab a notepad and pen or use your phone.
Take a moment to settle your mind on what you feel grateful for right now.
Let the feeling of gratitude fill you up.
To deepen your practice, explore more comprehensive exercises that you can integrate into your daily life.
When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Need a hand getting started? Our app is packed with beginner-friendly Practice Instructions for every activity—and way more where that came from. Hit the button up top and get moving.
In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and the challenges of daily life, gratitude offers a powerful way to shift your perspective. By intentionally focusing on aspects of your life in a positive way – whether they’re big milestones or small, everyday moments – you can foster a deeper sense of contentment. Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about training your mind to see the good that’s already present, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. This simple yet profound practice is predominantly self-led, allowing you to reflect privately on what you appreciate most. However, gratitude can also be shared and amplified in group settings, creating a ripple effect of positivity. Ready to discover how this practice can enrich your life? Let’s dive into the world of gratitude and see how you can start today.
Robust studies verify Gratitude lifts mood and strengthens relationships. Regular thankfulness enhances sense of purpose, reduces stress and improves sleep quality.
Lifts positive mood
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: High)
Boosts giving behaviour
Focus area: Generosity (Impact rating: High)
Strengthens bonds
Focus area: Social connection (Impact rating: High)
Helps life feel more purposeful
Focus area: Purpose (Impact rating: Medium)
Adds a spark of energy
Focus area: Vitality (Impact rating: Medium)
Hugh Jackman
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Emma Thompson
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Shawn Mendes
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Ted Lasso
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We bet you're on board for gratitude! Before you dive in, there are a few different methods and details to consider so you can successfully practice gratitude. It's worth taking a more in-depth look to find what suits you best.
These styles offer simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your routine, whether solo or in a group.
Self-led gratitude journaling
Gratitude meditation
Gratitude circles
Gratitude letters
🤔
"What am I supposed to be grateful for?"
😊
"That felt good to acknowledge."
😬
"What if I can’t think of anything?"
😌
"This is better than I expected."
😊
"This does change my perspective."
Let's compare three different ways to start gratitude for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources), group (IRL) or 1:1 (online or IRL).
Compare
Recommendation for first-timer
2nd pick
3rd pick
Availability
Widely
Limited
Limited
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Moderate costs
Expensive
Special equipment required
None or minimal
None or minimal
None or minimal
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Highly social
Social potential
Safety & skill building
Mixed results
Safe & fast
Safe & fast
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Some required
Minimal
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Quite rigid
Need to plan
Setup time
Little to none
Over 30 mins
Up to 30 mins
Active practice time
Under 20 mins
Up to an hour
Up to an hour
Unexpected advantages
Wholesome
Actually useful
Actually useful
The word “gratitude” comes from the Latin word gratus , meaning "pleasing" or "thankful."
Oprah Winfrey is known for promoting the practice of keeping a gratitude journal.
People who regularly express gratitude tend to have stronger immune systems.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” - Cicero
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4 memes
Divergent effects of brief contemplative practices in response to an acute stressor: A randomized controlled trial of brief breath awareness, loving-kindness, gratitude or an attention control practice
Hirshberg, M. J., Goldberg, S. B., Schaefer, S. M., Flook, L., Findley, D., & Davidson, R. J. (2018). Divergent effects of brief contemplative practices in response to an acute stressor: A randomized controlled trial of brief breath awareness, loving-kindness, gratitude or an attention control practice. PLOS ONE, 13(12), e0207765. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207765
Enhancing Meaning in Life and Psychological Well-Being Among a European Cohort of Young Adults via a Gratitude Intervention
Czyżowska, N., & Gurba, E. (2022). Enhancing Meaning in Life and Psychological Well-Being Among a European Cohort of Young Adults via a Gratitude Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751081
Gratitude as Mood Mediates the Effects of a 6-Weeks Gratitude Intervention on Mental Well-Being
Bohlmeijer, E., Kraiss, J., Schotanus-Dijkstra, M., & ten Klooster, P. (2022). Gratitude as Mood Mediates the Effects of a 6-Weeks Gratitude Intervention on Mental Well-Being: Post hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.799447
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7 research pieces