Gratitude is scientifically proven to help us cope better with stressful situations.  It has been proven that gratitude works to give us a more positive outlook on life, and it certainly helps improve relationships.  But how can we be more grateful?  We’ve all heard tips about writing in a gratitude journal or listing five things you’re grateful for at the end of the day. Those ideas are good and obviously have merit.  But what other steps can we take to be more grateful throughout the day?

• Don’t reserve your gratitude for the big things. Acknowledge the little things, too.  Be grateful when someone lets you in front of them in traffic, or when you discover a hidden piece of chocolate in your desk drawer.
• Dig deep, even in difficult circumstances. As the saying goes, “There is always, always something to be thankful for.”  Even in the direst of circumstances – being grateful that you or a loved one has access to a specialist in a medical emergency or being grateful that the airbags deployed to ensure your safety in a car crash. Look for the positives even in the negatives.
• There’s nothing like doing for others to make you grateful for the things you have.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to remind yourself that there are people in the world who have more problems than you do…  there are those who live daily in situations that will make you want to hug your own issues with thankfulness that you have them.
• Say, “Thank you.” Another popular quote says it succinctly — “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”  And as we all know, it’s better to give than to receive.  Say thank you and give others the knowledge of your appreciation.
• Smile at other people. Smiling will immediately improve your mood, especially when your smile is returned. By improving your mood, you’re more in the mindset to look for the opportunities to be grateful.
• Eat right and exercise. Self-care is an essential part of feeling grateful.  When we feel good because we are eating healthy and being active, we can feel gratitude more easily.
• Be present in the moment. Nothing can rob us of a sense of gratitude faster than living in the past or worrying about the future.  Stay in the moment and recognize the good exactly where you are.
• Pick your words carefully. Negative words will bring you down.  Train yourself to use positive, encouraging words that will uplift you.
• Choose your company wisely. Some relationships are toxic, and when people bring you down, it may be time to consider stepping away from the relationship, or at least backing away a bit.
• Refuse to compare yourself. Accept that you are uniquely made and while it’s fine to want to improve yourself – you are not and will never be someone else.  So resist the urge to compare your life to others, and be grateful for the person you were made to be.  After all – you are truly one of a kind!
• Get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Being in nature is always a good thing.
• Be humble.Pride will never experience gratitude the way a humble heart will.  Embrace humility and allow yourself to marvel at all the ways you’ve been blessed.