20 Easy Ways To Express Gratitude

Last Updated on November 19, 2022 by Lori Geurin

Did you know that showing gratitude has many awesome benefits? Practicing gratitude can even make you more likable (as if that were even possible), boost your physical and psychological health and wellness, and improve your relationships and mental stamina. So, if you’re looking for improved happiness in your life, look no further than the 20 easy ways to express gratitude below.

Keep reading for simple steps to help you practice gratitude (and reap the amazing rewards).

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What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the deliberate expression of appreciation for what you have. It’s a combination of sentiments and ideas that, hopefully, persuade you to act. When someone is grateful, they are completely conscious of their blessings. You may focus on specific issues or the whole scope of your life.

You see things differently when you focus on the advantages rather than the drawbacks. This influences your self-image and others. It’s crucial to be grateful not just because it will benefit you but also because it helps those around you.

It’s critical to recall the good things to live a happy and successful life. Of course, it’s human nature to dwell on negative or painful events, but doing so without considering what went well is likely to make you dissatisfied with your life. If you just concentrate on the negatives, you’re more likely to be dissatisfied with and resentful toward others and your life. You’re more likely to think the bad things outweigh the good, which is kind of depressing.

If you keep a record of everything wonderful that happens to you each day, it will amaze you how much better your life can be!

20 Easy Ways To Express Gratitude

1. Write in a gratitude journal.

This can be fast and easy – but so beneficial! Even writing a word or phrase counts! Read 10 Tips For Keeping A Gratitude Journal to learn more.

2. Learn how to be a great listener.

Give people your full, undivided attention when they are talking to you.

Related: 8 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills

3. Be appreciative.

Tell your loved ones something specific that you appreciate about them. Everyone loves hearing nice things other people notice about them.

4. Smile.

There are so many benefits of smiling, and it gets easier to flash those pearly whites when you’re thankful.

Plus, smiling has some impressive benefits.

5. Give away things you don’t use or need.

If you’re like me, there are probably things sitting in your closet taking up space. Why not allow someone to put that stuff to good use?

Printable Gratitude Tracker

Do you want to start practicing daily gratitude? It’s easy to get started and has a beneficial influence on almost every aspect of your life. Print out a gratitude diary or tracker like the ones we made for our Etsy store to record all the beautiful things that happen to you every day. Check out our Gratitude Wellness Journal and Daily Gratitude Tracker to get started!

6. Write to a friend.

Express how much they mean to you in a letter or email. You don’t have to write a novel (unless you want to). Keeping it short and sweet works just fine.

7. Practice patience.

Be patient and stay calm, especially in difficult situations. Patience is a gift to ourselves and others.

RELATED: 15 Fitness Gifts for Guys

8. Tip well.

Being a waiter or waitress can be a difficult job. I know because I used to waitress for a short time.

9. Give genuine compliments.

Find a positive quality or talent you notice about someone, then compliment them on it. Try to be specific.

10. Avoid being critical of others.

After all, keeping a positive attitude helps everyone. And no one enjoys being criticized.

11. Put it in writing.

Write a story, poem, or blog post about someone special. Be sure to share specific examples of qualities you appreciate about them.

12. Give hugs.

Give your loved one a big hug (if they are the hugging type), and tell them something specific that you love about them and are thankful for.

Here are some examples to get you started.

• “Thanks for taking the trash out every week without being asked.”
• “I love it when you take me out to dinner when I’m tired because it makes me feel appreciated.”
• “I’m thankful you bring me coffee in the morning because you know I’m not a morning person.”

13. Leave sticky notes.

Drop an encouraging sticky note in a semi-hidden place for a loved one. This is a fun and effective way to express appreciation for the people who matter most in your life.

Check out these 30 fun facts about yourself, and never run out of things to talk about!

14. Phone a friend.

Share something you notice about them that’s awesome. And, if they don’t pick up when you call, leave a voice message so they can listen to it later.

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15. Give the benefit of the doubt.

Assume people have good intentions even if they say something tough to hear. People generally want the best for others and it helps to keep this in mind.

16. Don’t judge.

Avoid making judgments about others. Most of us have plenty of work to do on ourselves without worrying about what other people are up to. Plus, we don’t know what someone else’s experience is like unless we’ve walked in their exact pair of shoes.

17. Brag on your bestie.

Tell others why your loved one or friend is such a great person.

18. Be there for someone who’s hurting.

Everyone needs a supportive friend or shoulder to cry on every once in a while. Allowing them to vent about their bad day or cry over losing a loved one can be a blessing to someone who needs it.

19. Have a giving heart.

Take a meal to a new mom or someone who is sick. Volunteer locally or donate to your favorite charity.

20. Be kind.

Say please and thank you. Showing kindness and good manners go a long way toward making people feel appreciated.

Related: 50 Ways To Be Kind To Others: Kindness Matters

If you like to read more about gratitude, you’ll want to check out:

• 25 Best Thanksgiving Quotes To Inspire Gratitude
• 20 Simple Ways To Express Gratitude This Year
• Make The Journey Beautiful: Love And Gratitude
• How Gratitude Improves Your Life
• 20 Natural Ways To Boost Your Mood
• How To Reduce Holiday Stress Naturally
• 10 Proven Benefits Of Gratitude

Final Words – How To Be More Grateful

Gratitude can have amazing benefits for your life. And the best thing is that you don’t need to go to great lengths or commit huge chunks of time to express gratitude.

A simple phone call, text, or note is all it takes to show your appreciation to another person – and in the process, you’re enhancing two lives, yours and the person on the receiving end. So let’s all grow a #GratitudeAttitude! What do you say?

How do you express gratitude? Share below!

This article has been updated.