20 Easy Ways To Express Gratitude

Last Updated on May 14, 2021 by Lori Geurin

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

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

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 when you’re thankful it gets easier to flash those pearly whites.

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?

Want to start a daily gratitude practice? Check out our Gratitude Wellness Journal by clicking below.

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 to others.

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 in your life. 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 that 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 your appreciation for the people who matter most in your life.

14. Phone a friend.

Share something you notice about them that’s awesome. And, if they don’t pick up when you call, be sure to 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 that is 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 towards making people feel appreciated.

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

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Summary – 20 Ways To Be 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!

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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

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