20 Ways To Express Gratitude

Last Updated on June 18, 2022 by Lori Geurin

Looking for a simple way to improve your health, reduce stress, and enhance your relationships? Practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful methods you can use to upgrade your life. And even better, improve someone else’s too! Below are 20 ways to show gratitude to family, friends, and co-workers. When you make gratitude a part of your life you’ll find yourself feeling lighter, happier, less stressed, and freer from the FOMO (fear of missing out).

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Table Of Contents

What Is Gratitude?
20 Simple Ways To Express Gratitude
- More Ways To Be Grateful…
Benefits Of Gratitude
Easy Ways To Show Gratitude
Printable Gratitude Tracker

What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the practice of expressing appreciation for the good in your life. It’s a combination of thoughts and feelings that, hopefully, encourages you to act. When someone is grateful, they are aware of all of their blessings. You may concentrate on specific issues or the overall scope of your life.

When you look for the benefits rather than the faults, your viewpoint changes and how you perceive yourself and others. It’s critical to be grateful not only so that you may receive more goodness in your life but also because it benefits others.

It’s important to remember all of the wonderful things in your life in order for you to live a happy and successful life. Of course, it’s natural to dwell on unpleasant or negative events, but doing so without also considering what went well can be harmful. If you only focus on the negatives, you’re likely to become dissatisfied with your life.

woman writing in a gratitude journal and a cup of coffee and flowers

20 Simple Ways To Express Gratitude

Here are 20 simple ways to express gratitude, change your life (and someone else’s) today.

1. Offer to help out when you notice someone is struggling. Ask what you can do to help ease their load.

2. Clean up after yourself.

3. Be an encourager to friends and family. Everyone needs someone to believe in them and appreciate what makes them truly unique.

4. Avoid criticizing traits that annoy you and do your best to focus on their positive qualities.

5. Buy them a green smoothie, tea, or coffee, just because.

6. Smile more.

7. Practice patience, especially when you’re in a rush.

8. Remain calm in a stressful situation.

9. Write a short note or letter sharing something you love about your friend or family member.

10. Give hugs freely (as long as they’re welcome).

More Ways To Be Grateful…

11. Learn how to be a better listener and really pay attention to what is being said. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand.

12. Tell someone you appreciate their honesty, even when it’s hard to hear.

13. Keep a gratitude journal. Wondering how to start? Here are 10 Tips For Keeping A Gratitude Journal to get you started.

14. Remember loved ones’ birthdays and anniversaries with a text, e-card, or phone call.

15. Be mindful of your self-talk and challenge negative thought patterns.

My favorite book on this topic is What To Say When You Talk To Yourself. A quick read and the best advice you can put into action right now.

16. Share a blog article with a friend (maybe this one?)

17. Forgive someone. Remember that forgiveness does not necessarily mean you excuse or accept the behavior. But it can help you move past a painful memory to heal.

18. Keep an open mind and avoid being judgmental.

19. Take a relaxing gratitude walk in nature.

20. Believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt.

If you’re looking for more quotes about gratitude don’t miss the 25 Best Thanksgiving Quotes To Inspire Gratitude.

Now let’s take a quick look at how being grateful can boost your health and wellness.

a couple walking on the beach holding hands grateful for their love

Benefits Of Gratitude

Expressing gratitude can improve your life in so many ways! Here are 10 of the health and wellness benefits of gratitude.

1. Enhances sleep [*]
2. Reduces stress [*]
3. Improves positive emotions
4. Reduces aggression [*]
5. Enhances friendships
6. Causes people to be less materialistic
7. Improves heart health
8. Enhances satisfaction in romantic relationships [*]
9. Boosts energy [*]
10. Reduces blood pressure [*]

Related: 8 Ways To Improve Communication Skills

If you liked this you’re going to love:

simple ways to express gratitude and praying hands with boho bracelets in bright colors

Easy Ways To Show Gratitude

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about how practicing gratitude is so good for you! Not only is it great for your heart, blood sugar, and mood, but it’s one of the best ways to enhance your relationships too. There are endless ways to show your gratitude, including the 20 listed above.

For more on the gratitude lifestyle, don’t miss 10 Proven Benefits Of Gratitude and 20 Easy Ways To Express Gratitude.

Printable Gratitude Tracker

Do you want to get started with a daily gratitude practice? It’s easy to begin, and it’s beneficial in almost every area of your life. You can print out a simple and effective gratitude journal to record all the wonderful things that happen to you every day.

Check out our Gratitude Wellness Journal and Daily Gratitude Tracker to get started!