5 simple tips for practicing gratitude in a busy life
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the small joys that surround us each day. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help us cultivate a deeper appreciation for life and enhance our overall well-being.
I have to admit, practicing gratitude is not something that has come easily to me. Fortunately, I have found some small and simple ways to incorporate gratitude and mindfulness into my day without spending a ton of time or money.
In this post I will share 5 habits I have personally incorporated in my busy life.
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1. Use an app
This simple tip that has surprisingly had the biggest impact on my life. Using an app allows me the freedom to spend as much or as little time as I want practicing. If I’m having a stressful day or moment, I can jump on the app and do a 1 minute guided exercise. Or I can do a longer exercise to unwind at the end of a busy day. There are several apps that will help you achieve your goals, but I have had the most success with mindfulness.com. This app allows you to do daily check-ins and offers a wide range of breathing exercises, mindfulness courses, mindful music, and much more.
Learn more at mindfulness.com
2. Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to focus on the positive aspects of your day. Every evening, take a few minutes to jot down three things you are grateful for. This simple practice can help shift your mindset towards appreciation. Keeping a gratitude journal can be as easy as finding a blank notebook or using notecards to jot down your thoughts. For those that like a more guided approach, there are several awesome gratitude journals on the market.
3. Tell someone
Another great way to practice gratitude and feel more grateful is to tell someone! The more you tell people about the positive things happening in your life, the more they become real and impactful. Also telling others that you are grateful for them and the things they do can have a big impact. In our busy lives, sometimes it feels like we may not be giving enough time to our family and friends. Taking a few moments out of your day to let someone know you are grateful for them or the things they do can help keep your relationships strong. If you are great with words, sending a short text or handwritten note is a great way to share these messages. For those that have more trouble finding the right words, below are some great options to show your appreciation.
If you have kids, these lunch box tear off notes are so much fun. My girls love finding daily notes when they open their lunches or tucked into a folder or notebook. It lets them know I’m thinking of them and provides them with encouraging messages.
These appreciation cards are great for anyone in your life including your family, friends, and coworkers.
4. Practice daily affirmations
I love using daily affirmations as a really simple way to get me thinking about mindfulness and gratitude. Practicing daily affirmations has been shown to provide a whole host of benefits such as boosting self-confidence, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting a positive mindset, enhancing resiliency, enhancing relationships, and improving physical health. You can make your own daily affirmations based on your life goals or struggles, or you can easily find daily affirmations using an app or through a daily notebook. Below are a few ideas to get you started!
5. Find what you love
I’m sure everyone has heard how important it is to practice self-care, but most people don’t have the time or money to schedule expensive vacations or spa days. Practicing self-care can be simple and doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. If it’s something you WANT to do and not something you NEED to do, it will help improve your mindset. Some ideas are painting, pottery, trying new recipes, finding a new tv show, joining a book club, doing your nails, building miniature models, or even starting a blog! For me, Nooks and Novels is my want and something I do just to make me happy and have something to look forward to! I have also taken up building book nooks and have been filling my bookshelves with these fun designs from Cutebee. Browse their website to see their entire collection. If you’re interested in trying one out, use my code NOOKSANDNOVELS for a discount on your order!
