Gratitude/Volunteer Appreciation Monthly Theme November

10 Ways to Build Gratitude into your Life

Senior in relaxed conversation with elderly woman
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Gratitude is such an important emotion and has the ability to infuse peace and happiness into your daily life. Gratitude is a value that is practiced every day at Caraday — it’s the Caraday Way.

The care is great. They are consistent and so helpful. Especially those staff members in the memory care unit. Very organized and professional. Love these nurses and CNA’s. Thank you all for the very special care you give to my mother.
Quality Staff

Gratitude is such an important emotion and has the ability to infuse peace and happiness into your daily life. Reflecting on things you are grateful for and recognizing the struggles of others makes us all better humans. Try incorporating these easy ways to express gratitude into your routine and reap the numerous benefits.

  1. Smile – This very simple action is one of the easiest ways to show gratitude. This physical clue will not only make you feel better but also let others see your joy and encourage them to do the same.  
  2. Send Thank- You Notes – While snail mail may seem obsolete given technologies such as email and texting, nothing quite beats a good-old fashioned handwritten note to show you truly care. This will go a long way in adding a meaningful touch of gratitude.
  3. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane – If you’re feeling down, browse through old photo albums, saved mementos, or social media posts. Reminiscing on fun times with family and friends is sure to boost your mood and add a little bit of light to a dark day.
  4. Read inspiring stories – Reading others inspiring stories and moments of gratitude will help you appreciate things in your own life.
  5. Give Back to your Community – Nothing makes you feel better than doing something nice for others. Volunteer at your local hospital, donate books to a library, or pick up trash in your neighborhood. No matter how small or how big, giving back to your community is a great way to express gratitude for the things you are given.
  6. Do someone a favor – This is perhaps one of the simplest ways to show other you care and to feel great. Letting someone merge on a busy highway, paying for the drink of the person in the coffee line in front or you, or giving someone your seat on a crowded bus or subway are all smart acts that amount to insurmountable significance.
  7. Reflect – Reflect on both the good and the bad and find what you learned from each experience. Everything happens for a reason. While it might not be obvious what that reason is, don’t get bogged down in the bad, but learn to see the tiny good in each experience.
  8. Play Music – Feeling happy? Blare your favorite tunes and have a dance party. Feeling sad? Listen to some soulful blues, recognize your feelings, and rebound.  Feeling stressed? Listen to some classical music to recalibrate. Whatever the occasion, take a step back and appreciate the talent and feelings that good music portrays.
  9. Be an Active Listener – Truly sitting back and internalizing what someone is saying to you is one of the most thoughtful ways to show that you care. Engaging with others is not all about talking, but mainly about listening to what others have to say.
  10. Leave a Good Tip – At one point in our life, we’ve all been that person on the other side of the table, bar, or chair serving others and working a minimum wage job. Show the hardworking waitress/waiter, valet, hairdresser, barista, etc. that you truly appreciate their labor. Giving someone a good tip signals that you appreciate them and want to give something back.