It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things happening around us. Business, family, illness, politics…there’s a whole world of stuff coming at us, and remembering to sift through it all for the best parts can get a little overwhelming.

Every year around this time, people make an effort to practice gratitude. We believe you should practice it year-round, but we know how difficult that can be. The holiday season is the perfect time to build a new gratitude practice that you can take with you into the new year.

So, if you’re just starting out or want a refresher, here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for practicing gratitude.

 

1. Journal Your Gratitude

We know you’ve heard this one before, but a gratitude journal really works!

Writing down the things you’re grateful for can be the perfect way to start or end your day—it gives you something to reflect on and look forward to, all in just a few minutes. We recommend starting with just five minutes. Don’t worry about being super profound—just write what comes to mind. You can be grateful for getting out of bed, getting a big promotion at work, or finding your favorite snack still in the cupboard!

Want to know more about gratitude journaling? Check out this article from mindbodygreen.

 

2. Try a Gratitude Challenge

Sometimes it just takes one moment of gratitude to shift your perspective.

Chris Schembra, a Gratitude Guru we love, recommends taking five minutes to do a gratitude challenge.

Again, don’t overthink it! Think about the moments that have made you smile or boosted your spirits when you’re thinking about gratitude.

And if you get into a gratitude slump, try the activity again. You never know what it will bring out in you!

 

3. Give a Social Media Shout-Out

As much as we wish they did, people don’t always know when we appreciate the things they’re doing for us. When you can, take the time to give someone a shout-out on social media for supporting you or helping you with something.

As The New Happy says, making them glow will make you glow too!

 

4. Write Someone a Note

If a social media shout-out doesn’t feel right, try writing them a quick note.

Whether it’s a thank you card you send in the mail or a post-it note you leave on the counter, writing a note to show someone you’re grateful for them is a quick and easy way to give them the boost they deserve. You can even write a note to yourself!

If you like saving gratitude notes, check out this video from Brooke Shields’ Beginning is Now on how to save and display these perfect little reminders.

 

5. Focus on Joy.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the word “gratitude.”

Gratitude can feel like a buzzword, but at its core, it’s all about joy. If it’s easier, worry less about being grateful and more about finding joy or happiness every day. Write down the moments that bring you joy or thank someone for helping you find joy.

Trust us, letting yourself find the joy in your life will feel infinitely better than struggling to find gratitude. Once you embrace the joy, gratitude falls right behind it.

 

Gratitude, especially when expressed to others, is a boost for the people around you, but it doesn’t end there. Practicing gratitude makes you a better boss, a better leader, and a better member of your community. And that’s definitely something to be thankful for!

If you’ve got tips or tricks we should use to experience gratitude this holiday season—and all year long—tell us on LinkedIn or Instagram!