How to Practice Gratitude Year-Round

Gratitude is a powerful tool for improving our mood and mindset, but it can be easily overlooked outside of special occasions. While Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, practicing gratitude all year long can bring lasting benefits. Gratitude helps us focus on the good in our lives, boosts our well-being, and strengthens our relationships. In this blog, we’ll share simple and practical ways to make gratitude a part of your daily routine. Whether you’re new to the idea or looking for fresh tips, you’ll find ideas to help you appreciate life every day.

Journaling

Start a gratitude journal. This is a simple way to keep track of the positive aspects in your everyday life. Each day, write down a few things you’re thankful for, big or small. This practice helps you focus on the good, even on tough days, and allows you to look back at moments of joy and appreciation. Over time, it can shift your mindset and help you see more to be grateful for in your day-to-day.

Gratitude Alarms

Set a reminder to pause and practice gratitude. This can help make it a regular habit. You can set an alarm on your phone or use sticky notes around your home or workspace to remind you to take a moment and reflect on something you’re grateful for. Another easy way is to link your gratitude pause with something you already do, like taking a deep breath before checking emails or enjoying your morning coffee. These simple reminders can help you slow down and focus on the positive throughout the day.

When the Going Gets Tough

Practice gratitude during challenging situations. This can be difficult, but it’s often when we need it most. Even in tough times, there’s usually something to appreciate. Whether it’s the lessons we learn, the strengths we develop, or the small comforts that offer relief, finding something to be thankful for can help shift our focus away from stress and frustration. This shift in perspective can transform adversity into an opportunity for growth. At the same time, it’s important to be gentle with yourself throughout this process. Gratitude is a practice, not a perfect science. Some days, it will come easily; other days, it may feel harder to find anything to be thankful for. That’s okay—what matters is showing yourself kindness as you work through the ups and downs, and recognizing that every step, no matter how small, is progress.

Say It Loud

Express gratitude to others. This is a powerful way to strengthen relationships and create a sense of connection. It doesn’t always have to be for big gestures. Simple words or actions show that you value and recognize the efforts of those around you, making them feel seen and appreciated. This practice helps build trust, deepens bonds, and creates a positive atmosphere in relationships.

Conclusion

Practicing gratitude year-round can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By consistently focusing on the positive aspects of life, you can reduce stress, improve your mood, strengthen relationships, and increase feelings of contentment. Whether through simple daily habits like keeping a gratitude journal or expressing appreciation to others, these practices can shift your mindset and promote long-term emotional health. If you find it challenging to make gratitude a regular part of your routine or want personalized support in cultivating this practice, reaching out to a therapist can be a helpful step. A therapist can guide you through gratitude exercises, offer strategies tailored to your needs, and help you build a sustainable, fulfilling gratitude practice that supports your mental and emotional growth.

References

Morin, A. (2025b, January 28). Friday fix: Gratitude practices that will make you happier. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/gratitude-practices-that-will-make-you-happier-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-6830774 

Oppland, M. (2024, October 9). 13 most positive gratitude exercises & activities. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/How to practice gratitude. (n.d.) Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/