# 7 Ways to Practice Gratitude for a Happier Life

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/7-ways-to-practice-gratitude-for-a-happier-life/
- Published: 2022-01-31T12:36:18-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Life has never been a bed of roses, not even for those who were born with all the
advantages. Also, planning for many people does not always follow the desired routes
no matter how accurately you predetermine the variables. 

Although nothing beats a stress-free life, characterized by a fantastic job, a sturdy
bank account, a wonderful family, and exceptional children, it is impracticable 
to always expect to have all these. It is impossible to attain all these in reality,
and no matter how much you try, there will always be a drawback to your happily 
ever after. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pexels-rodnae-
productions-5847888.jpg?resize=280%2C420&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-rodnae-productions-
5847888 - The Green Living Guy")

Since humans cannot always have life as they wish, man must learn to fortify their
mind through gratitude. In most straightforward words, gratitude is being thankful,
and it encapsulates one of the most powerful human emotions. [The term gratitude originates from the Latin word “gratia” ](https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#:~:text=It%20produces%20a%20feeling%20of,make%20us%20feel%20'good'.)
and has been proven by research to improve health and happiness and create satisfaction.
This is because whenever we express or receive gratitude, Serotonin and Dopamine
are released from our brains, causing us to feel pleased and valued.

In a world like ours, where most people are depressed and overwhelmed, you can decide
to incorporate gratitude as an essential life tool. You would encounter minimal 
negative emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety when practicing the under-listed
steps.

## **Journaling**

According to [the research done by Emmons & McCullough in 2003](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf),
the benefits that accompany keeping a gratitude journal are enormous. To begin journaling,
you only need to purchase a journal and carry it with you consistently. This will
enable you to remember to write down all the positive things that happened to you
daily. You can write about all the things you are grateful for at the end of each
day, including little acts of kindness shown to you.

Your journal can include the times your wishes were fulfilled, when you helped out
a stranger, whenever a friend paid for your meal, occasions when an unknown person
helped you, etc. These would also serve as an encouragement when things are not 
going so great with you. You can even order a [card deck order](https://shop.gratitudeblooming.com/collections/shop/products/gratitude-blooming-card-deck)
if you wish to do something other than journaling. 

## **Find gratitude in your challenges**

It would not cause you much to sit still and consciously note the things you should
be grateful for. This is necessary because humans cannot escape all the bad things
that come to them. 

So, even amid negative situations, take time to examine the happenings around you
deliberately, and you will identify things that will stir up gratitude in you. Gradually
cultivate this habit, and your brain will get used to it.

## **Appreciate everything in life**

Many people make the mistake of thinking they should only be grateful for magnanimous
events in life, but this is false. Begin from the small things if you want to cultivate
a habit of Thanksgiving. Be thankful for the weather, the proper functioning of 
your bodily organs, security where you reside, your meals, the blessing of family,
the ability to be kind to others, and many more.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pexels-cottonbro-
3171465.jpg?resize=201%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-cottonbro-3171465 - The Green
Living Guy")

## **Spend time with loved ones**

Spending time with [family is one sure-fire way](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/06/family-walk-4-ways-to-turn-it-into-an-adventure/)
to ignite gratitude in our hearts. Being with them would provide you with more things
to be grateful for. You will draw more closely to them, strengthen your relationship
cords, and create more opportunities to show love and kindness to the people you
genuinely care about. 

It might be challenging to display gratitude for the family but, keep trying. The
next time a family member shares a story with you, pay rapt attention. Be the one
to initiate the conversation with a problematic family member through the complement
strategy. Say kind words about their hair, shoes, dress, etc. You can also use [technology](https://magiskapp.com/)
to connect with long-distance friends and family members this will make your bond
much stronger.  

## **Resist from complaining in life**

[Nothing extinguishes the spirit of gratitude faste](https://www.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/)
r than complaining. You must realize that everyone has a problem or something that
creates a level of discomfort in their lives. Complaining about yours only shows
that you are unwilling to control that problem. Complaining is the natural response
of a defeated person. He tends to get impatient, frustrated, anxious, and even depressed.

Complaining magnifies the problem and drags alongside other negative energies without
necessarily creating a solution. The next time you feel a strong need to complain,
keep quiet. Instead, focus on something that can inject some positivism into you.

## **Share your “new self” with others**

Everyone would prefer to be encouraged than a complainer on their team, so gratitude
can never go out of [fashion](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/5-ways-to-find-eco-friendly-fashion-products/).
It will always be in trend for this particular reason. In your place of work, go
around and give someone an encouraging appreciation. Let them partake in your new
positivism. These things have a way of making the other person better. It helps 
add some color to that person’s day. Verbalize your appreciation, meet them in their
office, buy them a cup of coffee or even lunch.

## **Volunteer to help others**

It is a fact that one way to create happiness for yourself is to support others 
who are underprivileged in your [local community](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/unexpected-ways-to-reduce-your-communitys-carbon-footprint/).
At the end of the exercise, you would not only be thankful for the privileges you
have, but your happiness levels would have improved.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pexels-snapwire-
6945.jpg?resize=420%2C315&quality=52&ssl=1 "pexels-snapwire-6945 - The Green Living
Guy")

## **Conclusion**

Gratitude is an [incredibly healthy way of life](https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-gratitude-practice),
and so, rather than indulging harmful practices in a bid to gain happiness, seek
to be more grateful today. This article has discussed several ways to practice gratitude
and inject some positivity into your life.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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