This post contains affiliate links. Learn more.
These gratitude practices will help you slow down, appreciate the small things, and end the year on a positive note!
As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to get caught up in endless to-do lists, holiday preparations, and work deadlines. We rush from one task to the next, and easily forget to pause and notice the small moments that make life meaningful.
That’s where gratitude comes in. Practicing gratitude is not about grand gestures or big declarations, but about appreciating the little things that brighten your days, being in the present, and staying on a positive note.
Why Practicing Gratitude Matters
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good habit; it can genuinely change how you move through your day. It’s more than simply saying “thank you,” though that’s definitely part of it. It’s really about training your eyes to notice what’s still good, still working, and still comforting, even when life isn’t perfect.
No matter how bleak a situation feels, there’s always something to be grateful for, even if it’s small. Sometimes it’s as simple as being grateful your coffee tasted good that morning, or that you made it through the day without falling apart. Those small things always add up, and they help you stay grounded and create room for hope.
Here are some of the real, practical benefits of practicing gratitude:
Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
Boosts positivity: Shifting your focus to what’s good helps reduce stress and negativity. Even small moments of appreciation, like the smell of fresh coffee or a warm blanket, can elevate your mood.
Strengthens relationships: Expressing thanks to those around you deepens connections and makes others feel valued.
Encourages reflection: Taking account of what you’re grateful for helps you recognize growth, lessons learned, and progress over the year.
Supports mental well-being: A simple gratitude practice can help you feel calmer and more balanced during busy or stressful periods.
8 Practical Gratitude Practices To Try
With that in mind, here are eight practical gratitude practices you can try before the year ends:
1. Start or Refresh a Gratitude Journal
Get a gratitude journal and write down what you’re thankful for each day. It may seem simple, but it’s actually very powerful. You don’t need long entries; three short points about small joys or meaningful moments is enough; a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a kind word from a friend, or a cozy night in. Over time, your journal will be filled with memories and reminders of all the beautiful things in your life.
2. Send Thank-You Notes or Messages
Reach out to the people who made a difference this year. Whether it’s a thoughtful text, a quick email, or a handwritten note, expressing your appreciation goes a long way. You might thank a coworker who helped on a tough project or a friend who offered support. Small gestures like this not only brighten someone else’s day, but they reinforce your own gratitude practice.
3. Keep or Create a Gratitude Jar
Keep a jar where you drop small notes about happy moments, achievements, or things that made you smile. By the end of the year, you’ll have a collection of positive memories to reflect on that you might have otherwise overlooked.
4. Practice Verbal Gratitude Daily
Make a habit of expressing thanks out loud. Say “thank you” intentionally to family, friends, or even strangers, like a cashier or neighbor. Saying “thank you” intentionally helps you recognize the support and kindness around you and spreads positivity. You could even try making it specific like, “Thanks for taking the time to help me today; it really meant a lot.”
5. Give Back in Small Ways
Gratitude grows when it’s shared. Something as simple as buying coffee for someone, helping a friend, donating to a cause, or volunteering can make a meaningful difference. It reminds you that we’re all connected, and that you always have something to offer, even if it’s just your time or kindness.
6. Practice Mindful Moments of Appreciation
Pause during your day to notice what you normally take for granted. It could be the warmth of your blanket, the aroma of a favorite meal, or the comfort of your favorite chair. These brief, mindful pauses remind you that even ordinary moments can hold gratitude.
7. Keep a Gratitude Anchor Item
Choose one physical item like a bracelet, a small stone, or something you already carry daily, and let it act as a reminder to pause and appreciate something each time you notice or touch it. Whenever your mind drifts into stress or rush mode, that little object becomes a cue to slow down and find one thing you’re thankful for in that moment.
8. Take Gratitude Walks
Step outside and enjoy a short walk without distractions. As you move, notice the sights, sounds, and small joys around you; falling leaves, a neighbor’s smile, or the crispness of the air. Walking while practicing gratitude combines movement with reflection, making it both grounding and uplifting.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even small, consistent habits can help you feel more appreciative, shift your perspective, and help you end the year on a positive note.
Pick a few of these practices, weave them into your daily routine, and watch how noticing the good changes the way you experience life.
Leave a Reply