From Gloom to Gratitude: 7 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude Weekly

Are you feeling down, stressed, or annoyed that you're not where you want to be in life?

Do you feel stuck in a loop, wondering what the fecking point of it all is?

Do you ever look towards the sky and ask, when will things get better for me?

If so, it might be time to work on your mindset.

Not because your feelings aren't valid but because it can be really easy to stay stuck in a negative downward spiralling loop.

Practising gratitude is one of the ways you can get out of that loop in just a few minutes, which can bring immediate relief and profoundly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing when practised frequently in the long term.

Helping you to feel more grounded and cultivate a more positive outlook on your day and life.

In this post, I'll share the benefits of gratitude, 7 easy ways to practice gratitude weekly and 30 things to be grateful for when you're really struggling to feel thankful for anything.

There are several physical, mental, and emotional benefits of practising gratitude ↓

Studies have shown that regularly expressing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and improve overall mental health.

It can also increase feelings of happiness, life satisfaction, and optimism. But the benefits don't stop there.

Practising gratitude can also improve sleep quality, enhance resilience, and boost self-esteem.

Grateful individuals tend to have stronger and more positive relationships with others and are likelier to engage in acts of generosity and kindness.

With all these benefits, it's clear that practising gratitude is a powerful tool for transforming your life and finding joy in the present moment.


Curious to start practising gratitude more frequently? Here are some ways you build your gratitude practice each week ↓

1. Keep a gratitude journal: Set aside time each week to write down things you're grateful for. This can be done in a physical notebook or a digital journal.

2. Use gratitude prompts: Look for prompts or questions that can help guide your gratitude practice, such as "What was one thing that made you smile this week?" or "What is something you're looking forward to?"

3. Practice gratitude meditation: Set aside a few minutes each day to practice gratitude meditation, focusing on what you're grateful for and cultivating feelings of gratitude and appreciation.

4. Start a gratitude jar: Create a jar or container where you can write down things you're grateful for throughout the week. At the end of the week, read through the notes and reflect on the positive things in your life.

5. Share gratitude with others: Take time each week to express gratitude to the people in your life, whether through a thank you note or a simple text message.

6. Use visual reminders: Place reminders of gratitude around your home or workplace, such as quotes or images that inspire appreciation.

7. Practice gratitude at the moment: When you experience something positive, take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate it. This can be as simple as pausing to take a deep breath and reflect on the moment.
   
   

If you're going through a particularly tough time or struggling with depression, practising gratitude might not feel like an easy task.

When those moments strike, try following along with the EFT Tapping video below or look at the list of 30 things to be grateful for when you're struggling to feel gratitude.

30 things to be grateful for when you're struggling to feel gratitude ↓

1. Your health, no matter how small or big.
2. Your loved ones who care for you.
3. Having a roof over your head.
4. Access to clean water and food.
5. Having a job or source of income.
6. Having access to education and learning opportunities.
7. Having access to medical care.
8. Your pets or animals that bring joy into your life.
9. A beautiful sunset or sunrise.
10. A warm blanket on a cold day.
11. The ability to experience music, art, and literature.
12. A good book that you're reading or have read.
13. The kindness of strangers or people who help you in difficult situations.
14. Your ability to think, feel, and express yourself.
15. The opportunity to travel and explore new places.
16. The support and encouragement from people in your life.
17. The beauty of nature and the outdoors.
18. The ability to connect with others through technology.
19. The ability to learn from mistakes and grow.
20. Your hobbies or interests that bring you joy.
21. The feeling of accomplishment after completing a task.
22. Your ability to help others and make a difference in their lives.
23. Your creativity and ability to express yourself.
24. The opportunity to rest and recharge.
25. Your favourite food or drink.
26. The feeling of being loved and appreciated.
27. The opportunity to learn from challenges and difficult times.
28. The feeling of being alive and experiencing all that life has to offer.
29. The ability to dream and have hope for the future.
30. The ability to choose gratitude and shift your mindset towards positivity.

Remember that practising gratitude is a habit; like any habit, it takes time and consistency to develop.

Try different strategies, find what works best for you, and commit to practising gratitude regularly.