Spreading gratitude can be such an easy thing that can be practiced daily if you commit to taking action.
No matter who you come in contact with, a small act of gratitude can make all the difference in the world. We have so many blessings in our lives that we can share, and taking time to show gratitude to someone will not only give you an internal glow but it will make some else's day as well.
Here are five easy ways you can spread gratitude every single day:
Smile at a stranger.
The easiest yet often most neglected act of showing gratitude to a stranger is something that seems to be a lost art in today's society. Did you know that every time you smile, your brain releases 4 "feel good" hormones? These work together to relieve stress, lower your heart rate, increase productivity, and reduce anxiety. This not only leaves us feeling happier, but is truly contagious and will make someone's day.
Spend time volunteering.
There are so many local organizations that need volunteers no matter where you live. Animal shelters, soup kitchens, schools and churches- you name it! They all need help and may not have the funds to pay someone for their time. If you have a Saturday morning free, even an hour or two will make all the difference.
Pay it forward.
You can be in a coffee shop drive-thru and cover the person's order behind you. You can pay someone's bridge toll. You can keep granola bars in your car and pass them out to homeless people at a stop light. Buy your mom some flowers. Send a kind text to a friend. You don't have to spend money to make someone's day, and even a small gesture of appreciation to a stranger or someone you love will show your gratitude for their existence.
Be present.
Put your phone down. Make eye contact. Spend quality time with someone. Showing someone that you value their time and respect them enough to give them your full attention is a wonderful way to show someone you appreciate them and are happy to have them in your life. Oftentimes, you see a couple at dinner and both individuals are on their phone. We do not want to knock anyone that does this, but we do feel it is saddening to see this because our time with our loved ones is so precious. Being present with someone you love is a gift and one that should be valued, protected, and cherished.
Compliment someone on a deeper level.
While a physical compliment is still a wonderful thing, there are so many ways you can pay someone a compliment to let them know you are grateful for them. Compliment the way their mind works, their heart, their passion, their kindness, their soul- anything that is a reflection of their character and the person they are.
If you have any other ways you share gratitude with others, let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear the ways you spread gratitude and want to celebrate that with you. Together, we can spread gratitude into the world -- and change it.
