HOW TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE AT WORK

When we think of a gratitude practice, we oftentimes think about finding a quiet space to be alone and reflect, not sitting at work. This can feel especially challenging if we don't particularly enjoy our jobs or feel like we rather be somewhere else. We want to share with you how to practice gratitude at work and completely shift the way you view it all together.

Gratitude will actually benefit you while you work. It will increase your productivity and performance, improve your mood, and also help you create deeper connections with your colleagues. We often view work as a transactional place, filled with mindless activities as we go through the motions to collect a paycheck. Gratitude is a powerful way to tap into your mind and emotions and bring you into a more inspired, joyful, and optimistic mindset while you work. You can use the symbol of gratitude to remind you of these things!

Here are our three favorite ways to practice gratitude at work.

USE GRATITUDE AFFIRMATIONS

 Gratitude affirmations are an amazing way to give yourself a quick dose of positivity, especially at work. All you need is a minute or two to recite a few affirmations and ground yourself in a mindset of gratitude.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrating, or even want to take a little break, affirmations are a wonderful way to shift your perspective while at work. Here are five gratitude affirmations you can use at work to practice being grateful:

1.  I am grateful for my ability to manifest my dreams through my career and enable financial stability.
2. I am grateful for the flow of abundance in my career.
3. I will receive the lessons and growth that come to me today through my career and keep an open mind to them.
4. Every day, I am one step closer to the person I want to be because I work hard and pursue my future with bravery.
5. Everywhere I look, I see prosperity, success, growth, and new doors. I invite them into my life with gratitude.

Gratitude affirmations are an effective and simple way to reprogram your mind. If you find that your thoughts drift to a more negative space during your workday, give these affirmations a try during your break for 30 days. 

SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE

One of the most powerful things you can do is share your gratitude. Here are our top tips for sharing your gratitude by thanking or complimenting a colleague.

• Be specific.  The more detailed you get, the more powerful the compliment will be. Recall a specific time someone helped you, made a difference, or accomplished something, and share that memory with them. Noticing the small things goes so much further than a generic thank you. 
• Thank someone who rarely gets thanked. There are so many people you may not work with on a regular basis that you can show your appreciation to. Secretaries, the IT department, human resources, kitchen staff, and the janitorial staff are all people you may not speak to regularly but they are still your co-workers! Make sure you are sharing your appreciation with them, too.
• Virtual gratitude goes a long way. If you have a colleague that works from home or is in another state, email is a very powerful tool for practicing gratitude. Send someone an email or instant message letting them know you are grateful for their work.
• A gesture of gratitude is powerful! If you work with someone in person, you can express gratitude for someone else by showing them. You can show appreciation by bringing them flowers or candy, a happy gift for their workspace, buy them a coffee, or write a little handwritten thank you card.

 A powerful bonus that comes from sharing your gratitude is impacting other people through it. Not only will expressing your gratitude improve your mood, but it will improve the mood of the person receiving it.

A GRATITUDE LIST 

You can write a gratitude list of all the reasons you appreciate your job at work. This is an amazing way to take advantage of your five senses. What do you see? What do you smell? What do you taste? What do you hear? What do you feel?

Here is a list of ten gratitude prompts you can use at work:

1. What about your job helps you grow?
2. Who is a co-worker you are grateful for?
3. Name a time you accomplished something at work.
4. How is a consistent paycheck a blessing?
5. List three times you smiled at work.
6. Think of a time a boss or mentor helped you.
7. What does stability mean to you?
8. What was your first job, and how have you changed since having it?
9. List three things you have that you have because of your job.
10. What are you thankful for about work?

Even when it feels mundane or frustrating, employment is a blessing. It means we have a way to provide for ourselves and our families. It gives us a purpose, challenges us, and ensures we are growing. It helps us keep a structured routine and can give us a sense of security. 

Let us know if you try any of these gratitude practices while you work. Our jobs and careers give us a reason to be thankful every day, even if they seem heavy at times, and we hope this encourages you to practice gratitude at work! If you are interested in diving into a gratitude practice, our Ultimate Gratitude Guide is a wonderful place to start.

Spread Gratitude.

Change the World.