Did you know that practicing gratitude is proven to improve your level of happiness? Despite 2020 being an extra challenging year that many of us would have never predicted, there is always something to be grateful for, even if it requires a little digging.

So what exactly is gratitude? It’s a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Or as google defines it, the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness.

Why practice gratitude? Practicing gratitude can alter your life in a positive way and improve your happiness. Moreover, people who practice gratitude are generally happier, exercise more, have less physical problems, and remain more optimistic about life.

5 Simple ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude:

1. Practice morning gratitude and, write down 3-5 things you feel grateful for. Start with the prompt, “today, I am grateful for…” This helps begin and end the day on a positive note which can help inspire your day or of course. It can be simple things like a roof over your head, clothing on your back, your family, friends, clean water.

2. Give at least one genuine complement daily to others Whether it is by showing your appreciation for something, writing them gratitude notes and leaving it on their desk,, or whether directly to the person or yourself.

3. Create a gratitude jar. Each day add one thing you are grateful for. Then at the end of the year, read and reflect on all the gratitude notes you’ve added to the jar.

4. When you find yourself in a challenging situation ask yourself, what can I learn from this? We all know that 2020 has been a heavy and challenging year. What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned? Maybe it’s acknowledging the things in your life that truly matter.

5. Before bed, write down 3-5 good things that happened to you that day. Ending the day on a positive note is proven to help support a restful night of sleep.

Developing an “attitude of gratitude" is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life. We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Rather than complaining about the things you think you should have, why not shift focus on all that you do have.