10 Ways Showing Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Practicing these creative ways to show gratitude to the people in your life — and even to strangers — can lead to better health and greater happiness.

December 02, 2021

By: Mariette Williams

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10 Ways Showing Gratitude Can Make You Happier

As the year winds down, this is the time when we often reflect on our accomplishments and the goals we’ve achieved. But it’s also a great time to show gratitude and appreciation for the special people in our lives. Showing gratitude can include helping those around us, and it can also be beneficial to our own health. Psychologists and therapists say that giving thanks can increase our own happiness by helping us experience positive emotions, and it can help us build stronger connections with our friends, family and communities.

The Myriad Physical Benefits of Gratitude

“The practice of showing gratitude can have multiple benefits for our emotional health, and research has shown the beneficial impact of focusing on gratitude in our daily lives," says clinical psychologist Dr. Beth Pausic, the director of behavioral health at telemedicine company Hims & Hers. "Some benefits include lower stress levels, improved sleep, an elevated mood and decreased depression.”

Showing gratitude can be a solo endeavor or an activity that includes the whole family. From creating a gratitude jar to cooking a meal for a friend, each of the following ideas is a friendly reminder that giving thanks can be simple, but can leave a lasting impact on those around us

Write Cards to Family Members

The holidays are a great time to send loved ones a card, and cards can be personalized with family photos or a letter updating the family on the events of this past year. While so much of our lives is digital, it’s special to send a family member a card, letter or photo that they can savor for years to come. Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis is an occupational therapist and transformational life coach who advises, “this season, create postcards and mail family and friends using old pictures. Print photos from your computer and add a personal touch by writing something memorable from that moment.”

Make a Gratitude Jar

Get all of your family members into the habit of recognizing what they are thankful for. One tangible way to do that is to create a gratitude jar. "Have your kids write down on separate pieces of paper what they are thankful for," Pierre-Louis suggests. "Get creative and have fun using color markers or gel pens, and colored paper. Place it in a mason jar and pull it out when you need a pick-me-up.”

Thank Service Employees

This year hasn’t been easy for those working in the service industry, and we can bring a smile to someone’s face by writing thank you notes, giving a gift card or leaving an additional tip. “Consider leaving thank you notes for your mail carriers on your door, especially during the holidays, along with a packet of hot chocolate or candy,” says Pierre-Louis.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Keeping a gratitude journal isn’t necessarily a new idea, but it’s one that has long-lasting benefits. Journaling can be part of a morning or nightly routine, and a gratitude journal can be a few bullet points. “[Keeping a gratitude journal] can help as a written reminder of all of the things that are good in your life," says Dr. Pausic. "It can be easy to forget these things, especially during highly stressful times. It can help you become more aware of the positive things you may take for granted.”

Put Your Phone Down

We all know that we’re probably on our phones far too much, but this season try committing to a few hours or a day without your phone. “Our culture is prone to distraction and multitasking," says Dr. Pausic. "Think of how many conversations you have had while also checking your phone. When talking with others we tend to be thinking about our response rather than what the other person is saying. Make a commitment to be present and more focused.”

Help a Neighbor

Knowing your neighbors helps create a safer neighborhood, and the holidays are a great time to see if anyone who lives near you needs assistance. “We all struggle from time to time, and we often focus on our own struggles and don’t think that others may be worse off than us," says Dr. Pausic. "But we can help a neighbor by taking out their trash or offering to cut their grass.”

Cook Someone a Meal or Cook Together

'Tis the season for comfort food and hearty meals, and the best way to enjoy a meal is to share it with a friend or family member. Alyza Berman is the founder and clinical director of the Berman Center, a mental health treatment center in Atlanta. She says, “There's no better way to connect with someone than over food and drink. The act of eating and sharing a meal is very personal. Cooking for someone and inviting them for a meal is a great way to show gratitude because you're putting in time, effort, money and skill to provide something of value to someone you want to show appreciation towards. Cooking together is all about making a meaningful connection.”

Call a Friend or Relative

Many of us keep up with friends and family on social media, but liking a post isn’t a substitute for an in-person phone call. This season, consider picking up the phone and calling someone you haven’t talked to for a while. “Reaching out to someone for the sake of reaching out without expecting anything in return and just to show gratitude can make someone feel extra special. Taking the time out of your day or busy schedule to say hello, or just let someone know you're there, is a beneficial way to reestablish strong connections and show another person how much you truly care for them in a personal and intimate manner,” says Berman.

Volunteer Your Time and Efforts

It’s always a good idea to volunteer year-round, and during the holidays volunteering can become a family tradition. “No matter if it's at your synagogue, church, community center or local school, we live in a world where digital interaction rules all," says Berman. "These days, actually showing up in person expresses a level of gratitude far beyond signing onto a Zoom call or sending a donation virtually. Someone being there in person highlights a deep level of gratitude, commitment and a clear message that you want to be there.”

Perform a Random Act of Kindness for a Stranger

It’s often easy to give and show gratitude for those we know. But showing kindness to strangers by doing things like offering up a prime parking spot or paying for their groceries is a move that people remember for a long time. “Whether big or small, these [random acts of kindness] towards someone else go a long way to helping bring joy to someone's day, boost self-esteem and worth and provide a bright spot," says Berman. "You never know what someone else may be going through, so this type of gesture can do more good than you think it does.”