Did you know feeling grateful can boost your happiness and foster both physical and psychological health? An article in Psychology Today says studies show that practicing gratitude shifts inner attention away from negative emotions. (Read the full article here.)  With all that is going on in our world right now, it can be hard to feel grateful.  We’ve compiled a couple ideas to help boost your happiness through the power of gratitude.

Write a Thank You Note

You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank you letter expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person’s impact on your life. An email, card, or letter are great ways to brighten someone else’s day too.  Want to thank a coworker? Send them an electronic KUDOS to show your gratitude. Download one here.

Appreciate the Simple Things

Gratitude isn’t about feeling thankful each time you get something more. It’s about pausing, looking around, and taking in what’s already there.  The spring rain to freshen your garden. The sunshine on your face.  A child’s smile.

Gratitude Prompts

Use prompts to make an inventory of the things you’re grateful for, such as “I am grateful for these 3 things I see” or “I am grateful for these 3 friends”.  Daringtolivefully.com has a list of 55 Gratitude questions you can download and print out.

Remember a Teacher Who Believed in You

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, why not take some time to recall a teacher who believed in you and/or who helped you become the person you are today. Think of them and what they did for you.  Maybe send them a thank you note, or use social media to share your thankfulness.

Go on a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Here’s a great way to get the whole family involved. Using some of the gratitude prompts above, or the list below, spend some time roaming your house to find things you are grateful for.  Collect the item or take a photo and check it off your list. Celebrate when you have found everything on your list.

Here’s a list of items you can use for your Gratitude Scavenger Hunt:

  • Find something you love to smell.
  • Find something that’s really useful for you.
  • Find something in your favorite color.
  • Find something you love to touch.
  • Find something that reminds you of someone you love.
  • Find your favorite book.
  • Find something that makes you laugh.
  • Find something that reminds you of something you’ve accomplished.
  • Find something that keeps you healthy.
  • Find something you’ve made with your own hands.
  • Find something you use when you need some self-care.
  • Find something that fills you with wonder.

Watch Inspiring Videos

These days Facebook and YouTube are full of inspiring videos that remind us of the good in the world. John Krasinski’s Some Good News videos provide weekly reminders of gratitude being practiced around the country. His latest video sends the class of 2020 off with advice from Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Jon Stewart. Watch it on YouTube here.

At the ESD we do big things. But we would not be able to do anything without our talented and hardworking ESD 112 employees. We appreciate you.