Grateful People are Happy People! Celebrate Gratitude Day on September 21

September 21 is World Gratitude Day, a day created by the United Nations Meditation Group that reminds us to appreciate the good in our lives, from nourishing food to a simple hug. September 21 is also the perfect day to begin practicing a habit of gratitude.  This attitude of gratitude can help us be more positive and incorporate appreciation into our lives. In addition, research shows that grateful people are happier people. And we think happiness should definitely be one of the top two goals in life.

For the Record

Researchers have discovered that gratitude can enhance your wellbeing and improve relationships.[1]  Plus, science shows that cardiac patients who had positive interventions had better outcomes. While it’s an advantage to be born with a positive attitude, living a grateful life can become a habit. Moreover, if you chose to develop that habit, you’ll soon spend your days appreciating what you have rather than what you don’t.

Be Thankful for Your Generations of Family

Family makes us who we are. Make it a habit to be grateful for members of your family that support you every day–and to send gratitude to the generations of family who came before you. [2] Maybe Nana wasn’t your favorite great-grandmother but the genes that helped her live to be 98 will come in handy when you’re older! Every day, take a minute to tell your husband, wife or partner how much you appreciate him or her. In addition, thank your mom or dad for making you possible – and tell the children in your life how much you love them.  And be sure to say thank you to the generations of relatives who may have struggled to find a better life for their children.

Be Thankful for People Who Help Everyday

Many people help us everyday, from fire fighters to police officers to the woman who has a smile when she packs your groceries.  Giving thanks to all the people in your community who work to keep us safe and make our lives better is a great way to practice gratitude.[3] Sure, they are paid to do their jobs but your heartfelt thank you will make their day better–along with yours.

Less I Want, More I’m Thankful

In a recent blog on gratitude, we pointed out that living in a society that is based on desire conditions us to want more–and more. However, by focusing on being grateful for what we have, we can retrain our minds and feel more satisfied in our daily lives.

For example, start your day by thinking of three things you are grateful for every morning. They can be something as simple as your warm quilt or a bigger thought like how much your best friend means to you. In addition, write your thoughts in a gratitude journal. Sometimes, when you are struggling, it’s good to look back and remember what you already have.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk and noticing all the gifts that surround you is a great way to start your gratitude habit. Your body will produce endorphins while your brain relaxes and sees all the pleasures in your neighborhood. For example, be grateful for the tall tree on your corner or for the guy in the coffee shop who always makes you laugh. Soon you’ll be smiling more and appreciating everything you already have.

Meditation is an excellent way to start an attitude of gratitude. Find teachers here.
Be grateful for you. Celebrate with a Spafinder Gift Card.

[1] FastCompany, Why Thankful People are Happier and Healthier, Gwen Moran, November 2014.
[2] Huffington Post, “5 Ways To Celebrate World Gratitude Day,” Kelly S. Buckley, December 2017
[3] Huffington Post, “5 Ways To Celebrate World Gratitude Day,” Kelly S. Buckley, December 2017.