Written by: Buffini & Co.
Grat-i-tude:
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
The benefits of expressing gratitude:
- Enhanced empathy
- Stronger relationships
- More optimism
- Improved overall well-being
- More mindful
- Better sleep
- Less stress
The Evolution of Gratitude
- Research shows that primates - and many other species - often help each other with the expectation that the gesture will be reciprocated.
- Our earliest ancestors practiced gratitude, realizing that cooperation was essential for survival.
- Gratitude also plays a significant part in many religious traditions, reinforcing thankfulness and dependence on higher powers.
Taking the time to share your gratitude with others takes a moment, but the impact may be long lasting.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Write and send a complimentary personal note to someone.
- Share your appreciation about someone with others.
- Thank people regularly.
- Pay it forward after receiving a kind gesture.
- Leave positive reviews.
- Tip extra for great service.
- Take time to fully listen to someone without interrupting.
- Send someone a meaningful photo of a shared experience.
- Surprise someone by taking care of a chore they normally do.
- Fix a lingering problem.
- Connect like-minded people together.
- Attend an event with a family member or friend.
- Commit to taking a deep breath and silently offer someone grace before a problem accelerates.
