5 Small Gratitude Habits That Create Big Changes in Your Day!

Gratitude—we hear about it all the time. It’s the magic ingredient in self-help books, the buzzword in wellness circles, and the thing your grandma always reminded you to practice when she slipped you an extra cookie. But here’s the real kicker: gratitude isn’t just some warm and fuzzy concept. It’s a daily practice that can shift your perspective, lift your mood, and even rewire your brain for more positivity.

If you’re like me, though, the idea of starting a gratitude practice might feel a little daunting. I mean, how do you even begin? Do you need a fancy journal? Should you light a candle and chant affirmations? (Spoiler: no chanting required, unless you’re into that.) The truth is, gratitude doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It’s the small, simple habits that can make the biggest difference.

Let me share five tiny gratitude habits that have created big changes in my day—and they might just do the same for you.

1. Start Your Morning with Three Gratitudes

Before your feet even hit the floor, take a moment to name three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be life-changing. In fact, the smaller, the better. Think: the smell of coffee brewing, the cozy blanket you’re snuggled under, or the fact that you managed to avoid stepping on a Lego last night.

I started this habit during a particularly stressful season of life. At first, it felt forced, like I was grasping at straws. But over time, I noticed a shift. Instead of waking up dreading the day, I found myself looking forward to finding little moments of joy. It’s like priming your brain to focus on the good stuff right from the get-go.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

This one’s a classic for a reason. Writing things down has a way of making them feel more real. Each night, jot down three to five things that went well or made you smile. The trick is to be specific. Instead of writing, “I’m grateful for my friends,” try, “I’m grateful for Sarah’s hilarious text that made me laugh out loud in the middle of a meeting.”

If you’re not sure where to start, The Mindful Gratitude Workbook can be your new best friend. It's free with the Mindful Gratitude 30 Day Digital Course

It’s packed with prompts and space to reflect, making it easier to stay consistent. Plus, flipping through past entries can be a beautiful reminder of how much goodness you’ve already experienced. The course comes with daily short videos of the prompts being read to you and you can jot down your answers the free Pdf printable workbook.

3. Create a Gratitude Anchor

A gratitude anchor is a physical object that reminds you to pause and appreciate the moment. It could be a bracelet, a rock you found on a hike, or even a sticky note on your desk with the word “gratitude” scrawled across it. The idea is to associate that object with a moment of thankfulness.

For me, it’s a crescent moon charm on my necklace. Every time I touch it, I take a deep breath and think of one thing I’m grateful for. It’s a small pause in a busy day, but it’s enough to bring me back to the present and remind me of what’s good.

4. Say Thank You—Out Loud

How often do we think, “I’m so grateful for this,” but never actually say it? Words have power, especially when spoken out loud. Make it a habit to thank the people in your life—your partner for making coffee, your coworker for helping with a project, even the barista who nails your complicated order. Bonus points if you’re specific about why you’re grateful.

A few months ago, I started thanking my niece and nephew every time they did something kind, or helped me with something no matter how small. At first, they laughed at me being only 4 and 3. But you know what happened? They started doing the same for me. Gratitude is contagious, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

5. End the Day with a Gratitude Reflection

As you wind down for the night, take a few minutes to reflect on your day. What made you smile? What moments brought you joy? Even on the toughest days, there’s usually something to be thankful for—like the fact that you made it through.

I like to pair this habit with my evening skincare routine. As I’m washing my face and applying moisturizer, I think about the little wins of the day. It’s a soothing ritual that helps me go to bed with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.

Why Gratitude Works Wonders

Gratitude isn’t just about feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s science-backed. Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve your mental health, enhance your relationships, and even boost your physical health. It rewires your brain to focus on the positive, which can make you more resilient in the face of challenges.

But here’s the thing: gratitude is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. And just like any habit, it takes time and consistency to see the results. That’s why starting small is key. These tiny habits don’t require much effort, but they can create a ripple effect that transforms your mindset over time.

A Little Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to overhaul your life to practice gratitude. It’s not about perfection or doing it “the right way.” It’s about finding moments—tiny, ordinary moments—and choosing to see the good in them. Because when you do, those moments add up. And before you know it, you’ve created a life filled with appreciation and joy.

If you’re ready to dive into a gratitude practice, the ‘Mindful Gratitude Course’ is here to guide you. It’s a tool to help you stay consistent and deepen your practice. You’ll find prompts, affirmations, and space to capture all the little things that make life beautiful in the accompanying Pdf printable workbook.

Your Gratitude Legacy

Imagine looking back a year from now and seeing how far you’ve come. Imagine feeling more at peace, more connected, and more in tune with the good things in your life. That’s the power of gratitude. It’s not just about today—it’s about creating a foundation for a more joyful tomorrow.

So, here’s your challenge: pick one of these habits and try it for a week. See how it feels. Notice the changes, however small. And if it works for you, keep going. Because gratitude isn’t just something you do—it’s a way of being. And it starts with the tiniest step.

Ready to start your gratitude journey? Get the Mindful Gratitude Course and let’s do this together.

Because big changes often start with small habits—and a little gratitude goes a long way.