How do we show thankfulness

Why might narcissism have this negative association with gratitude? While there is evidence that gratitude activities may work better for some people than others , research suggests that there are exercises you can do—like gratitude journaling or gratitude letters —that will build your gratitude muscle.

Remember that study from earlier that looked at brain activity differences in people who expressed more and less gratitude? Another part of that study found that participants who had written gratitude letters in a therapeutic intervention expressed more gratitude and had more activity three months later in their pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, an area involved in predicting the outcomes of actions.

This result suggests that a simple gratitude intervention can lead to lasting brain changes even months after the intervention ends. The researchers propose an interesting interpretation of their findings: Practicing gratitude may increase brain activity related to predicting how our actions affect other people.

And the recent study that found that more grateful people have more altruistic brains? That relationship, too, appears to be malleable.

It was stronger in participants who had been assigned to keep a gratitude journal for three weeks than it was in participants who had been assigned a different non-gratitude journaling activity. This difference suggests that practicing gratitude changes the brain in a way that orients people to feel more rewarded when other people benefit, and this change could help explain why gratitude encourages generosity toward others. Gratitude might feel harder, or maybe just less natural, for some of us.

Summer Allen, Ph. A graduate of Carleton College and Brown University, Summer now writes for a variety of publications including weekly blog posts for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is also very active on twitter: follow her , or just reach out and say hello! Become a subscribing member today. Scroll To Top. The Gratitude Project What if we didn't take good things for granted? Order Now. Get the science of a meaningful life delivered to your inbox.

About the Author. Have you said thank-you to someone to show how grateful you are for them today? You need to say them with sincerity, or show your gratitude through little actions. Can you imagine a world where everyone showed gratitude? If you were having a bad day, someone else would take time out of her life to comfort you, out of gratitude for a kindness you did her yesterday. People would still get angry, or sad, but would know to find ways to be grateful, even in difficult situations.

I can accept the world as it is … and at the same time, show my gratitude for what a wonderful world we have. And what wonderful people such as you guys are in my life. And in doing so, my little acts of gratitude will radiate throughout the world, changing it in subtle but profound ways.

I can be corny at times. I recommend it heartily. Create a Gratitude Ritual. And of course, my loved ones, and others in my life. Send a thank-you note. And it only takes a minute! Give a free hug. OK, only do this when appropriate … but if you have a loved one in your life, give them a hug! Often we can go too long without showing our affection and gratitude, even to those who are closest to us.

To improve the quality of your life and the life of others, it is important to show true gratitude for the things you are grateful for so here are 34 ways you can up the ante and let people in your life know just how much you appreciate them and how to grateful in your daily life. When interacting with people, make eye contact and show you are really present in the conversation. Let someone know exactly why you are grateful to have them in your life by citing an example of things they have done or said on your behalf.

While you must take care of you, it is important to also think of others first. Make a true connection with those you love and are grateful to have in your life by giving hugs when greeting, saying goodbye, or saying thanks. Spend time with others especially during difficult times and just be there without your phone and other distractions.

When someone challenges your actions or words, still show grace by listening to what they say and being polite. When someone you know is celebrating an achievement, offer your sincere congratulations even if you are not the winner.

When someone is gracious enough to give you a gift make sure you wear the clothes in their presence, display their craft on your desk, or make it known you appreciate the gift by using it.

When you are on the receiving end of great service or fine hospitality let others know about the job well done such as telling supervisors about the excellent service your wait staff provided.

When you are out and about, select a few small but thoughtful gifts for those you love just to show you are thinking about them. When you receive a gift, handwrite a thank you note that mentions the gift you received and your appreciation. Forget emails when sending personal sentiments that lets loved ones know you are thinking of them.

Skip the texts. When family and friends are having a rough time, handwrite letters of encouragement and inspiration or, give them a call and let them get it all out. Address a love letter to those you love — from your spouse, to your parents, to your children you will provide them with proof positive they are loved and appreciated.

It also helps remind you what you have to be grateful for every day. Take a few moments each night before bed to write down the things you appreciated throughout the day.

When people are in need, step up to be the go-to person they can rely on for support regardless of your differences. If you are a whiz at scrapbooking, money management, or resume writing, share your talents with those in need.

Kindness is still very much appreciated in the world today so perform a random kindness for those you love or a total stranger without looking for praise such as buying a homeless person lunch. When you order a coffee, pay for the person behind you. Drop a few extra coins in the toll booth on your travels. When you receive good service, be sure to offer a good tip that shows those in the service industry how much they are appreciated.

It is often a low-paying, unappreciated job others continue to do. Spend a few hours at a food bank, an animal shelter, or your church helping others. Sharing your time with those in need can help put your own life into perspective.

While more risky now than in decades past, helping a stranger can certainly make you feel great. You can always show gratitude later that day. Be willing to share your possessions with those you love and those that are not as fortunate. No matter how mad you get or how right you are, be willing to say you are sorry to those you truly love and appreciate.

Be willing to compromise in life. Spend time with those who may not have anyone else. No matter how small or how big the favor was, always say thank you. Say it to family, friends, co-workers, and kids. A heartfelt thank you can go a long way.