Gratitude is a central theme for many of us in November because it’s tied to Thanksgiving and has become National Gratitude Month. Yet, we should not wait till November to practice gratitude.

Robert A. Emmons, professor of psychology at UC Davis, leading expert on gratitude and positive psychology and author, explains that “the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life.” 

I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude,” Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and author, tells us.

Practicing gratitude is life-changing for both our bodies and minds. It heals and relaxes us and can improve our moods. It also strengthens our immune system. There is no better time to start this simple practice.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Write down three things that you are grateful for each morning.
• Take a picture of a beautiful thing, person, place, or specific time that makes you feel grateful. 
• Call a friend or relative that you haven’t talked to in a while to tell them how much you appreciate them.
• Keep a gratitude journal.
• Include an act of kindness every day.

Make practicing gratitude an everyday habit to choose a more healthy path. Remember to share with us how you practice or have started to practice gratitude.