Express Appreciation Daily
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This Week’s Shift: Express Appreciation Daily
We are celebrating Thanksgiving in America this week, but this holiday is about so much more than a big meal with your family. It’s also about more than being grateful.
It’s a time to say “thank you” and actively express appreciation for all we are grateful for.
What would happen if we built on the momentum of Thanksgiving to create a daily habit of appreciation? What would your life be like if you took a few minutes each day to shift your attention toward what you are grateful for and then expressed that appreciation out loud?
A Lot Can Happen
I know…I know…
Gratitude can be cliche. Everyone talks about being grateful - especially around Thanksgiving. But the shift I’m asking you to make is to move from being grateful to actually expressing that gratitude.
This shift is subtle but significant.
Research shows that expressing appreciation creates a wide range of benefits:
It releases serotonin and dopamine, which enhance our moods.
It cultivates optimism, reduces stress, and enhances our focus.
It is linked to better sleep, health, and immunity.
It strengthens relationships and builds stronger social bonds.
It can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It creates lasting changes in our brains.
Actively Express Appreciation
You'll reap the benefits if you actively appreciate 1-3 things daily. Try the following to put this subtle shift into action:
Pick up the phone: A phone call is personal and immediate, making it one of the most heartfelt ways to express appreciation. Hearing your voice adds a layer of connection that texts or emails can't replicate.
Speak up in a meeting: A public acknowledgment in a meeting not only shows your appreciation but also reinforces a culture of gratitude within your team. It can inspire others to do the same.
Say thank you: Never underestimate the power of a simple, heartfelt "thank you." When delivered sincerely, these two words can uplift someone’s day and strengthen your bond.
Ask What Others Appreciate: This approach flips the script, showing curiosity and care for what matters to others. It can spark meaningful conversations and deepen your understanding of your colleagues or loved ones.
