Jancee Dunn is absent this week. I’m Christina Caron, a reporter on the Well desk, filling in.
During my childhood in California, far from my extended family, my brother and I had a tradition of concluding the Christmas season with thank-you letters to our relatives. As an 8-year-old, I discovered that these notes became more than just obligatory acknowledgments of gifts like dolls or new clothing; they also provided an opportunity to share aspects of my life with the aunts, uncles, and grandparents I rarely had the chance to see. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
While letter writing may now feel like a quaint practice, the science behind gratitude, which I explored in June, reveals that expressing gratitude doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Even a short, thoughtful text can strengthen our social connections. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
Cultivating a grateful outlook and dedicating a few minutes each day to count our blessings can also have significant benefits, such as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing life satisfaction.
As one expert aptly described it: “Gratitude seems to be the gift that keeps on giving.”
In this spirit, we asked New York Times readers to share their methods of practicing gratitude, and we received nearly 800 responses. Here are some of their strategies.
Express your gratitude. Jeanne Rogow, 63, from Traverse City, Mich., shared that she and her husband have a daily ritual of taking turns to express three things they are grateful for. Even if they miss a day, she takes a moment to think about it before falling asleep.
Mitchell Shapiro, 69, from Fort Lee, N.J., expresses thanks to his wife whenever she cooks a meal, knowing that she doesn’t particularly enjoy cooking. In return, he takes care of the dishes, all with a sense of gratitude. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
William McDonnell, 75, also from New Jersey, takes a different approach by writing thank you notes to anyone who has been pleasant and helpful to him. Whether it’s a customer service representative or a relative, he believes that people truly appreciate being recognized and acknowledged for their positive actions.
Combine gratitude with movement. Many readers find that incorporating gratitude exercises into their workout routines works well. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
Deborah Rathbun, 66, from Sharon, Conn., goes for walks multiple times a week, intentionally focusing on the beauty around her, such as the blue sky, green trees, or the gracefully waving flag. During her walk, she reflects on the past 24 hours and acknowledges the small things that went well or made her happy. It could be a friendly interaction with a cashier or finally sending a thoughtful text to a friend. David Abtour Offshore Trusts
