Thankful Feelings
Feeling thankful can release this “feel-good” brain chemical.
What is serotonin
Name something simple you use every morning that you can be thankful for.
What is running water, coffee, or electricity?
“I hate doing chores” → Flip it with gratitude.
“I’m thankful I have a home and strength to take care of it.”
Taking a few deep breaths and appreciating being alive is an example of this coping skill.
What is mindfulness?
When you tell someone “I appreciate you,” what effect does that have on relationships?
It strengthens trust and emotional connection.
Practicing gratitude helps reduce this common symptom of depression and anxiety.
What is negative thinking or rumination?
What’s something outside in nature that helps people feel calm or grounded?
What is the sun, trees, wind, or birds?
“I’m tired of going to work” → Flip it with gratitude.
“I’m grateful to have a job and the ability to support myself.”
When you thank your body for carrying you through the day, you’re practicing this
What is self-compassion or body gratitude?
When life feels hard, focusing on what’s going well helps your mind do this.
What is reframe or shift perspective?
This emotion often grows stronger when you focus on gratitude.
What is joy (or contentment)?
Gratitude helps us focus less on what we lack and more on this.
What is what we have?
“I failed at something important” → Flip it with gratitude.
I’m thankful for the lesson that helps me grow stronger.”
Writing three things you’re thankful for each night is called this practice.
What is keeping a gratitude journal?
Sharing gratitude with others can inspire them to do this in return.
What is spread kindness or pay it forward?
Gratitude can calm your nervous system by activating this body response
What is the relaxation or parasympathetic response?
Taking time to appreciate the small things daily helps build this long-term mindset.
What is a grateful or optimistic mindset?
“I’m stuck in traffic” → Flip it with gratitude.
“I’m thankful for a car, music, or time to think.”
Gratitude can improve self-care by helping you focus on what kind of choices?
What are healthy or nurturing choices?
Turning pain into purpose — finding meaning in hard experiences — is an example of this coping process.
What is resilience or post-traumatic growth?
People who regularly practice gratitude report sleeping better because gratitude lowers this.
What is stress or overthinking before bed?
Gratitude doesn’t change your circumstances — it changes this instead.
What is your perspective or attitude?
“I’m thankful for a car, music, or time to think.”
“I’m thankful for progress and the lessons that shape me.”
When you take time to appreciate your progress instead of perfection, you are practicing this.
What is self-acceptance?
Expressing gratitude through helping others, volunteering, or giving back is an example of gratitude in this form.
What is gratitude in action or service gratitude?