50 Simple Things We Should All Be Grateful For
Best part: Most of these pick-me-ups come free of charge.
There’s power in gratitude. In fact, it can actually change your brain: In one study, participants who were asked to keep gratitude lists for 14 days felt an increase in their happiness and life satisfaction, and a decrease in symptoms of depression. Another found that, after writing one thank-you letter each week for just three weeks, participants “reported significantly better mental health four weeks and 12 weeks after their writing exercise ended." The results are in: A little bit of thankfulness now, a big mood boost for some time to come.
But, with the hectic hustle and bustle of life, we can often forget to slow down and take the time to appreciate the good things we have in our life. We did the work for you and found 50 simple reasons to be thankful. (Best of all: Most of them cost little to no money!) Whether it's the mascara that gives you lashes for days or your dog's sweet eyes when you walk through the front door, it's the little stuff that can deliver the biggest jolt of joy. When it comes time for you to make your own gratitude list, look to these for inspiration.
The snooze button.
Yes, experts say that it's better not to use the snooze (it steals valuable sleep time), but sometimes there's nothing better than knowing you have five more minutes to stay curled up in bed.
RELATED: 15 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster
Big, crazy, loud dinners with the whole family.
To onlookers, it looks like absolute chaos. To you, it's just your average Sunday night meal. When the kids are running around, your uncle and dad are arguing about politics, and someone inevitably spills a glass of red wine, the best memories are made.
The first day of school.
You love your kids. Let's repeat: You love your kids. But! When the school bus pulls away that first day back, you can take a deep breath and go get a giant cup of coffee.
RELATED: The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide
That first cup of coffee in the morning.
If you could, you'd have an IV drip of the stuff coming down from your bed. Just brewing a cuppa gives your brain (and mood) a nice jolt. After that first sip, you feel like you can totally conquer the million pick-ups and drop-offs the day has in store.
Fall foliage.
The end of summer can be a bummer, no lie. That feeling is tempered by seeing the trees in their orange-red-yellow glory. Plus, sweater and bootie season has arrived. Yay!
RELATED: Where and When to See the Best Fall Foliage Colors in Every State
The ability to let an old grudge go.
When you were younger, you may not have let bygones be bygones. Now, you have the maturity to call it water under the bridge and move on. And wow, do you feel lighter for it.
Mascara that makes your lashes look like falsies.
When you find that perfect tube (the one that doesn't get all clumpy or smudge under your eyes), you better hold onto it.
RELATED: The Best Mascaras to Buy in 2019, According to the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab
When your dog gets SO excited to see you.
Seriously, is he going to pee on himself? His pure joy — even if you've been gone two minutes to take out the trash — always makes you feel like a hero for coming home.
Monday holidays.
The Sunday scaries are the real deal. So when you don't have to get up and rush out the door and tackle your inbox on a Monday, it's just as good as laying on the beach in a hammock. Truly.
Showering.
The best part may be that you're in a room alone and can't hear the crazy going on outside. Yep, you'll stay here for just a little longer.
A great hair day.
Even when you're trying to make your hair behave, so often it just won't cooperate. On days when even those annoying baby hairs magically fall into place, you should take absolutely take selfie to commemorate the moment.
When both kids nap at the same time.
If you have little ones, their nap schedules rarely converge. That means you're constantly chasing after one of them. When they both go down, you get some peace. It's time to have lunch ... alone.
The John Legend Christmas album.
Is there anything better than Legend crooning "Bring Me Love" to you? Didn't think so. As soon as holiday season arrives, he's on repeat.
A completely quiet house.
Kids and pets aren't the quietest creatures. We'd like to pay homage to that time at night when the little ones are in bed, your dog is laying around content, and you can finally take a deep breath. (Now go watch some guilty-pleasure TV.)
The fact that dark chocolate is a "health" food.
As long as it has more than 70% cocoa, it's good for your heart, right? Right. That makes it a totally acceptable snack.
RELATED: A Definitive Ranking of the 10 Best Dark Chocolate Bars You Can Buy Right Now
A stranger who opens the door for you.
Especially if you're carrying six grocery bags or juggling a kid (who's way too heavy to insist on being on your hip). Not letting the door slam in your face is much appreciated.
Sauvignon Blanc.
What crisp, heavenly creation is this? A glass with dinner has a way of making even the worst days feel bearable. And when you're having a girls' night, a few bottles — sipped responsibly among many friends! — are a must.
A trusted coworker.
Thank goodness you have her, otherwise who would you run to and vent with when your boss dumps a big project on your desk at the last minute?
When your dog or cat rests his head on your lap.
Is there anything more heart-melting than loving pup eyes? Didn't think so. And since petting them can reduce your blood pressure, they're good for your ticker too.
Someone who lets you cut in line at the grocery store.
She noticed you only have tampons and an onion. And she's a saint.
Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition, and skincare, with work published in Women’s Health, Glamour, Health, Men’s Health, and more. She is based in the Chicago suburbs and is a mom to two little boys and rambunctious rescue pup.
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