10 ways you can express gratitude to others
The practice of gratitude has been associated with a number of benefits in various studies. These can include greater life satisfaction, improved problem-solving skills, resilience, and even changes to the brain. Expressing gratitude to others may be one way to tap into these outcomes. But, gratitude does not just benefit us alone. It has social benefits. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley has described gratitude in having a role as 'social glue', giving my generosity, stronger relationships, and workplace culture.
Science aside, anecdotally, we all feel a sense of satisfaction when we are appreciated. Why not give that gift to someone?
How can you express gratitude?
We can express gratitude verbally, in writing, or through gifts as an example. Here are some ideas to express gratitude to others.
10 ideas to help you express your gratitude
- Write a thank you letter. Writing thank you letters has been associated with increased wellbeing for the sender and recipient.
- Send a gift. Whether it be flowers or a hamper, a thought of someone with a gift can be an expression of gratitude.
- Buy someone a coffee or meal. To buy someone a meal or coffee is not just a way to say thank you, but an opportunity to connect and talk in a busy world.
- Make time for someone. Sometimes, we forget the people closest to us, who do the most for us. Make time for them. Say thank you.
- Acknowledge people. Take the time to acknowledge people in a speech, on social media, or those opportunities where we get to talk about the people who made us who we are.
- Pay it forward. There are often people who have supported our journeys. In their honour, support others, and share the stories of the people who have been there.
- Celebrate others in victories. Sometimes, we have wins at work. Sometimes, we have wins at school. Sometimes, we have wins in sport. In all these situations, we have an opportunity to celebrate others.
- Make food. From baked goodies to a favourite meal, making someone the gift of food can be a delicious memorable expression of gratitude.
- A gift card. If someone is a music fan, a music gift card might bring joy for some time. If our friend is an adrenaline junkie, an experience might make a lifetime memory. A gift card close to someone's heart is another way to help someone feel appreciated.
- Listen. It has been said that we have two ears and one mouth, to use in that order. How often do we really listen to someone? Take the time to actively listen. We may not only learn something about another, but open the door to do something meaningful for them.
To enhance your ability to truly listen, check out this insightful TED Talk by Celeste Headlee. In "10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation," she shares practical tips on the art of conversation, emphasising the importance of listening.
Summary
Expressing gratitude to others benefits us, but also others. It creates a social glue that can bring humanity together. And, it doesn't have to cost anything but time. There are simple things that we can do to make the world a better place, within us and outside.
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Reviewed by the Healthylife Advisory Board July 2024
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.
About this article
Dr. Dinesh Palipana
Dinesh is a doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and researcher in spinal cord injury. He has a spinal cord injury with quadriplegia. Dinesh works in the emergency department of the Gold Coast University Hospital. He is a senior lecturer at Griffith University. He was the first quadriplegic medical graduate in Queensland.