5 Easy Ways for Moms to Practice Gratitude Every Day
FIT4MOM x Jessica Maurer
As a mom, life can often feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily routines. Between managing your kids' schedules, work, and household chores, finding time to slow down and appreciate the small moments can seem impossible. But practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Incorporating gratitude into your life can help you feel more centered, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness.
At FIT4MOM, we encourage everyone to focus on gratitude, kindness, and love, not just on special occasions but every day. These values are the foundation of everything we do, from workouts to community gatherings. By fostering gratitude and spreading kindness, we create a world where moms and their families can thrive, ensuring a brighter, more positive future for all. Together, we can make every day an opportunity to embrace health, happiness, and love.
Here are five simple and effective ways moms can weave gratitude into their daily lives:
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. All it requires is a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for. You can jot down big moments like your child's first steps or smaller but equally meaningful things like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.
Here’s how you can make this practice work for you as a busy mom:
Set a specific time: Choose the most convenient time of day for you, such as right before bed or while drinking your morning coffee.
Keep it simple: Don’t overthink it. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. It can be as small as a compliment from your child or the sun shining through the window.
Get your kids involved: Encourage your children to keep their own gratitude journals. It’s a great way to instill the value of gratitude in them from a young age.
This practice helps you stay present and shifts your focus away from stress and toward what is going well in your life.
2. Practice Mindful Moments of Gratitude
In the busyness of motherhood, it's easy to rush from one task to another without pausing to reflect. Practicing mindfulness allows you to be present in the moment, which can naturally lead to feelings of gratitude.
A great way to incorporate more mindfulness in your day is to have a breath work or meditation practice. Did you know that we offer guided meditations and breath work on FIT4MOM On Demand?
These curated tutorial collections are specifically designed for moms seeking tranquility, balance, and rejuvenation amid their busy lives. This series aims to empower mothers with simple yet powerful breathing techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, fostering a sense of calm and well-being.
3. Create a Gratitude Jar with Your Family
A gratitude jar is a fun, interactive way to bring gratitude into your home, and it’s a perfect activity to do with your kids. The idea is simple: each family member writes down something they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and places it in the jar. Over time, the jar fills with notes of gratitude, and you can periodically read them together as a family.
Here’s how to create your own gratitude jar:
Find a jar or container: It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can even use a mason jar or a simple box.
Decorate it: Invite your kids by decorating the jar with stickers, markers, or colorful paper.
Make it a routine: Have each family member add a note of gratitude once a day or week. This could be something they’re grateful for that day or something meaningful to them recently.
Read the notes together: At the end of each month or on special occasions, sit down and read the notes in the jar. It’s a great way to reflect on the positive aspects of your family’s life.
This practice teaches children the value of gratitude and fosters a positive atmosphere at home.
4. Express Gratitude to Others
Gratitude isn’t just about what we feel internally—it’s also about expressing thanks to those around us. As a mom, you likely have a support network of family, friends, teachers, and caregivers who help you on your journey. Take time to show them how much you appreciate their help.
Here’s how you can easily express gratitude to others:
Write a note: A simple handwritten thank-you note can go a long way. Whether it’s to your partner for their support, a friend for listening, or a teacher for their dedication, expressing thanks in writing makes it personal.
Say it out loud: Don’t wait for special occasions to express your gratitude. Tell your kids, partner, or friends that you appreciate them just because. A simple, “I’m so thankful for you” can brighten anyone’s day.
Encourage your children to do the same: Teaching your children to express gratitude to others helps them develop empathy and appreciation for those around them.
5. Make Gratitude Part of Your Daily Routine
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as setting aside a moment during your morning routine or before bed to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
Here are some easy ways to make gratitude part of your day:
Gratitude at meals: Before eating, take a moment to express gratitude for the food on your table and the time spent with family.
Gratitude during bedtime: Make it part of your bedtime routine to share one thing you’re grateful for with your children. This can be a great way to end the day on a positive note.
Set a reminder: Set a daily reminder on your phone to pause and reflect on one thing you’re thankful for. It could be a text message from a friend or simply getting through a hectic day.
Practicing gratitude as a busy mom doesn’t have to be difficult. By incorporating simple habits like journaling, mindfulness, and family activities, you can make gratitude a natural part of your day. Over time, these practices will help you feel more connected to your life and the people around you, creating a sense of peace and fulfillment.
At FIT4MOM, we believe that healthier, happier moms lead to healthier, happier communities. Our mission is built on the core values of positivity, love, inspiration, authenticity, inclusivity, and ripple. Every day, we aim to uplift moms through fitness and community, creating a space where they feel supported, understood, and motivated to care for themselves.
