Keep Your Gratitude Practice Growing After Thanksgiving

Susan Ginsberg
4 days ago
3 min read

(A Stop and Breathe® Wellness Message)

Thanksgiving may come with a built-in reminder to appreciate the good in our lives, but gratitude definitely doesn’t have to pack up and leave with the leftovers. In fact, some of the most powerful benefits of gratitude show up when we practice it after the holiday—when the pressure is off, the routine settles back in, and the moments we notice are smaller, quieter, and wonderfully ordinary. Here’s why keeping a gratitude practice going year-round matters, plus a few simple ways to make it part of your daily rhythm.

Why Gratitude Shouldn’t End in November

It’s so easy to treat gratitude like a holiday theme… but our nervous systems, relationships, and overall sense of well-being thrive when we practice it year-round. Gratitude becomes a steady anchor—not just a November moment. When we intentionally look for what’s working, what’s comforting, or what’s meaningful, our brains start to shift. We see more clearly. We soften more easily. We respond instead of react. Thanksgiving may spark the feeling, but consistency is what deepens it.

The Science-Backed Benefits of a Daily Gratitude Practice

Researchers have spent years studying what gratitude does to the brain and body, and the results are pretty stunning:

1. Lower Stress & More Emotional Balance

Practicing gratitude activates parts of the brain tied to emotional regulation, helping reduce anxiety and cortisol. It’s like giving your nervous system a little exhale.

2. Better Sleep

A simple gratitude reflection before bed helps quiet mental chatter and improves sleep quality. Small practice, big impact. It definitely helps me fall asleep as I literally 'count my blessings. Next thing I know I am off in dreamland.

3. Stronger Relationships & Connection

Feeling and expressing gratitude increases empathy and helps us feel more supported. It’s grounding, especially during busy or overwhelming seasons.

4. Boosted Immune Function & Physical Well-Being

People with consistent gratitude habits often report fewer aches, improved energy, and healthier patterns overall. When we feel good emotionally, the body listens.

5. Increased Resilience & Optimism

Gratitude trains the brain to spot the good even in imperfect days. Over time, it builds emotional resilience—making challenges feel more manageable.

How to Make Gratitude a Year-Round Habit

A powerful gratitude practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It just has to be consistent and authentic. Here are simple, doable ways to keep that post-Thanksgiving glow alive:

1. A 3-Item Gratitude List

Each morning or evening, jot down or mentally think about three things—big or tiny—that brought you comfort, joy, or a moment of ease.This helps your mind naturally scan for the good throughout the day.

2. Speak It Out Loud

Whenever it feels natural, tell someone you appreciate them or acknowledge something they’ve done. Out-loud gratitude deepens emotional connection for both people.

3. End the Day with a Reflection

Ask yourself: 'What’s one thing (or more!) that supported me or simply brought me joy today?'

A Gentle Daily Practice from Stop and Breathe®: The B.I.G. MethoD Of Living

At Stop and Breathe®, I have been guiding people into daily gratitude through the B.I.G. Method—Breath + Intention + Gratitude Of Living. It is simple, grounding, and only takes about 5 minutes, which we all have- even the busiest of us all!

Breathe: Take a few slow, intentional breaths to shift into presence. If you aren't sure if you are breathing in an optimal way, take a look at my Healthy Breathing Tips.
Intention: Set a gentle intention for something that will support your most important goals—something like:“I choose ease and find joy in my life.” I am relaxed and present." “I act and react with kindness.”
Gratitude: Name one thing (or more) that you’re grateful for before stepping into the rest of your morning.

This soft, mindful ritual helps the brain wake up in appreciation instead of urgency. Over time, it becomes a foundation for more peaceful, connected days.

The Bottom Line

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about widening your awareness so the good doesn’t go unnoticed.Thanksgiving may end, but gratitude is a practice that can anchor you all year long—one breath, one intention, one moment at a time.

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