The power of appreciating what matters
World Gratitude Day, celebrated annually on 21 September, encourages us to pause and recognise the people, experiences and opportunities that positively impact our lives.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to focus on deadlines, demands and what’s still left to do. Gratitude invites us to shift our attention towards what is already going well.
This isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending life is perfect. Rather, gratitude helps us acknowledge positives alongside difficulties, creating a more balanced perspective.
Why gratitude matters
Studies have shown that regularly practising gratitude can:
- Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
- Reduce feelings of stress
- Strengthen relationships
- Increase optimism and resilience
- Improve sleep quality
- Enhance workplace engagement and connection
Gratitude is also contagious. When we show appreciation to colleagues, friends or family members, we encourage a ripple effect of positivity that benefits everyone.
Bringing gratitude into everyday life
Creating a culture of appreciation both at work and at home can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, relationships and our sense of connection.
Whether we’re recognising a colleague’s contribution, thanking a friend, or showing appreciation to a family member, small acts of gratitude can make a big difference.
Ten simple ways of practicing gratitude
01. Sending a message to someone who has helped you recently
02. Reflecting on three things that went well each day
03. Recognising a personal achievement
04. Acknowledging small moments of joy, kindness or connection
05. Celebrating team, family or personal successes
06. Recognising effort and kindness, not just achievements
07. Offering meaningful feedback and encouragement
08. Sharing positive comments or compliments with others
09. Taking a moment to say ‘thank you’ and letting people know they are valued
10. Acknowledging the everyday things we often take for granted
Simple ideas:
Start a gratitude notebook/diary – or record your thoughts on the online gratitude diary hosted on Lena’s Support Hub
Write and send a thank-you card, email or text.
Take a mindful walk and notice five things you appreciate.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day encourages people around the globe to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote actions that can save lives. Suicide remains a significant public health challenge across the UK and Ireland. According to the latest available data, 5,717 suicides were registered in England in 2024, while Northern Ireland…
National Wellness & Happiness Happens Month
July invited us to pause. Through Alcohol Awareness Week and a focus on self-care, many of us took the opportunity to reflect, reset and make small changes – whether that meant becoming more aware of our habits, building in better routines, or simply taking a bit more time to look…
International Self-Care Day
In a world where busy often feels like the default, self-care can sometimes be misunderstood as a luxury – something we get to if we have the time. In reality, self-care is much simpler, more accessible, and far more essential than that. At its core, self-care is about consistently doing…
Alcohol and Me
Alcohol Awareness Week (6-12 July), returns this month with a simple but powerful focus: ‘Alcohol and me.’ Rather than telling us what we should or shouldn’t be doing, this year’s campaign is asking everyone to pause and reflect on their own relationship with alcohol, and how it fits into their…
PTSD Awareness Day
Trauma isn’t always dramatic or visible. In reality, it can come from things many of us experience at some point in life - not just rare or extreme events. It could be a car accident, losing someone suddenly, going through a serious illness, experiencing ongoing stress, or difficult experiences growing…
Men’s Mental Health Week
Every June, Men’s Health Week (15th to 21st) highlights a simple but powerful message: men’s health needs more attention - physically and mentally. While progress has been made, the reality across Ireland, the UK, and globally, is that men still experience poorer health outcomes and are less likely to seek…
World Day for Cultural Diversity
World Day for Cultural Diversity on 21 May celebrates the different cultures, identities, experiences and perspectives that shape who we are – and how diversity enriches our workplaces, communities and conversations.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) takes place from 11-17 May and creates space for honest reflection, learning, and connection, helping to reduce stigma and remind us that support is always available.
Workplace Wellbeing – “Build Belonging”
Two important dates occur in April in relation to promoting and prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, namely World Day for Health & Safety at Work on 28 April, closely followed by Ibec’s National Workplace Wellbeing Day.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal part of life – but when pressure becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to impact your wellbeing, it’s important to recognise the signs early and reach out for support.