13 wellness experts on the gratitude practice that keeps them centered

Studies have shown that being optimistic and focusing on what makes you #blessed can banish stress—even just the simple act of acknowledging what you’re grateful for can have an impact on your overall happiness, studies show.

For some inspiration on how to develop a daily gratitude practice of your own, our Well+Good Council members are sharing their go-to ways to give thanks—heavy on the kindness and compassion.

Keep reading to learn more about how our handpicked health squad shows gratitude.

Joey Gonzalez, CEO of Barry’s Bootcamp

Telling people how much they mean to me.

Sophia Gushee, healthy home expert

First thing when I wake up, I try to be grateful for the family breakfast that I’m about to experience. Before picking up my children at school, I try to remember how grateful I am that I can pick them up from school. At bedtime, I try to remember to realize how grateful I am that I get to put my kids to bed. And as they doze off, I’m so grateful for my kids, and our family’s health and safety, taking an emotional snapshot of this special stage of them all in our home.

Drew Ramsey, MD, psychiatrist and farmer

Mindful breaths and a quick gratitude list. 

Jill Blakeway, DACM, acupuncturist and women’s health expert

I like to write down one thing I’m grateful for every evening. 

Lily Kunin, healthy chef and founder of Clean Food Dirty City

Making food for the people I love.

Kimberly Snyder, CN, celebrity nutritionist

We say grace before dinner and I try to say a short one internally before I eat anything. I also give thanks after my morning and evening meditation. I think it’s really important to tell all your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them, and so I tell them constantly.

McKel Hill, RDN, founder of Nutrition Stripped

Meditation in the morning, running or swimming meditation if I can’t find time to sit on the cushion, and taking time throughout my day to check in with myself to put things in perspective.

Candice Kumai, rockstar healthy chef

Thirty minutes of Deepak and Oprah meditation in the a.m., and at night, I list off everyone and everything I’m grateful for to help myself fall asleep. 

Lila Darville, sex expert and relationship coach

I do this with my 4-year-old, we name all the things that lit us up during the day and express how much we appreciate the people in our lives. 

Norma Kamali, fashion icon with a (healthy) wellness obsession

Meditation, sleep, and acupuncture. 

Claire Wasserman, career expert and founder of Ladies Get Paid

I make sure to let everyone around me know how much I appreciate them. 

Robin Berzin, MD, functional medicine doctor

I thank my lucky stars every day I have had the opportunities, education, and ridiculously incredible experiences and relationships in my life so far. I tell myself when I get nervous on planes, “Well if this is it, I’ve had as good a run as I could possibly ask for. And if I get more time, the rest is gravy.” 

Elle Macpherson, supermodel and co-founder of WelleCo

I write down the five things I’m grateful for at night before bed.

To make affirmations part of your daily routine, check out these 3 to improve your attitude or consider starting a bullet journal.