National Gratitude Month
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National Gratitude Month: Practicing Gratefulnes Daily

BY Mike Gomez , BA
PUBLISHED: 11·01·24
UPDATED: 03·22·25

Every November, National Gratitude Month, established by Stacey Grewal in 2015, promotes being thankful for the smallest things in life. Increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved well-being are some of the effects gratitude promises. Use this annual event to say thank you to someone or something every day for 30 days.

Key Info: National Gratitude Month

  • When is National Gratitude Month?
    Occurs annually throughout November
  • This Year (2026):
    Sunday 1st - Monday 30th November 2026
  • Future Dates
    • Monday 1st - Tuesday 30th November 2027
    • Wednesday 1st - Thursday 30th November 2028
    • Thursday 1st - Friday 30th November 2029
  • Additional Details
    • Observed By: Individuals, schools, workplaces, and community organizations across the United States
    • Where Is It Observed: United States
    • Primary Theme: Gratitude and Appreciation
    • Hashtags: #NationalGratitudeMonth #GratitudeMonth #AttitudeOfGratitude #PracticeGratitude #Gratitude


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Why National Gratitude Month Matters

grateful family hugging each other
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.

Regularly expressing gratitude can work wonders. It strengthens mental health by lifting spirits and can even benefit your heart and immune system. When we say even a simple "thank you," we can create and nurture social connections, from strangers to friends.

Ever notice how focusing on the good shifts our mood positively? National Gratitude Month in November serves as a timely nudge. Today's hustle and bustle reminds us to recognize these benefits, encouraging gratitude's transformative role despite cultural or personal hurdles.

10 Simple Ways to Show Gratitude

  1. Create a gratitude journal, jotting down daily blessings.
  2. Compliment a stranger to brighten their day unexpectedly.
  3. Write handwritten notes to thank a parent, teacher, or mentor for their guidance.
  4. Cook a meal to appreciate someone who's having a tough week.
  5. Plant a tree or start a garden in honor of nature's gifts.
  6. Meditate outdoors to savor life's tranquility.
  7. Share genuine praise with a colleague who excels in their work.
  8. Volunteer time at a local shelter to give back to the community.
  9. Listen intently when an elderly relative shares life stories.
  10. Be thankful to farmers by exploring ways to minimize food waste at home.

Brief Timeline of National Gratitude Month

woman writing in gratitude journal
Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash.
1997:

Author and motivational speaker Stacey Grewal first conceptualized National Gratitude Month.

2004:

Stacey Grewal published her book "The Power of Gratitude," further promoting the concept of a dedicated time for expressing gratitude.

2015:

Stacey Grewal officially registered National Gratitude Month with the National Day Calendar, marking its formal recognition in the United States.

2016:

The first official National Gratitude Month was celebrated.

2019:

The World Happiness Report highlighted the positive effects of gratitude on overall happiness and well-being.

National Gratitude Month Hashtags

Encourage other people online to be more thankful using the following hashtags:

  • #NationalGratitudeMonth
  • #GratitudeChallenge
  • #ThankfulNovember
  • #GratitudeEveryday
  • #GratitudeJourney

Conclusion

National Gratitude Month recognizes the need to feel thankful for daily blessings that allow us to exist fully in the present moment. Take the opportunity to join or start a 30-day challenge of showing gratitude this November. Incorporate small gestures of gratitude into your daily routine. Nurture your grateful heart by surrounding yourself with even more grateful people. Whatever way you celebrate, apply it all year round.

Resources:

DOWNLOAD
Seminal research compilation from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center analyzing 50+ studies on gratitude's psychological/social benefits
BOOK
Groundbreaking work by leading gratitude researcher Dr. Robert Emmons, cited in 3,000+ academic papers

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is National Gratitude Month?

This event pushes us to express gratitude in our daily lives.

2. When do we celebrate National Gratitude Month?

This event happens every November.

3. Why should we express appreciation and gratitude?

The resulting positive impact is endless. To name a few, it can improve mental health, boost happiness, and enhance physical health.

4. How can I support National Gratitude Month?

You can keep a gratitude list or a gratitude journal, say thanks for the positive things you might take for granted, or volunteer in your community. Another wonderful way to support this event is writing a sincere handwritten note to thank those who inspired you.

5. What are some benefits of practicing gratitude?

Expressing gratitude reduces stress, increases resilience, strengthens relationships with others, and builds meaningful connections.

Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.

Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash.
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