Listen to the blog here, with added ramblings:

Hey, love. 🩷

Today’s post is a little bit story, a little bit science, and a whole lot of feel-good magic - because we’re talking about gratitude. And not only the “write three things you’re grateful for in your journal” kind (although that’s lovely too).

No. Today we’re going on a Gratitude Rampage.

Storytime: My First Reaction to Gratitude Practice (Spoiler: It Was Not Cute)

About 10 years ago, when I first heard about gratitude as a practice, I had thoughts. Big, dramatic, eyeroll thoughts:

“What the fuck? I’m busy complaining about my life over here. I don’t have time to stop and be grateful for stuff.”

I just didn’t get it. It felt weird, forced, and like a spiritual band-aid I didn’t ask for.

But… I kept hearing about it. And eventually, as I got older (and a little wiser...), I decided to give it a proper go.

And here’s the thing: it changed everything.

Gratitude, when practised regularly, genuinely made me feel better. And not just mentally - physically, emotionally, energetically. It was like opening a window in a stuffy room.

The Science Bit (aka Fun Facts About Gratitude 🧠💛)

🫀Gratitude is heart-smart: Journaling what you’re grateful for can lower your blood pressure and calm your heart rate.

💤 You sleep better: Writing down even a few things you’re thankful for before bed can help you fall asleep faster and wake up calmer.

🧘 It makes you kinder: Studies show grateful people are more empathetic and less reactive - even when they’re upset.

📈 Happiness booster: A single act of gratitude can raise happiness by 10% and reduce depression symptoms by up to 35%.

🧠Your brain lights up: Gratitude activates the reward and empathy areas of your brain, making you more generous and patient.

So if you’ve ever thought, “Does gratitude actually do anything?” - the answer is yes. Yes it does. And it’s easier than you think.

Let’s Go on a Gratitude Rampage

Here’s a fun little practice I learned from @manifestationbabe many many a year ago - it’s called a Gratitude Rampage, and it’s great if you:

• Feel stuck or anxious

• Want to shift your mindset quickly

• Have no idea where to start

Step 1: Check In

Ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? Rate it on a scale of 1 to 10. (1 = everything sucks, 10 = floating in a sea of joy. 5 = neutral.)

Step 2: Start Small

Look around and find something - anything - to be grateful for.

• “I’m grateful for this chair.”

• “I’m grateful I have clean water.”

• “I’m grateful for this weird little plant on my desk.”

Step 3: Keep Going

Let the gratitude snowball:

• “I’m grateful I have warm water when I shower.”

• “I’m grateful I can wash my clothes.”

• “I’m grateful for my friend who’s visiting soon.”

• “I’m grateful I can send texts. That I can connect. That I’m not alone.”

Keep going. Let it spiral. Don’t worry if it’s silly or small. Just keep noticing and naming. And go on for 5 minutes - and try to determine again, where you are on the emotional scale. 

This simple practice can bump your brain into a whole new gear - especially if you’re spiralling in stress or panic. It’s like lovingly grabbing your own hand and saying, “Let’s walk this way instead.”

Check in again, and see that you’ve stepped up the emotional ladder.

Other Gratitude Practices to Try

📝 A gratitude journal (morning or night)

🪞 Sticky notes of thanks on your mirror

🍽️ A gratitude ritual before meals

📱 A gratitude message to someone you love

You don’t have to make it fancy. Anything gratitude'y is great. It shifts your perspective, and practises your positive muscles. ;)

Why It Matters

Gratitude is a radical tool for transformation. It’s a way to shift perspective, open your heart, and expand what you’re capable of feeling.

And in my own journey - from people-pleasing, resentment, burnout and “everything sucks” to actually enjoying my life - gratitude has been one of the biggest anchors.

You don’t have to be gratefulforeverything. But you can be gratefulwithinit. And that’s where the shift begins.

Try it today. Try it right now. You might just feel better. Even 1% better counts.

With so much love and gratitude (of course), Parnuuna

P.S. If you want more practices like this, come join us in my free community - Worthy & Rising. We’re all about finding real joy, practising self-honesty, and remembering that we’re allowed to feel good. You’ll find monthly gatherings, community connection, and rituals that actually feel like you.