Expressing Gratitude

Understanding Gratitude
Gratitude Related Well-Being Tips
Expressing Gratitude on Campus

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude has the remarkable power to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. It allows to see abundance around us at all scales and appreciate even the smallest of moments we should feel thankful for.

This practice doesn’t just make us feel better in the moment (WELL-BEING)—it also strengthens our resilience (GRIT/PERSISTENCE) over time. Gratitude also helps foster deeper connections in our relationships (NETWORKS), acknowledge the impact of others on our lives (IMPACT) and influence others around us positively (LEADERSHIP).

Perhaps the most profound aspect of gratitude is its ability to ground us in the present moment. By pausing to appreciate what we have, we are less likely to dwell on the past or worry about the future.

What does showing gratitude look like on our campus?

Martia Brawner King and Olivia Wyrick posed for the camera during the SL Honors 2023 Awards ceremony.

Understanding How
Gratitude Improves Well-Being

Gratitude has been considered an act (e.g., acknowledging the good things that happen), a state of experience (e.g., thankfulness) and a character trait (i.e., a dispositional orientation toward appreciation). Regardless of how it is defined, research indicates a clear connection between gratitude and well-being. Examples of research in this space and more about the importance of gratitude and its connection to well-being can be found here.

The relationship between a personal orientation toward gratitude and well-being is firmly established in empirical literature. The strongest connections positively impact our happiness and life satisfaction.

Some evidence suggests that engaging in gratitude activities or interventions can actually help build a more general disposition and/or attitude of gratitude. Examples of such activities include gratitude diaries, conversations with others about gratitude, expression of gratitude to others, publishing pictures with captions of gratitude and simply thinking of things that make you feel grateful.

When gratitude is expressed, the “expresser” and the “receiver” benefit – creating a more positive environment around us.

Gratitude Related Well-Being Tips

Still curious about how gratitude can improve your Well-being? Check out the below well-being tips from the Steps to Leaps Research Collaborative.

Related Well-Being Tips

Taking Time to Appreciate Others
Saying 'Thank You'
Gratitude for Achievements and Successes
Refresh With Gratitude

How Can I Show Gratitude To Colleagues?

At Purdue University, there are multiple ways in which you can show gratitude to others both informally and formally. Below is a great list of electronic ways to show gratitude and get you started: 

  • Send a Microsoft Teams Praise - Utilize the Microsoft teams praise function to send a custom message in a chat to someone. Choose a title from the Team’s list and type a message up to 500 characters and send! 
  • Use the Gratitude Email Tool – Fill out the Qualtrics survey and hit submit to send an email to an identified co-worker. This form was created by the wellness department on campus.
  • Submit a Thumbs Up – Fill out the online form to submit your gratitude for another colleague to the Purdue Today newsletter. Thumbs Up are shared weekly and managed by Purdue News.
  • Submit a Bravo Award – Fill out the online Bravo+ nomination form to be submitted to your unit approvers. Each unit can do things differently and it is recommended to connect with your supervisor to learn more about your areas process.