Beyond Thanksgiving and holiday prep, November is dedicated to something deeper — the practice of appreciation.
In 2015, author Stacey Grewal introduced National Gratitude Month to encourage people to embrace thankfulness as a daily practice, not just a holiday sentiment.
Grewal saw how simple acts — thanking a friend, acknowledging a mentor or pausing to notice life’s everyday gifts — could shift perspectives and deepen connections. By dedicating an entire month to this practice, she hoped to inspire individuals, families and communities to be more cognizant of the good that surrounds them.
Since its inception, National Gratitude Month has blossomed into a movement: Schools encourage students to keep journals of what they’re thankful for, workplaces host appreciation boards and social media is filled with stories of kindness and reflection. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about noticing the small ones.
Research shows that consciously focusing on what brings you joy or meaning triggers the release of key neurotransmitters and hormones that improve mental health. Practicing thankfulness can reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships, promote social connections and foster resilience.
National Gratitude Month reminds us to look outward — to say thank you, not just once, but again and again. Because appreciation isn’t simply a feeling — it’s a way of living.