Life sure seems frantic. In fact, it can be a little hard to find time to do anything with your family these days. Your daughter’s on her cell phone, your son’s surfing the net, you’ve got work to do, and no one seems to be communicating at all.

That’s a big problem. Family is one of the most important things in life. They are your support system, your sounding board, and your friends.

So to help bring your family closer together and increase their happiness all at the same time, here are 5 fun ways to do so using gratitude.

Why gratitude, you may ask. Well, gratitude is scientifically proven to increase happiness, well-being, health, and even your sleep. Just expressing gratitude can give you a 20% improvement in happiness right away.

1.    Start a collective gratitude journal

This is a lot of fun and it’ll leave you with a great family keepsake. Just make or buy your family a beautiful journal that you can keep in your living room or kitchen. Anywhere you want, so long as everyone has access to it. Though you may want to avoid the bathroom.

Make it a habit for everyone to write in the journal whenever they find time. Here you can see what each family member is grateful for and it’s a good way to get to know each other better.

2.    Express gratitude out loud

By doing so you will set an example to everyone. They will see that it’s okay to show gratitude and it will increase everybody’s happiness. So shower each other with praise and you’ll soon start to see results.

It can be from the smallest thing to the biggest accomplishments, like buying their first apartment. But don’t hold back.

3.    Write notes of gratitude on the fridge

Leave a small pad of paper and a pen next to your fridge at all times. And instead of writing down the grocery list write down small things you’re grateful for, in your own life or for someone else in your family.

It’s a friendly reminder of the love and support in your home. You are building your family’s trust.

Get some cute fridge magnets and some pretty post-it notes and voila! You have a fridge filled with gratitude.

4.    Give more hugs

It’s simple enough but most of us don’t get enough hugs. So hug everyone in your family at least once a day.

5.    Be grateful for your own achievements

I know you’re thinking, “How will being grateful for my own achievements help my family?” Well, there is a ripple effect in this. When you realize your own powers and achievements and express gratitude for them, your behavior will show a kinder, happier you. This will make your family feel proud of you.

Be proud of who you are and your family will feel the same. Don’t ever downgrade your role in the family and know that you are integral in everyone’s lives.

I hope these 5 tips have given you a lot to think about. Gratitude is a beautiful thing and should be a part of any person’s set of values. Just try any of the 5 steps above and you’ll find yourself smiling a little more each day.