Gratitude plays a huge part in all our lives whether we’re conscious of it or not. When we say thank you for a gift or for the person holding the door for us, we’re expressing one of the most important values of all our lives.

Gratitude is scientifically proven to increase your levels of happiness, your health, self-confidence, motivation, and it’ll make you more fun to be around. Sounds pretty good for something so easy to practice.

In fact, a study by Dr. Michael McCollough, of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California at Davis proved that gratitude was a major factor in someone’s well-being.

So to get the ball rolling and to give you some quirky and fun ways to express gratitude, here are 5 ingenious ways to show your appreciation.

1. Do a gratitude dance

Sounds a little crazy but it’s a lot more common than you’d imagine. Think about all those touchdown dances football players do. So when you feel like a million bucks or you’ve just achieved something amazing, get up and do a gratitude dance.

In fact, 2 guys from Canada called the GratiDudes have started a gratitude dance on YouTube.

2. Start a gratitude journal

Everyone at some point of their lives starts a journal or a diary.  But what about one that’s solely dedicated to expressing gratitude? This is a fabulous activity that’s both liberating and fun. Get yourself (or even make one) a gorgeous notebook and everyday write down what you’re grateful for. Do it in the morning and the evening for all the big things and the small things.

It’s hard to have a bad day when you’ve got something to be grateful for. If you don’t want to start a journal exclusively for gratitude, incorporate it into your daily journaling routine. Just start off each entry with 3 things your grateful for.

3. Write a gratitude letter

Writing a letter can be extremely empowering and can lift a whole load of emotions off you. In the same way, writing a gratitude letter does the same thing. Pick one person in your life that means a lot to you and in a letter format write about all the things you’re grateful for about that person. What they’ve done for you, times they’ve been there for you, their personality, and their quirks.

You don’t have to give them the letter.  The act of writing it is enough. However if you did give it to them, I’m sure they would be more than thrilled.

Another gratitude letter is one to yourself. This is a great exercise in self-discovery. You may realize strengths within you that you never consciously recognized.

4. Gratitude sticky notes

Take a pad of sticky notes and everyday write something that you’re grateful for on as many pieces of paper as you can. Then stick them all over the place. On the door, on your car, on your desk, on a book… You get the point.

These little reminders will brighten up your day and if anyone sees them, they’ll be filled with motivation.

Eventually when you get too many around your house or desk, put them in a book that you can flip through and remind yourself of all the good things in your life.

5. Make a collage of gratitude

Take a big poster board, grab some scissors and glue, find some old magazines and photos.  Start collaging!

Cut out all the things you’re grateful for in the form of pictures. You can find things in magazines, pictures from news articles, photographs of family and friends, pictures taken from holidays, etc.

Once you’ve got a good compilation, stick them all over your poster board. It’ll be a constant reminder of all the beautiful things in your life that give you a constant stream of strength, inspiration, encouragement, and love.

Once you’re done, frame it and put it in a place that is easily viewable.

These are just a few of the ways you can express gratitude and keep your perspective positive and bright. Of course there are a billion other ways to express your gratitude, just as long as you consciously do it on a daily basis. The benefits are immense. So happy gratitude-ing and have fun!