Dawn Smart uses a “5-3-1-1” exercise from the meditation book “The Monkey Is the Messenger”: Take five deep breaths, think of three things you’re grateful for, grin really big one time and set one intention for the day. 

“I try to remember to do it in the morning … but it doesn’t always happen that way. I’m pretty forgiving of myself,” Smart said. Sometimes she’ll fit it in before going to bed or while in the car. It helps that “it’s easy, it’s short, it’s [memorable].” 

Smart also draws inspiration from the site grateful.org, a project founded by David Steindl-Rast that shares daily gratitude practices, among other resources.  – Sarah-Mae McCullough