Skyros Blog
Finding Joy in the Everyday: A Skyros Guide to Appreciations (and Gratitude)
Estimated read time: 4 minutes
Gratitude has become a bit of a buzzword. But at Skyros, we do something a little different.
Every day, during demos, our informal community gatherings, we share appreciations.
They can be big or small: the person who helped at dinner, the sparkle on the sea, the courage it took to try something new. The act of noticing and appreciating, without overthinking is quietly powerful. It makes us more aware, more connected, and more alive to the world around us.
What Are “Appreciations”?
Appreciations are the Skyros version of gratitude practice.
They’re about noticing what’s good and giving it a moment of space, whether that’s an experience, a person, or simply the morning light through the pine trees.
Psychologists describe gratitude as an “orientation towards noticing and appreciating the positive,” and there’s growing science showing how even small daily moments of appreciation improve wellbeing, sleep, and resilience.
But while gratitude can sometimes feel like an exercise, appreciation feels like awareness, a simple, shared noticing of life as it unfolds.
As one Skyros guest put it,
“You start by appreciating the view or the food, and end up appreciating yourself again.”
Why Appreciations Work
Research continues to confirm what Skyros guests experience firsthand:
- Appreciation boosts mood and wellbeing. Small daily reflections increase positive emotions and reduce stress.
- It improves sleep. Reflecting on what went well before bed can replace rumination with calm.
- It strengthens relationships. Expressing thanks deepens connection and trust.
- It’s easy to start. Even 2–3 minutes of noticing what’s good can shift perspective.
Appreciation, in essence, is a reset button for the mind.
It turns your attention from what’s missing to what’s meaningful and the more you do it, the more there is to notice.
10 Skyros-Inspired Ways to Practise Appreciations at Home
These small rituals are simple enough to weave into daily life and keep the Skyros spirit alive wherever you are.
- Morning Light Pause – Before checking your phone, take one deep breath and name one thing you’re glad to wake up to.
- The Kettle Ritual – While waiting for tea or coffee, think of three small things that make your morning easier.
- Food Appreciation – At a meal, silently thank the people, plants, and hands that brought it to your plate.
- One Message of Thanks – Text someone: “I was thinking of you today and I appreciate…”
- Pocket Reminder – Keep a small shell or pebble in your pocket. Each time you touch it, name one good thing from your day.
- Doorway Pause – Each time you enter your home, notice one thing you love about it.
- Appreciation Walk – Take a short walk and notice five things that catch your eye or lift your mood.
- Evening Reset – Before sleep, list three things that went right today and one you’re looking forward to tomorrow.
- Creative Thanks – Write, paint, or hum something inspired by a simple joy.
- Jar of Good Things – Write one short note each day and collect them in a jar to re-read when you need a lift.
A 7-Day “Skyros-Simple” Plan
Day 1 – Write down one thing that lifted your mood today.
Day 2 – Send a message of appreciation to someone.
Day 3 – Go for a 10-minute appreciation walk.
Day 4 – Take a breath before eating, simply noticing what’s on your plate.
Day 5 – List three good things before bed.
Day 6 – Share one appreciation with a friend or in Skyros Connect.
Day 7 – Re-read your notes and keep the one that felt most natural.
When Appreciations Feel Hard
It’s okay if it doesn’t come easily.
Try being specific: “I appreciate the warmth of my cup of tea,” rather than “I’m grateful for my life.”
Attach your practice to daily cues, brushing your teeth, making breakfast.
And if appreciation feels too far away, just start with noticing: sounds, colours, light.
Awareness is the seed from which appreciation grows.
The Skyros Connection
On a Skyros holiday, appreciation is woven into the rhythm of each day, the sound of the sea, the laughter around long tables, the kindness shared in small gestures.
It’s a practice that doesn’t end when you leave the island.
With Skyros Connect, our online community, you can keep that spirit alive through live sessions, creative tasters, and gentle conversations.
New members enjoy a three-month free trial, then £8.99 a month to stay inspired all year round.
Because appreciation, like connection, grows when you share it.
Search by Tag
- #appreciations
- #communityspirit
- #creativecommunity
- #emotionalwellbeing
- #everydayjoy
- #gratitudepractice
- #greekislandspirit
- #livewithappreciation
- #mentalhealthawareness
- #mindfulliving
- #mindfulmoments
- #personalgrowth
- #positivepsychology
- #selfcare
- #simpleliving
- #skyrosconnect
- #skyrosgreece
- #skyrosholidays
- #wellbeing
- #wellnessjourney
Comments
There are no comments yet. Why not be the first?