Studies in psychology have found that those who are habitually grateful are happier than those who are not. These studies also suggest that feelings of gratitude may even possess mental and physical health benefits. Lowering stress, helping you to sleep better, and even relieving depression and anxiety.
A gratitude journal forces you to pay attention to the good things in life, the things you might otherwise take for granted. When you become more attuned to the everyday sources of pleasure around you, you’ll find your outlook on life will shift in profound ways.
You’ll gain a new perspective of what is important to you and what you truly appreciate in your life, gain clarity on what you want to have more of in your life, and what you need to cut from your life, It will also help you to focus on what really matters.
There’s no right or wrong way to keep a gratitude journal, but, as with anything new it’s helpful to have a few pointers to help get started!
Plan to write in your gratitude journal every day for 15 minutes. Set an alarm reminder on your phone or schedule it in your calendar.
· Some people find it best to do it at night before bed so they can include things they are grateful for from that day. Some do it in the morning to set them up for a positive start to the day. Try both and find which works best for you.
· Keep your gratitude journal by your bed so you will see it before going to sleep or when you wake up in the morning. It will make it easier to remember to jot down what you are thankful for. Your journal may even become a symbol of gratitude and joy so that when you just look at it, you will feel a sense of happiness.
· Write as many things as you want in your gratitude journal. Writing down 5-10 things that you are grateful for each day is a good number to aim for.
· Your gratitude journal doesn't have to be deep. What you are thankful for can be as simple as I had a really nice lunch today, I had a really good hair day, the roof over your head, the sunshine, walking in nature, your friends, a great cup of coffee. When I say anything, I really mean anything! What you are grateful for will differ from everyone else.
· The timing of when you want to write is up to you. While I try to write in my gratitude journal every day, sometimes it becomes every other day. That's okay. Journal when it feels right for you -- the benefits really are worth it.
The action of writing in a journal is to remember the good things you have in your life. That good event, experience, person, or thing in your life—then to enjoy the good emotions that come with it.
On days when you feel a little down, read back through your gratitude journal to readjust your attitude and remember that you have great people and things in your life.
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