Greetings – I hope you’re having a great day! I wanted to share with you, seven benefits that I get from keeping a gratitude journal. Practicing gratitude gets really popular in November, you know, posting on social media one thing you’re thankful for every day during the month? I think it’s awesome.
But I also think we can do way better than just one month out of the year! So, a couple years ago a opened a Facebook group called 365 Days of Gratitude. I love it. It’s so heart-warming to see everyone’s posts and how diverse the gratitude is. It’s open to everyone, so feel free to join us!
Good for the Heart & Soul!
There are so many reasons why practicing gratitude is good for us, here are seven benefits I get from having a gratitude journal!
Turns a bad day around – No matter my mood, day or night, as soon I start thinking of the things I’m grateful for that day, there is a calm that comes over me and helps turn around even the roughest of days!
Puts life into perspective – It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily hustle. To think that what I’m going through is harder than anyone could imagine. Then I write out my daily gratitude and life gets put back into perspective pretty darn quick.
Helps reduces anxiety & depression – It’s scientifically proven, just like meditation, breathing and exercise, that practicing gratitude can help with anxiety and depression symptoms. The chemical release that your body goes through when you practice gratitude, especially writing it down, is profound. There was a study done that stated; gratitude was shown to have a negative influence on depression, and a positive effect on enhancing a state of peace of mind.
A great practice to teach your kids – Quite possibly my favorite thing about keeping a gratitude journal is doing it with Natalie. She is an internalizer (is that a word?) like me. Really takes things to heart, carries them around, has a hard time sharing and it can really weigh her down. I try to keep her in a good habit of writing in her journal because I can always tell it makes a huge difference in her attitude and mental health and we always discuss that gratitude is everything.
Find appreciation in the small things – Most people think that you have to come up with some thing big every day. And I guess if you only do this practice during the month of November that may be easier to do. However, I find that having a big item is too easy. So I try to practice the “daily three” where I identify three things each day I’m grateful / thankful for. One thing can be “big” and the other two small. Some days, they’re all little. Appreciating those little things in life is highly underrated. 🙂
No Matter When, Just Do It!
Clears the mind for restful sleep – I usually write in my journal at night. I love going to bed with reflection on the day. No matter what my day has been like, it’s one way I can clear my head and go to bed with my heart in a good place.
Will start the day off in a positive mindset – While I’m typically a night-journal kinda gal. I do love my hand lettering gratitude book that I usually enjoy doing more in the morning. Just like going to bed with a grateful heart, there is just as much benefit starting your day with gratitude!
Picking a Journal
There are so many great journals available now, as well as apps for your phone. These are a few I’ve used and loved, but you don’t need something specific, just find a notebook and get going!
Hand lettering has picked up popularity and I really enjoy it. Relaxing, exercises the weak side of my brain, and I like the journals what have prompts to write out different forms of gratitude.
Family Fave! I’ve been through a couple of these Erin Condren journals (below), there are three versions. And when I do a gratitude giveaway, I usually pick one of these.
Find What Works & Stick With It!
In the end, all that matters is you find a way to journal and practice gratitude that works for you! If you prefer a digital format, awesome. Just try a few things out, do it with your kids and don’t forget to join my 365 Days of Gratitude group!