Why You Should Keep a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal can help you focus on the positive in your life. Thankfulness isn’t something we just reserve for a certain time of the year. At least it shouldn’t be. Not only should we practice an attitude of gratitude because it encourages others, it’s also good for our health! There are countless Bible verses to reinforce this idea, too.
I expect you’ve often been told to be thankful for what you have when something awful happens. Research has shown that being thankful is a beneficial habit. A gratitude journal is a great tool to use!
Five reasons to keep a gratitude journal
- Changing Thought Patterns: Studies have shown a strong mind-body connection. When we are feeling stressed, anxious or another negative emotion it can have a negative effect on our physical health. By considering those things, events, or people you are thankful for you are creating positive thoughts and feelings which will help reduce stress levels. It will also remind you that whatever happens to you there is always something to feel thankful for.Your commitment to your gratitude journal refocuses your mind on positive events, conversations, and relationships. This enables you to see more than just those negative ones that tend to fill your mind and dominate your thoughts when they happen.Another way your thought patterns will change is that you will find that you start pushing boundaries and removing limiting beliefs. This will happen as you not only keep your gratitude journal but also review it. You will find that your mind opens to new possibilities and you gain in self-confidence and knowledge. You can use praise and thankfulness as a means of worshipping the Lord, which always changes your heart and mindset in a positive way.
- Improve Your Health: the fact that there is a mind-body connection means that by focusing on positive thoughts and feelings in your gratitude journal you are helping to improve your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular gratitude journaling can:
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep
- Gain perspective
- Strengthen immune system
- Create Optimism: some days it’s just too hard to see the forest for the trees. You’ll find yourself focusing on something that has upset you and that troublesome thought will nag away at you constantly. Taking some time to sit quietly and think about something you are grateful for will help reduce the negative thoughts and feelings and replace them with positive ones.
- Improved Sleep: regardless of whether you feel the need for eight hours sleep each night your body and mind do require a regular amount of sleep for optimal mental and physical health. Keeping a gratitude journal is fun, calming, and a positive activity that promotes happy thoughts and feelings. By replacing worry and stress, you can sleep more peacefully and feel more rested.
- It’s Fun: keeping a gratitude journal should be a fun enjoyable experience; something you look forward to. I created this gratitude journal with inspiring quotes, writing prompts, and lined paper to make it easier to get into the habit of gratitude journaling. You can download it today and all you need are some nice pens to get started!
If you want to create a positive change in yourself and your life, then keeping a gratitude journal may just be the tool you are looking for. It’s cheap, easy, and very beneficial to your physical and mental health.
Author/Speaker/Consultant at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
Sara is a homeschool mom to 3 creative girls. She holds a degree in Social Work specializing in early childhood development, which led to her interest in individualized educational options like homeschooling. She believes that learning should be a lifelong adventure, not just a checklist to get through. She is a writer, avid reader, introvert (INFJ), and dreamer of dreams.
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