There are many benefits to writing in a journal. Here are 4 incredible benefits of keeping a gratitude journal.
Starting a gratitude journal can be a difficult task at first because it is just something else to add to your list of things to do. However, once you start a daily journal practice, you will soon experience the benefits for yourself. Studies suggest that some people experience great benefits from writing in a gratitude journal 1-3 times a week. Setting aside 15 minutes a day for at least two weeks can change your life for the better.
Here are four benefits that you can gain when you start a gratitude journal.
1. Better Sleep
Before bedtime, it is a great idea to spend a few minutes writing in your gratitude journal. This helps to quiet your mind and ease any anxiety or tension that you might have about the day. You will fall asleep quicker if your mind is calm.
2. Stress Reduction
Stress can be significantly reduced if you change your focus from feelings of dissatisfaction and lack to feelings of satisfaction and contentment. We all experience everyday challenges. Having an attitude of gratitude helps you to deal with those challenges.
3. Increase Positive Disposition
You will naturally create optimism and confidence when you can take the time to acknowledge what you are most grateful for in life. Focusing on the good in your life provides less power to the negative emotions and greater power to the positive ones. Although you may have positive thoughts come to mind throughout the day, taking the time to write them down makes them more concrete and you have the opportunity to revisit them at a later date.
4. Improves Self-Esteem
It is easy to feel melancholy when you focus on challenging times or negative things in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you stay focused on your goals and achievements. Showing others gratitude can help to reduce the natural tendencies we have to compare ourselves to those around us, which can be detrimental to our self-esteem. When you are grateful for what you have, you are less likely to compare yourself to others. You harbor less resentment and jealousy toward others and have a greater feeling of self-worth.
The Takeaway
Having an attitude of gratitude can lead to a healthier life. Grateful people tend to be more motivated to take better care of themselves. They experience fewer aches and pains and are more inclined to exercise and eat healthier.
In conclusion, these are only a few of the many benefits of keeping a gratitude journal. If you haven’t started a gratitude journal practice, give it a try. I am sure you will be glad you did.