How do you start your day? I, for one, have never been a morning person. I’d rather sleep for an extra 5 minutes than rise from the comfort of my bed. But— I’ve found a way to start each morning with a smile, even on days where I’m up at dawn. Quite simply, it’s through the use of a gratitude journal.
Maintaining a gratitude journal not only ensures your day starts off on a positive note, but it also ends your day on one too. Such a simple task can really improve your outlook on life even during tough times.
What is Gratitude Journaling?
Gratitude journaling is the act of writing down things you’re thankful for on a daily basis. By doing so, your day-to-day focus shifts on the positive aspects of life, where you begin to foster a sense of appreciation.
Benefits of Gratitude Journaling
Consistently reflecting on gratitude works wonders for enhancing your mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and improve your overall mental health and the mental load one often has to carry.
By focusing on positive aspects of your life, you can enhance your overall outlook and start to look forward to each new day as opposed to worrying about what tomorrow will bring. This form of mindfulness encourages living in the moment.
Choosing the Right Journal
When it comes to journaling, finding the right one all depends on personal preference. Think about whether you require a guided journal or if a blank page will do the trick.
Thinking about the material and design are also things to consider. The aesthetics can motivate and inspire regular use.
The size and portability can also be a determining factor. Will this be a journal that’s kept strictly on your bedside table? Will it accompany you in your travels? On your desk?
Effective Techniques for Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling will only be effective if you write in it regularly. Set a goal to write at least 3 things you’re grateful for each day. Vary your entries to include different aspects of your life (e.g. work life, family, friendships, interests, etc.)
I find that reviewing past entries to see growth and change over time is an important aspect of gratitude journaling. Reflection allows you to see how many things you can be grateful for in a short amount of time.
Overcoming Common Challenges
We’ve all had writer’s block but the great thing about our gratitude journal are the prompts provided to inspire entries. The prompts are simple and it only takes a couple of minutes to complete each entry.
Another challenge is ensuring you write in your journal daily. Being regular allows you to condition your mind and heart to be grateful. Set a time each morning and night to complete your journal and try your best not to deviate from it. Maybe it’s each day while you sip your morning coffee and at night just before tucking yourself into bed.
And remember— journals aren’t supposed to be perfect. Staying genuine and authentic over perfection is what you should aim for.
Start Your Gratitude Journey Today
Discover the transformative power of gratitude journaling for yourself. Check out our beautifully illustrated Gratitude Journal with simple prompts and affirmations throughout to inspire your daily entries. The best thing is, you can start any time of the year as the days aren’t dated— the perfect gift all year round!
FAQs
Q: How often should you do gratitude journaling?
A: Daily entries in your gratitude journal will help boost your positiveness throughout the week, especially when you reflect back on past entries.
Q: Is it better to do gratitude journal at night or morning?
Writing in the morning when you first wake up helps to start your day on a positive note, and writing at night as to what made you smile during the day can help you sleep well. Our journal is designed for you to do both without compromising on precious time.
Q: Can you repeat things in a gratitude journal?
A: If you can, it’s best to avoid repeating the same things in your entries. Expressing things for different aspects of your life will increase your awareness by challenging you to look out for more things to be grateful for. Remember, big or small, you can still be grateful.