“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” - Eckhart Tolle
Starting your day in a positive mood, energized, and ready to take on the world could be a normal morning for you if you start your daily routine with a gratitude journal. Overthinking is a common enemy for many, constantly replaying scenarios that have not even happened yet. Or comparing yourself to others and constantly wanting what you don’t have can take a heavy toll on your mental health. On a subconscious level, journaling helps counteract our Negativity bias.
What is Negativity bias? Negativity bias is when things of a more negative nature have a greater effect on one’s psychological state than neutral or positive things. According to researchers Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, gratitude journaling has shown benefits such as an Increase in Positivity, Improved Self-Esteem, Better Sleep, and it generally Makes You Happier.
It matters less of what you write, and more what you experience and feel. Journaling can sometimes feel repetitive or silly. For example, “I am grateful for my partner.” That is a great place to start, and then ask yourself WHY you are grateful for them. How they make you feel, rather than going through the motions of journaling. Connect with your intuition, and listen to what it tells you. Pay attention to that intense feeling in your chest, or a warming sensation of comfort when you think about your partner.
Work on turning gratitude journaling into a habit that will positively enhance your wellbeing. Day by day, you will start to notice a difference in your overall liveliness. Here are 5 specific ways that gratitude journaling can help you!
- Increase in Positivity. When you start to take the time to focus on the good things in your life, you will naturally become more positive. Writing down what you are thankful for gives less power to negative emotions. Writing down the positives in your life can translate them from the subconscious mind and make them more concrete and real.
- Improved Self-Esteem. Journaling is a very personal activity that allows you to sit in silence and listen to your own thoughts. Showing gratitude has been proven to reduce comparison with others. (Less “I want what they have” mentality).
- Better Sleep. Either journaling right before bed or looking over what you wrote in the morning, reminds you of what you are grateful for. This clears the mind of unnecessary worries, and allows you to sleep better!
- Increased Happiness. As mentioned before, acknowledging what you are grateful for, naturally leads to a more optimistic and happier life in general. Gratitude journaling is the recipe for success!
- Stress Reducer. With all this increased happiness and positivity, you will be able to manage your stress better as well. Scientists have found that focusing on satisfaction naturally counters stress.
Take a moment for yourself today and focus on what you are grateful for. This new habit may surprise you in how much of a difference it will make in your day to day life!
