Keep a Gratitude Journal
Girlfriends, It is time to keep a gratitude journal.
A gratitude journal is a document in which you record on a regular basis, preferably daily all the items for which you are grateful. You are rewiring your brain to focus on all the positive aspects of your life to build resistance against negative circumstances.
Numerous studies show that keeping a gratitude journal increases a person’s happiness while other studies have shown that inflammation in your body can decrease. You may discover that showing gratitude can reduce stress, increase optimism, and change your thoughts.
The Greater Good Science Center outlined several benefits in a white paper, “The Science of Gratitude” (2018). For individuals, they concluded
- Increased happiness and positive mood
- More satisfaction with life
- Less materialistic
- Less likely to experience burnout
- Better physical health
- Better sleep
- Less fatigue
- Lower levels of cellular inflammation
- Greater resiliency
- encourages the development of patience, humility, and wisdom
Researchers analyzed the studies and determined that gratitude does four things. Gratitude disconnects us from negative emotions and keeps us from dwelling on them. Writing positive thoughts “shifts our attention” to focusing on positive emotions. We are generally happier and more satisfied with life through the simple exercise of writing out grateful thoughts. The positive effects accumulate over time, so after weeks or months, you will notice the benefits. Writing positive thoughts and displaying daily gratitude helps train the brain to experience more gratitude.