Why hello there, eve enthusiasts!
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, feeling like the world is just too much? We've all been there. Life can be overwhelming at times and it's easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of the day-to-day goings on.
But what if we told you there's a simple, powerful tool that can help shift your perspective and bring a little more sunshine into your daily existence? Nope, we’re not talking about chocolate (this time anyway)! Eve hq is getting rather enthused about the world of gratitude journaling right now.
Now, we know what you’re thinking — "Not another journaling trend!". But stick with us here, because gratitude journaling is more than just a fad. It could actually be a life-changing habit. And it may help you transform how you see the world and how you see yourself within it.
More about that in just a minute but first, let’s find out what gratitude journaling is! Scroll on to read more.
what is gratitude journaling?
Gratitude journaling is all about focusing on the positives in your life. And it doesn’t require much time dedicating to it either – just spare a few moments of each day to jot down different things you're feeling grateful for there and then.
And what you’re grateful for can be big – like landing your dream job – or small – like enjoying a perfect cup of coffee on a rainy morning.
The beauty of gratitude journaling is its simplicity. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It's all about finding what works for you and building it into your daily routine.
how to start your gratitude journal
Now that we know what gratitude journaling is, it’s time to learn a bit more about how to get started. And getting started is easy! But, just so you have all that need-to-know info, here are a few tips to help you begin your gratitude journaling journey:
- Find the perfect journal: Whether it’s a notebook that you love or our fun and engaging gratitude journaling print off, the key is that it needs to spark joy. Whether you prefer a fancy leather-bound journal or a simple spiral notebook – just go for it. The most important thing is that your gratitude journal feels right for you.
- Set aside time: Pick any time of day – whatever works best for you is more than fine. Some people like to write in their gratitude journal in the morning to start the day on a positive note, and others prefer to use it as an opportunity to reflect before bed. But if you like to write yours during your lunch break as a bit of a pick-me-up, that’s great too!
- Keep things simple: Start by writing down just three of the things you're grateful for each day. They don’t have to be super significant — sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring the most joy after all.
- Try to be specific: Instead of writing “I am grateful for my family,” get into the details. Try and pinpoint a specific moment or act of kindness that made you thankful for your family instead. For example, “I’m grateful for the way my partner made me laugh so hard at dinner that water came out of my nose”. Or perhaps “I’m grateful for my child for being so inquisitive about how pasta is made.”
- Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Your gratitude journal is yours to do with as you please. So, why not include photos, draw pictures, or even stick in any mementos from the day that remind you of the things you're grateful for?
why gratitude journaling works
Perhaps you’ve been wondering why something as easy as writing down a few positive thoughts could potentially have such a big impact. Here’s the science behind it: our brains are wired to focus on the negative. It’s true and it dates back to our primitive days. Focussing on the negatives is a survival mechanism (1).
But this negativity bias can sometimes make seeing the good in our lives more difficult to do, especially when we’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Gratitude journaling is a method of retraining your brain to notice and appreciate the positives in your life. By regularly focusing on what you’re thankful for, you can switch up your mindset, reduce your stress levels, and live a happier life. Or that’s the idea anyway!
real-life benefits
Here are just a few examples of the ways in which gratitude journaling has the potential to improve your life:
- Should boost your mental health: Making reflecting on what you’re grateful for part of your daily routine can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety as it encourages you to create a more positive outlook on life (2).
- May help you kip better: Taking time to write in your gratitude journal before bed can calm your mind which could help you sleep better (3).
- Could improve your relationships: Expressing gratitude and recognising the things you are grateful for can help to improve your relationships as it encourages a feeling of appreciation, respect, and admiration.
- Can help build resilience: Being grateful for something helps you build resilience by encouraging you to focus on the positive aspects of your life, even when times get tough. It can help to remind you that there are still good things to hold onto.
start your gratitude journey today
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a journal (or print out one of ours), find a cosy spot, and start jotting down all those little moments of joy. Those are the things to be most grateful for. And don’t forget, it’s not about perfection or writing the “right” things. It’s about taking a few moments each day to acknowledge and appreciate the good in your life – both big and small.
Gratitude journaling is a quick and easy habit to get into. But it’s a habit that potentially has the power to transform your outlook and make your life a happier one. So give it a try, and see if you can make the world around you start to look a little brighter, one grateful thing at a time.
Happy journaling, and here’s to finding the happy in every situation! Until next time, eve sleep hq.
