The Benefits of Tracking Gratitude

When journaling, it’s important to remember to write something that made you feel grateful that day. While the world throws multiple curveballs into your life, it can be difficult to balance challenges and could drive you to think negatively. Instead, try to think of at least one positive thing you are grateful for; the results listed below can make you feel better than you think.

Encourages You to Think Positively

As you write in your journal on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, reflecting on something you’re grateful for makes you more prone to create a habit of thinking positively in everyday life. By adapting your brain to think about something you’re grateful for, you can discourage those pessimistic thoughts and become a happier person by being able to change your mood around.

Reminds You to Not Take Your Life for Granted

When writing about something you’re grateful for, you realize how great your life is and how you may take it for granted. While everyone has their challenges, it’s good for your mental health to see past those trials and remember what you have successfully overcome.

Helps Change Others’ Mindsets

After journaling something you’re grateful for, you will most likely be in a better mood. Your happiness could radiate to others and help them change their negative moods. Also, as you are more comfortable with writing what you’re grateful for, you may begin to publicly share that with who or what you’re grateful for, making others feel appreciated.

Improves Habits

When upset, some people do unhealthy habits to deal with the pain, such as, eating unhealthy foods, mentally or physically self-harming or trying to stay busy to not think what’s causing them distress. By journaling something you’re grateful for, you become positive, improve your writing abilities and calm down. You stop the unhealthy habits and begin a journey towards happiness.

For more help on how to think positively and practice gratitude, contact Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6694.