Gratitude Journals: The Power of Journaling as a Healing & Self-Care Tool

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There is a power in writing in a gratitude journal. Research shows that keeping a gratitude journal and regularly engaging with it can lower stress, help you sleep better, and even reduce the risk of heart disease. The best gratitude journals are those that leave you feeling more encouraged and motivated than you were when you started.

What is a Gratitude Journal?

As I’ve gotten older, the adage “Better out than in…” is relevant to much more than bodily functions. Holding in your feelings can cause many types of systemic and chronic diseases. Repressing emotions can develop into anxiety and depression. And while those mental health conditions may need more intervention, remembering for what you’re grateful is always a good complement to the process.

How to Start Writing in a Gratitude Journal

What are you struggling with today?

There are many different types of gratitude journals on the market. The ones that will be the most beneficial are those that provide guidance on how to work through them. Prompts will walk you through the process of finding the things for which you have to be grateful.

List of the Best Gratitude Journals

The Best Gratitude Journals

365 Mornings: A Morning Gratitude Journal

Starting each morning focused on gratitude and growth, you'll be one step ahead of those who don't have a morning ritual.

Good Night: A Daily Bedtime Reflection Journal

Make a habit of reflecting on your life's highs and lows with this 365-day daily bedtime reflection journal.

Peace Be Still: A Prayer Journal for Black Women

Discover the power of a thankful heart by consistently taking daily small steps toward creating a more positive environment for yourself and your family.

I'm Grateful Every Day - One Year of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Journal | 52 Weeks of Gratitude

Practice Gratitude Every Day. Feel Happier and More Content. Live A More Balanced, Appreciative Life. Practice Mindfulness. Cultivate An Attitude of Gratitude.

Gratitude Journal For Women of God: 52 Week Guided Christian Devotional Book to Experience the Gift of Daily Prayer & Positivity

Practicing gratitude and appreciation forces you to find positive aspects in your life you can be thankful for.

The One-Minute Gratitude Journal

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude yields many benefits: physical, mental and spiritual. In this Journal, you have flexibility to write down the dates of entry and not feel guilty if you miss a day.

The Self Discovery Journal

The Self Discovery Journal is a journal to help you learn more about who you are and what's important to you.

Gratitude Journal for Mental Wellness & Self-Care

This 120-page Gratitude Journal is designed to start each day with an inspirational or motivational quote and end each day with cleansing reflections.

Gratitude Journal: A Journal Filled With Favorite Bible Verse

Each day, write down three to five things that you are grateful for in this journal and turn your ordinary moments into blessings.

Mindfulness Journal: A Notebook for Relaxation and Meditation to Reduce Stress and Anxiety for Women & Girls

Mindfulness journaling can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and better equip ourselves to handle the ups and downs life throws at us.

Tips for Keeping Up with the Gratitude Journal Habit

The most important thing about keeping up with your gratitude journal is to be consistent. Here are 5 tips for keeping up with your gratitude journals:

Set a schedule.

There is something for which to be grateful every day but trying to write it down may get overwhelming. Decide on 2-3 days to write in your journal. Add it to your calendar and set a reminder on your phone.

Be intentional.

Remember to keep the negativity away. Focus on people and actions. Keep track of events that bring you joy.

Minimize repetition.

Some days will be harder than others. When tracking what you’re thankful for, try to not repeat the same thing more than once every 7 days. For example, if you write on Monday that you’re grateful for

Give yourself grace.

Follow the prompts in the gratitude journal. If the prompt calls for 3 or more items but you can only think of one, be comfortable with what you have to give.

Conclusion

So, why write in a gratitude journal?

The beginning of a healing journey begins with looking up and seeking out the positive. Writing consistently in a gratitude journal will help to show – and remind – you of the good things in your world.

Gratitude journals can be key in your path to healing past hurts and engaging in effective self-care.