Why Writing What You’re Grateful For Can Help You

In today’s increasingly hectic world it can sometimes be difficult to recognise the goods things that can happen to you, as a result of the sometimes, seemingly insurmountable onslaught of tasks, responsibilities and challenges. This type of thinking can often lead to heightened levels of anxiety, depression and stress, as well as leading to a generally gloomy outlook. This can often be the case in the early months in the year, following the immediate aftermath of the festive season when people receive substantial credit card bills, and the weather is dismal.

However, there is a very simple way you can elevate your mood and improve your outlook if you are experiencing such a malaise by staring a gratitude journal.  This is a diary you can keep, in order to record and remind yourself of all of the good things that happen to you- which you should be thankful for. Such an activity can allow you to focus on what energises you and makes, “you tick”, as opposed to dwelling on things that make you concerned or anxious.

It may sound farfetched, but regularly recording the good things that happen in your life can help your mind to focus on positive solutions for overcoming problems and allow you to address them in a manner that is more systematic and ultimately, effective.

It is entirely up to you, what you write, but things that other people have written in journals, have included:

Today I am grateful for my lovely partner

Today I am grateful for my supportive friends

Today I am grateful for my health

Today I am grateful for my children

Today I am grateful for not being hungry

Today I am grateful for my favourite football team winning

Today I am grateful for being able to buy those concert tickets

As long as it makes you happy, all entries are valid, and they can serve an effective antidote for post-festive gloom.