A Gratitude Journal Will Change Your Life
Stop what you’re thinking. Right now.
Breathe in. Aaaannddd out. In again. And ouuuut. (That’s me trying to type in a calm, meditative tone).
Now, I want you to think of three things you’re grateful for today. I don’t care how arbitrary or obscure those things are. You can be grateful for finding a bangin’ new song,or finally nailing your morning porridge. Maybe you’re grateful for the weather, or your mate making you piss yourself laughing. You could be grateful for your new job, acing an exam or just having a good hair day.
See how your brain kicked to the curb all your doubts, worries and anxieties, even if it was just for a moment?
Here’s why keeping a gratitude journal can not only spice up a moment, but your eeentiiiire life. Whether you’re a reincarnated hippie from the ’60s, obsessed with crystals and chakras, or you’re skeptical of all this spiritual mumbo-jumbo and just wanna be happier and healthier, gratitude journalling is for everyone!
So, hold up. How can it really change my brain?
Here’s a quick science lesson for ya. Gratitude has the capacity to increase important neurochemicals. When thinking shifts from negative to positive, there is a surging of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These all contribute to the feelings of closeness, connection, and happiness that come with gratitude. Let’s get into what a gratitude journal can really do for ya! 🌈
1. Amped up good vibes
When you draw your attention on the good things in your life, you naturally become more positive. Writing down things you’re stoked about will make them more concrete and real – you’ll appreciate them even more.
It’ll become a habit to see the cup as half-full rather than half-empty in all aspects of life. Researchers have found that people who write about gratitude are more optimistic and feel better about their lives in general.
You also become better at taking care of yourself and managing stress. Scientists have found that focusing on feelings of contentment and satisfaction naturally counters stress, and leaves you feeling much more grounded and able to deal with whatever life throws at you.
2. Focus on what really matters
A gratitude journal forces us to notice the good things in life we might otherwise take for granted. The more and more you write in your gratitude journal, the more and more you’ll become attuned to the little things. Like a spot on coffee, crystal clear ocean water, a stupid joke your mum told you or how cute your doggo is… You’ll also realise that yeah sure, a few material things will be a cause for appreciation (like the 70s fringe jacket I thrifted yesterday) but the real winners will be the intangible things – the meaningful things.
3. It’s all about confidence baby
Keeping a journal is a personal activity that allows you to be present with your own achievements. Did you get top of the class in an assessment? Did you win a surf comp or go up a belt in tae kwon do? Did someone tell you you’re so funny, you should do stand-up comedy? Did a million people compliment the pants you designed or the video you uploaded?
Showing gratitude has been proven to reduce social comparisons, jealousy, and resentment towards others who are successful. You’re instead focusing on what you’re bangin’ at! With newfound confidence, self-esteem, and self-belief, who knows what you’ll be able to achieve!
Now, I seriously could go on and on and on. But I think you’re getting the gist. Vibes will be through the dang roof. Remember that consistency is key! Think of gratitude as a muscle – it builds on itself and the more we use it, the more our brain learns to tune in to the positive things in the world.
Not to dampen your spirits, but this actually isn’t something that comes naturally to most of us. We humans have a negativity bias, which means that we’re wired to notice threats in the environment. This has kept us alive since the beginning of mankind, buuuut we also deserve to be happy. That gratitude muscle obviously knocks those primal neg vibes aside. So work it out!
The challenge
You know how we started this article with 3 things we’re grateful for? I challenge you to do that every day for 21 days (do something for 21 days and it turns into habit).
Write them down in your gratitude journal! Go into detail, fill it with banter, get deep with yourself and appreeecciiiatteeee!!! When the 21 days are up, keep going!
On that note, I’ll end this with my fave Epicurus quote; “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for,”.
Content created by Year13. To view more information about Year13 click here.
