Keeping a gratitude journal is a highly effective way to boost your mindfulness and encourage a healthy, positive mental wellbeing.
The process is as easy as writing down in a journal each day (first thing in the morning or just before bed time is best) all the things you are grateful for that day. Or, you could keep it simple and stick to just 3-5 points.
Whether it’s something as significant as being grateful for your loving partner and wonderful children, or something as (seemingly) small as being grateful for the ability to go to the gym, practising gratitude for both the big and small things is just as important as each other.
You see, one of the best gifts of being human is the ability to choose what to focus on. If you are perfectly calm and still on the inside, you can handle anything. For those of us without Zen training, the best way you can begin your day is by counting your blessings (aka, keeping a gratitude journal!).
Gratitude is the antithesis of a bad-hair day or waking up on the wrong side of the bed. We suggest that whichever side of the bed you put this journal is the right side.
No matter where you are and what your situation is, your focus can be shifted to something positive.
Here's how it looks in practice:
I’m grateful for…
I’m grateful for the warm bed I sleep in
I’m grateful for my body that is working in perfect harmony
I’m grateful for the true and genuine friends in my life
I’m grateful for the delicious meal I had for dinner tonight
I’m grateful for the ability to treat my kids to a trip to the movies