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MCC Daily Tribune

Five Reasons Keeping a Gratitude Journal Will Change Your Life (with Printables)

Keeping a gratitude journal is easy and on the simplest level it involves making note of the things you are grateful for that day. This is an easy habit to form and after a while you are left with a great collection of inspiring material to look back on when you need a pick-me-up.

Increases Positivity

When you take the time to focus on the good things in your life you naturally become more positive. By writing down what you are thankful for it can make you more optimistic because you are choosing to see more of the positivity in your life and give less power to negative emotions. While these positive aspects of your life may be floating around in your subconscious, writing them down makes them more concrete and real.

Improves Self-Esteem

Keeping a journal is a very personal activity and allows you to be present with your own achievements. Showing gratitude has been proven to reduce social comparisons and by expressing what you are thankful for you are less likely to be resentful towards others. A study published in 2014 found that gratitude increased athlete’s self-esteem and they were able to trust others on a higher level because they had more self-belief.

Helps You Sleep Better

Spending just 15 minutes before bed writing down a few grateful sentiments can help you have a much better night’s sleep, according to a study on the topic. By thinking of the positive experiences of the day or reminding yourself of what you have to be thankful for, you are much less likely to ponder over your worries and therefore clear your mind for a good night’s sleep.

Makes You Happier

Showing gratitude means you are acknowledging the goodness in your life and by writing these things down you are able to feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, and build strong relationships. A recipe for a much happier life! Researchers have found that people who write about gratitude are more optimistic and feel better about their lives in general.

It Reduces Stress

Grateful people take better care of themselves, meaning in the long run they live healthier lives and are therefore able to manage stress in a healthier way. 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.

The Wellness Council has created a beginner Gratitude Journal for you. In our package you will find:

  • About Me page
  • Gratitude Bank 
  • Daily Planner
  • 5 Minute Journal
  • Month in Review
  • Weekly Gratitude Journal Prompts

Each Friday, the Wellness Council will provide a new Weekly Journal Prompts page for you. These can easily be printed out for daily journaling. We hope that you find these pages helpful.

Attached Files:
About Me Page.pdf
Gratitude Bank.pdf
Daily Planner.pdf
5 Minute Journal .pdf
Month In Review.pdf
Week 1 Gratitude Journal Prompts.pdf

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
05/13/2022