I had such an awesome day last Friday. My husband was home from work and we were able to hang out together at home. I spent time with two dear friends. I went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and sat outside, enjoying the warm, summer night. My daughter was finally healthy after a week with coxsackievirus. She ate a whole hamburger for lunch. I ran 2 and 1/4 miles without the stroller, and attended a great movement class. My friend and I took my daughter to the local beach in the morning, and enjoyed the sun while she played in the sand. It was a beautiful day, for all of these reasons and more.
At the end of the day, I just felt so… grateful. I have read about the benefits of gratitude journaling but I have never tried it. On Friday, I decided to try this practice, so, I simply wrote down everything that I was grateful for before I went to bed., which made me even happier. It was a great way to end the day.
The practice of gratitude journaling has been found to have numerous health benefits. Cultivating a sense of thankfulness leads to a more optimistic life view, which in turn leads to better emotional and physical health.
Studies have shown that gratitude journaling increases happiness by improving social and emotional well-being. Having a gratitude practice can signficantly reduce stress, which may lead to better health. Such journaling, done right before bed, may also help with insomnia. Instead of feeling anxious and worried at night, which can prevent good sleep, being grateful creates a relaxed state, and promotes better sleep. Those who are more optimistic due to a gratitude practice may also have stronger immune systems. The health benefits are numerous; finding gratitude leads to more happiness and better overall well-being.
The idea behind having a gratitude practice is to write down 3-5 things every night that you are grateful for. These can be little things (like “I ran 2 miles!”) or bigger events (“I got a new job.”) It doesn’t really matter, just write it down. It is such an easy, simple practice to include in a daily routine. In addition to the health benefits, this practice helps us to become more present and aware of all of the good things in our lives.
I realize that I didn’t quite follow the traditional rules, since I journaled what I was grateful for on one day when I particularly was happy, but it was still a great exercise. It is a not a daily practice for me, but perhaps it will become one soon. Writing down my reasons for gratitude that evening gave me a chance to acknowledge everything that I loved about my day. In this world where we are always rushed, it was a gift to myself to acknowledge what made me smile last Friday.
What are you grateful for today?
I’m grateful for you, Becky – every day!