I’m sure you’ve often been told to be thankful for what you have when something awful happens. Research has shown that being thankful is a beneficial habit. I personally love keeping a gratitude journal. It helps me keep life in perspective, especially when chaos ensues. It’s also an increasingly popular tool used by those seeking to improve themselves.

My top 5 reasons I encourage others to start a gratitude journal are:

The Change of Thought Patterns

When we’re feeling stressed or anxious it can have a negative effect on our physical health. By taking time to consider the events and people you’re thankful for, you’re creating positive thoughts and feelings which can help reduce stress levels. It will also remind you that whatever life may bring your way, there is always something to be thankful for.

Committing to a gratitude journal refocuses your mind on positive events, conversations and relationships. This enables us to see beyond those negative moments that tend to fill our mind and dominate our thoughts in the midst of craziness.

You may notice that you start pushing boundaries and release limiting beliefs that once kept you stuck. This is another way gratitude journals can help you transform. This will happen as you keep and review your journal. Your mind will open to new possibilities and you’ll gain self-confidence and knowledge.

Improve Your Health:

The fact that there is a mind-body connection means that by focusing on positive thoughts and feelings in your gratitude journal you are helping to improve your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular gratitude journaling can:

• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Gain perspective

Create Optimism:

Some days it’s just too hard to see the wood for the trees. You’ll find yourself focusing on something that has upset you and that troublesome thought will nag away at you constantly. Taking some time to sit quietly and think about something you are grateful for will help reduce the negative thoughts and feelings and counteract them with positive ones.

Improved Sleep:

Regardless of whether you feel the need for eight hours sleep each night your body and mind do require a regular amount of sleep for optimal mental and physical health. Keeping a gratitude journal is fun, calming and a positive activity that promotes happy thoughts and feelings. Sleep more peacefully and have happier dreams when you let go of stress and worry through the art of gratitude journaling.

It’s Fun:

Keeping a gratitude journal should be a fun and enjoyable experience; something you look forward to. It doesn’t matter whether you use a plain notebook or a really fancy one, jazz it up by using different colored pens or pencils or even decorating the pages. Write some motivational quotes or place some images in your journal. Make it uniquely you!

If you want to create a positive change in yourself and your life, then keeping a gratitude journal may just be the tool you’re looking for. It’s easy and very beneficial to your overall health. You can start counting your blessings and letting go of stress by ordering your gratitude journal here.