Gratitude journaling is a simple, yet powerful, practise that will leave you feeling happier, healthier and more optimistic. It only takes a few moments to practise gratitude, but the benefits are long lasting. When you regularly write down three things you are grateful for, gratitude gradually becomes a natural part of every day life. Plus, the more you practise, the more you will find to be grateful for! I have designed a collection of easy to use gratitude journals, plus I’m sharing my top tips for daily gratitude journaling.
how to practise gratitude journaling
The key to practising gratitude is to slow down and really pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re finding it difficult to recognise the good in your life, start small. Research suggests that it is when we give thanks for the things we normally take for granted, that we really experience the benefits of gratitude. It could be something as simple as taking a breath, your morning coffee or the view outside your window. I write more about gratitude, and the benefits of a regular gratitude practise, in this post.
gratitude printables and journals
You can download several gratitude printables inside my free Planner Lovers Resource Library, such as the popular Gratitude Jar (above). But, if you want somewhere to consistently write your daily gratitude, without the need for printing and setting up pages, a special gratitude journal may be just the thing for you.
I have designed a collection of beautiful, easy to use, gratitude journals. Each journal contains over 200 spaces to record three things you are grateful for. Each entry space is undated so you can start this journal at any time of the year. Plus, the flexible page layout means you can use it daily, twice daily, weekly, or any frequency that suits your lifestyle.
Each page also includes extra space for note-taking, which I find really valuable when gratitude journaling. In my practise I often note down extra events that have happened, or thoughts and feelings, that further enrich my gratitude practice. The more I immerse myself in feeling gratitude for the good things in my life, the happier and more positive I feel. Gratitude journaling has become a non-negotiable part of my daily journaling rhythm.
how to use your gratitude journal
Try to write in your gratitude journal at the same time every day. Practise first thing in the morning, if you can. That way, if you miss your morning session, you’ll have the rest of the day to catch up. You can also write more than once a day, if you like!
When you sit down to write in your journal, take a moment to become aware of your surroundings. Notice what you can see, hear, smell and feel. You can reflect on positive events, big or small, that have happened recently, or in the past. Smile and relax! Allow yourself to experience deeply the feelings of joy, positivity and happiness that these events, or your surroundings, bring.
In your journal, write down three things, events, or people, that you are grateful for. Write a sentence, or a few words, about each one. Use the notes area to record any additional thoughts, feelings or other notes that will further deepen your gratitude practice.
decorate your gratitude journal pages
If you love decorating and adding colour to your journal pages, the gratitude journal I have designed is perfect for that! It includes a clean, simple interior layout with plenty of space to draw, add quotes or decorate with stickers. I love to layer pretty washi tape and stickers to personalise my pages.
build resilience through gratitude journaling
A gratitude practise can help build resilience during challenging times. When it seems like there’s nothing to be grateful for, reread your entries and allow yourself to feel the gratitude again. This is a powerful reminder that there is always something to be grateful for.
