The Importance of Keeping a Gratitude Diary

I’ve never been one of those girls that religiously keep a diary, I mean, you all know how terrible I am at sticking to a blog schedule, never mind remembering to write in a diary every day. I have such a bad memory, I probably would really benefit from keeping a detailed journal, something to look back over when I am grey and old. However, it just doesn’t work for me.

Instead I keep a gratitude diary. 

Yes, yes I know I just said I don’t keep a diary, but hear me out, this is not any ordinary diary.

(Don’t worry you didn’t click onto an M&S advert, you are still on zoenewlove.com)


At the beginning of Summer, just before the season started here in Ibiza, I was in a really negative space, a bad place. I felt very down and sad, and would spend a lot of my evenings crying or feeling anxious. I really struggled and needed to find a way out of the dark cycle I felt trapped in.

I started reading self help and positive thinking books, you can read the one’s that helped me most here, and in a lot of these books came the recommendation of keeping a gratitude diary.

 

What is a Gratitude Diary?

A notebook that you keep filled with all of your grateful thoughts. Not sure how to be grateful? What makes you happy and what are you thankful for? What or who keeps you safe and feel loved? THAT. Yup, that right there is a slice of gratitude pie.

How do you start one?

Grab yourself a note book and a pen/pencil. Every day write down 3-5 things that you are grateful for. It is as simple as that.    From the very first time you do this you will feel an instant change in your mood. I can guarantee you will feel more uplifted.

When do I write?

Most people would say write at the same time every day, as routine leads to habit. Whether that is first thing in the morning, or in the evening, or middle of the day. Personally, I like to write in my gratitude diary of an evening, as I am getting into bed. Why? Even if I have an absolutely terrible day, it means that I can go to bed with a smile on my face.

The Benefits

No matter how low you feel, I promise you I’ve paid a visit to rock bottom a few times, thinking about what you are grateful for really does make you feel better. It is like you are training your mind to give you tiny little hugs. It enables you to turn even negative situations into a positive one.  For instance, my boyfriend and I had an argument but from this I learnt I need to have more patience – be grateful for the lessons you learn from the mistakes you make. When you begin to make gratitude a daily practice you automatically see beyond the bad stuff. You habitually put your life into perspective and always look for the good.  Most importantly, it is wonderful for your mental health, something we all need to prioritise , thus reducing those pesky stress levels. Do you want to be a better person? Gratitude. Gratitude.Gratitude.

The Only Downside

You will become addicted to buying new, shiny notebooks with pretty prints and inspirational quotes, coloured pens and fun stickers….

I will be talking more about gratitude this week over on my Instagram Stories and I would love to talk to you guys more about it too. What are your feelings on positive mental attitude and gratitude? Do you feel like it is all a waste of time or are you TEAM LOVE? #gratitudechains #watchthisspace

 

02 Comments

  • Definitely agree with the gratitude journal! It helps me to always see the bright side of things, and that life isn’t truly that bad (even on those tough days!). Thanks for sharing! Xx

    Sarah // http://www.beautybyrah.com

    • Thanks for leaving me a lovely comment 🙂 I love my journal 🙂 x