Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can benefit your emotional health, relationships and more.
Sometimes, it really is the little things in life that bring the most joy -- there's even science to back it up. Just over two decades ago, a study (the first of its kind) led by psychologist Robert A. Emmons set out to see how people benefit from practicing gratitude. It concluded that "a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits." This kicked off a wave of additional studies that found practicing gratitude can have a positive effect on our mental health and relationships. So, how do you practice gratitude? There are a multitude of ways, but gratitude journals have risen in popularity over the years.
Any journal can be a gratitude journal -- you just have to write what you're thankful for. But if you're experiencing a little writer's block or want some guidance, there are designated gratitude journals that offer prompts, inspirational quotes and reflections. The idea is that at the end of each day, you write down the things you're thankful for or the good things that happened. They don't have to be big revelations, either, in order for you to reap the benefits. You can write down something as simple as "I went out to dinner with my best friend" or "I love how my dog sighs as he snuggles up next to me on the sofa."
You don't have to write a lot, either. Some journals prompt you to write only one sentence! The best gratitude journal for you is the one you feel good writing in each day and the one that you're going to stick with. While it's OK to miss a few days, like exercising your muscles, practicing gratitude more consistently will result in more emotional benefits. Journaling is one way to help you make practicing gratitude a habit and hold yourself accountable. Not only that, but writing in a journal gives you a record of your gratitude and all the good things that have come your way, so you can return to those moments days, months or even years later.
Ready to practice a little gratitude? You can start as early as today. You can write notes to yourself on your phone or on your computer, or go old school and put those screens away with one of these daily diaries. Below are the best gratitude journals for helping you reflect, reframe and find the positives in each day.