Start a Gratitude Journal
Okay, so hear me out. This isn’t what you think.
Start a "NOT YOUR MOM'S GRATITUDE JOURNAL"
Yes, gratitude journals are scientifically proven to create new networks in the brain that increase our "happy chemicals" (dopamine and serotonin).
For this reason alone, we should all be writing down what we are thankful for every day.
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I had a therapist once who asked me to keep a gratitude journal. I did very well with it for some time. I found it helpful to be able to see in writing the things I was grateful for each day, even after the roughest starts to my morning. It kept my mind in a more positive state. I have a sign in my restroom that says "grateful," so when I pass by it I think of one thing I am grateful for and say it out loud. It’s a nice trick to use instead if writing isn’t your thing. |
When gratitude journals were a big thing and everyone was doing one, many people followed the same rules: write down 10 things you are grateful for or list three people you are grateful for or list what makes you happy, and so on.
Everyone carried around their journals or kept one by their bed, full of the beautiful words they would write.
Keeping a list of everything that makes you smile is a great way to remind yourself on bad days how much positivity you are capable of.
So what are the best things about these types of journals that help raise the immune system and ultimately aid in healing? Let's look at some benefits.
Gratitude journals:
- have you pay attention to the little things that make you smile
- help you become more intune to the people around you
- change your outlook on life
- show you what you hold that is dear to you
- help to write down your achievements.
- give thanks for anything that has influenced you
- improves your mental state
- relaxes your mind
- focuses on positivity
- are your own personal outlet
- teaches you to get to know your thoughts
A gratitude journal is also a keepsake that contains memories of times when you felt grateful. Don't discount the way you feel or have felt. Looking back at how you used to think and moving in a different, but more open direction leads to growth.
THE "NOT YOUR MOM'S GRATITUDE JOURNAL"
Now, the type of gratitude journal that I am suggesting here is a bit different. I like to put a spin on things from time to time.
After you have written the positive things in your life that you are grateful for, add the negative things that you are grateful for as well.
For example:
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"I am grateful for the morning sun on my skin today that warmed up my hands."
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"I am grateful for my ankle that keeps inflaming and making it difficult for me to walk because it fuels me to heal it faster."
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"I am grateful for my dog that lays on my knee each morning and shows me unconditional love."
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"I am grateful for the pounding headaches I get each day because, when I heal, I will appreciate each day I have without them and won’t take them for granted."
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WRAPPING IT ALL UP
The point of these exercises is to recognize that what you view as a negative in your body is actually a positive.
By doing so, your brain will start to concentrate less on the pain and more on supplying the energy required for healing. It takes a few weeks to feel the effects, but I find it works.
Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they sound crazy.
Try it, I dare you :)