The Secret To Beating Stress: Gratitude
Grateful Log
A simple journal that clears your mind and lowers cortisol for a better night’s rest.
It leaves us with a positive outlook on life reinforcing that you deserve good things, which will set you up for success. If you are mindful of being grateful, focusing on the positive and being a blessing to others, it makes it that much more difficult for anything or anyone else to steal your joy.
To help you incorporate effective writing techniques into your life use this rather unusual diary.
Instead of keeping a record of the past, this diary encourages you to write about topics that will help create a happier future. The diary should be completed on five days of the week, with each entry taking just a few moments. Maintain the diary for one week.
According to scientific studies, you should quickly notice the difference in mood and happiness, changes that may persist for months. If you feel the effects wearing off, simply repeat the exercise.
Monday: Thanksgiving
There are many things in your life for which to be grateful. These might include having close friends, being in a wonderful relationship, benefiting from sacrifices that others have made for you, being part of a supportive family, and enjoying good health, a nice home or enough food on the table.
Alternatively, you might have a job that you love, have happy memories of the past, or recently have had a nice experience, such as savoring an especially lively cup of coffee, enjoying the smile of a stranger, having your dog welcome you home, eating a great meal, or stopping to smell the flowers.
Think back over the past week and list three of these things.
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Tuesday: Terrific Times
Think about one of the most wonderful experiences in your life. Perhaps a moment when you felt suddenly contented, were in love, listened to an amazing piece of music, saw an incredible performance, or had a great time with friends.
Choose just one experience and imagine yourself back in that moment in time. Remember how you felt and what was going on around you. Now spend a few moments writing a description of that experience and how you felt.
Wednesday: Future Fantastic
Spend a few moments writing about your life in the future. Imagine that everything has gone really well.
Be realistic, but imagine that you have worked hard and achieved all of your aims and ambitions. Imagine that you have become the person that you really want to be, and that your personal and professional life feels like a dream come true.
All of this may not help you achieve your goals, but it will help you feel good and put a smile on your face.
Thursday: Dear…
Think about someone in your life who is very important to you. It might be your partner, a close friend, or a family member.
Imagine that you have only one opportunity to tell this person, describing how much you care for them and the impact that they have had on your life.
Friday: Reviewing the Situation
Think back over the past seven days and make a note of three things that went really well for you. The events might be fairly trivial, such as finding a parking space, or more important, such as being offered a new job or opportunity.
Jot down a sentence about why you think each event turned out so well.
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The Grateful Log shown here was taken from this great book. Give it a read, it’s fast, and very worthwhile.