Gratitude is gorgeous
Approaching the new year, its a great idea to start a gratitude journal to keep a positive outlook on the colder, difficult times.
Writing this can help you shift your perspective on life, especially as a student when deadlines come with stress. Being strict with the journal can help with positive thoughts. This will also help you get a better sleep as you’ll feel more tranquil at night.
Its also extremely important to remind yourself about being grateful for family and friends as anything could happen and they can be eliminated from your life, we’ve learned this the hard way with covid-19. Writing a few sentences or a brief list with family included will subconsciously make you a more appreciative friend and person in general.
There is real science behind the positive aspects of this, the brain is a powerful thing. When gratitude journaling, the brain released the neurotransmitters that make us feel good, like dopamine and serotonin. This creates strengthened neural pathways because of the clear association of positivity from the dopamine.
Lastly, here are some tips in order for you to get started:
- Make sure to write the things that you could be taking for granted. Showering or being able to eat are some starting ideas. Being grateful for these things is very important because lots of individuals do not have that.
- Make a habit of doing this journaling everyday, maybe at the same time would make this easier.
- Be specific!
By Leah Camilleri
