Although journaling might not be your thing, I have a little secret to improve your insomnia, depression and mental health issues.
GRATITUDE
There are bountiful reasons to be grateful for what we have - and don't have. Research has proven that practicing gratitude and writing what we're grateful for literally rewires our brain.
We're searching for solutions in a place we can access instantly - ourselves and more importantly, our minds. When we look within and practice gratitude, we are acknowledging that (1) there is enough and (2) we are enough. Our lives are abundant with blessings - we just have to see and acknowledge them.
Sometimes the easiest way to overcome a negative experience is to shift perspective. Simply, be grateful for it. Sure, it isn't always as easy as it sounds. Sure, it's not the most heartwarming response to your friend who just got fired or lost their mother; however, it's a method of comforting and healing without costing a thing.
What can gratitude do for you?
Gratitude improves your psychological AND physical health.
Gratitude helps you sleep better.
Gratitude improves self esteem.
Gratitude reduces depression.
Gratitude increases mental strength.
Gratitude enhances our social life.
Want to learn more about benefits of gratitude? Read more here.
It isn't the happy people who are the grateful ones. It's the grateful people who are the happy ones.
Here are a few affirmations for gratitude to get you started:
I am grateful to be alive.
I am grateful for access to clean water.
I am grateful for sufficient nutrition to fuel my body.
I am grateful for the lessons that taught me to become stronger.
I am grateful for the technologies and conveniences of today.
I am grateful for the people who have been and are in my life.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn, grow, and reflect.
I am grateful for who I am - ever evolving.
Ask yourself a few of these questions and let it shift your thoughts into practicing appreciation:
What are you thankful for today?
What helps you relax and regroup?
What about your home are you thankful for?
What every day object do you have access to and grateful for?
What is your favorite physical appearance of yourself?
What do you love about your spouse/friend/idol?
What strength are you thankful for?
What vacation memory are you fond of?
Complete this statement: "I am so happy and grateful now that [blank]"
The ability to cultivate gratitude is within us. I challenge you to focus on everything you have rather than what is currently lacking. Even when it seems like everything sucks, take it back to the basics. Remember that you have access to read this. You can read. You have electricity. You have food and water. You have a beating heart and a functional mind. You have the ability to be here and be present. You have the power to shift your world by letting gratitude impact you.
Let gratitude in.
Let gratitude in.
Let gratitude in.
The best will come out.