This Gratitude Journal Gave Me Better Sleep and Less Anxiety

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with everything that's going on in the world right now. For most, anxiety and stress are at an all-time high—but I've been dealing with these feelings of uncertainty for years now.

In 2015 I left my full-time job to pursue freelance work as a TV host, digital influencer and brand consultant, while also starting my entrepreneurial journey for what is now my global skincare line, MARA. Since graduating from college in 2009, I had full-time jobs, a steady paycheck, benefits, and all the other security perks that came with that situation. Once I left my job, I was riddled with anxiety, mainly because I wasn't used to all the unknowns that come with it, like my next paycheck, a consistent schedule, and even the daily interactions with co-workers.

After almost two years of restless sleep and anxiety, a friend of mine, who is also a business owner, recommended I pick up the the Five Minute Journal and start writing in it every day. The concept is simple: three things you're grateful for, three things you want to happen that day and a positive mantra. Then in the evening, a quick recap of three good things that happened that day and three things you wish had happened.

(via Urban Outfitters)

Using the science of positive psychology to improve happiness, The Five-Minute Journal focuses your attention on the good in your life. Benefits of writing in it daily is said to improve your mental well-being, complain less, appreciate more—in essence, cultivate gratitude. 

Now I wouldn't say that gratitude was the only thing I got from incorporating this journaling daily. The biggest benefit for me was seeing how much progress I was making, leading me to be more positive. Day-to-day small wins are rarely celebrated (ie. turning in that super long assignment or making strides towards a big goal), but those in-between moments are the journey ,and those little moments make up all the big ones.

I realized through journaling that I only celebrated the huge wins, only to realize that I wasn't even that happy when I achieved them. I realized the reason why I wasn't happy when achieving them is because I missed celebrating all of the moments that lead me to the win—the moments that make up the victory.

(via Urban Outfitters)

I've been using The Five Minute Journal morning and night for over two years and not only has it helped improve my sleep and calm my anxiety, it's also a daily reminder of all of the strides (big and small) that I'm making. It's made me so much more positive, optimistic and spiritual. The world has a funny way of listening to you when you allow it to do so. It's also really fun to look back through and remember times I thought were difficult, only to realize now how much stronger I've become.

For anyone who is dealing with anxiety or feels like they aren't accomplishing enough, I encourage you to grab The Five Minute Journal and start this journey for yourself.

 

Speaking of being thankful, HERE are six things to be thankful for during quarantine.