How to Start a Gratitude Log

A gratitude log, or gratitude diary, is very on trend right now. It’s not like journaling your every unrequited love and MSN argument like you did in your My Secret Diary back in the 90’s. This is more about creating an ongoing log of things that you are thankful for.

Each day, you write down a few things that you are grateful for and appreciate. It could be something super simple like your first cup of coffee in the morning, or something bigger like a loving family and roof over your head.

Why keep a gratitude log?

Studies have found that by counting your blessings and giving thanks to things in your life you can sleep better, reduce stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Anything to reduce stress and improve sleep is a winner for us here at Our Remedy.

Other studies have found that when teens keep a gratitude log they can decrease materialism and boost generosity. No reason why it wouldn’t do the same for us, ay!

We have been keeping our own gratitude logs for over a year now. The last year has been quite a rollercoaster of emotions and we found that by narrowing down what we are thankful for helps us focus on the positive. It is so easy to be consumed by negativity, particularly when there is lots of uncertainty and change around us.

Don’t get me wrong, since starting my gratitude log I’m not this super zen, overly positive person who spills out motivational quotes at every opportunity. However, I have found that the log has helped me to feel more positive when I felt like everything was turning to shit. Thing is, when one part of your life starts to fall apart, you feel like all of it is. So writing down those things I’m grateful for has helped with keeping perspective and giving me positive vibes.

As Jeanette Winterson writes, “Wallowing is like sex for depressives.”

How to start a gratitude log

It’s as simple as you want it to be. Here are a few key things to do when starting your gratitude log.

Start writing

You can buy a new notepad, or you can use Google docs, or just scribble in the back of an old diary or notepad. You can make it pretty with watercolours, drawings and fancy pens, or you can just get a good old fashioned Bic and a pack of post it notes.

Personally, I’m not very creative when it comes to design. I use an old work notebook and any pen, pencil or crayon I can find. It isn’t beautiful, but it is functional. You can buy ready made diaries too, we love the BeesKnees one.

Set a Time

Make your gratitude log part of your daily routine by setting time aside each day to do it. I know Rachel sits by her sea view window each evening and writes in hers as she drinks a CBD adaptogenic tea. I do mine while I am eating my morning porridge. Whenever you decide to do it, stick to the same time each day and make it part of your routine.

Be consistent

Do it everyday. Even if you have had the day from hell and feel like you haven’t got anything to be thankful for. Take a breath and try to think of just one thing, however small it might be, there must be something.

But how???

Just start. Get writing and thinking of all those things you are thankful for.

Here’s my log for today.

I’m grateful that it is raining so I don’t have to water the flowers
I’m grateful that I am able to write today
I’m grateful that I got a food shopping delivery slot and don’t have to drag a toddler around the supermarket.

What’s yours? Let us know on insta – @itsourremedy

Lots of love,

Our Remedy xxx

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