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Mental Health4 Genuine Benefits of Writing a Gratitude List (and simple ideas to start)
Mental Health, Positive Psychology

4 Genuine Benefits of Writing a Gratitude List (and simple ideas to start)

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Gratitude List Featured Image

With the year 2020 coming to an end, let’s all take the time to appreciate how lucky we are to be able to celebrate another year with the help of a Gratitude List. By reflecting upon the past year, month, or day and appreciating all the great things that have happened, we are nurturing a more positive mindset and grateful attitude. And lucky for us, it comes with plenty of benefits. 

Here are some of the benefits of making a Gratitude List:

Gratitude List
Gratitude List Template

1. You become more mindful.

By practicing the art of gratitude regularly, you nurture yourself to become more mindful of the present and to live every moment to the fullest. As you continue this practice, it becomes much easier for you to notice all the beautiful things happening around you, no matter how big or small it is.

2. You draw in positive people and things.

Unlike Physics, where opposites attract, gratitude is something that draws similar people and things together. Likewise, when you show your gratitude towards your friends and colleagues, they will also return it to you. And the more you practice, the more you will notice the positive people and things that you draw in with your attitude. Who wouldn’t like a person who shows their appreciation to you?

3. You live a happier life.

There may be times when life brings you down, but that won’t stop you from standing up again because you know of all the great things that happen every day. You know that there is a bright side to everything and possibly an opportunity when facing a challenge that’s trying to bring you down. This is because of your daily practice in appreciating life and all the things happening in it, whether it’s through a gratitude list or as simple as saying “Thank you”.

You may also be interested in The Happiness Checklist.

4. You feel more accomplished.

It’s never an easy task to keep a habit that’s good for you, but you can always make use of your creativity to make your gratitude list fun! After you get into a habit of writing at least three things that you’re grateful for each day, you won’t be able to stop because it makes you feel good about yourself and others.

Apart from writing, even reading your gratitude list can make you feel happier. In short, if you can keep this habit, you’ll definitely feel more accomplished, and it can also serve as a good source of motivation for you in the future.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Person: 

  • Someone who makes you smile just by seeing them
  • Someone who makes you burst out into laughter
  • Someone who can always cheer you up no matter what
  • Your no.1 biggest supporter
  • Someone who would always listen to you rant
  • Someone who can make you forget your worries

Event

  • Something that brings you hope
  • Something that always excites you
  • An accomplishment you’re most proud of
  • A recent compliment you received
  • Something good that happened

Item

  • One item you can’t live without
  • One item that brings back good memories
  • One item that makes your life so much easier
  • One item that makes you feel safe

In Summary

Writing a gratitude list is just one way to practice appreciation, but it can also be extremely effective in bringing about the above four benefits. If you would like to take the art of gratitude to a next level, you can try different gratitude exercises and activities and enjoy the process as you grow.