Self Care Tip:

Practising gratitude is known to impact our emotions and emotional well-being. Evidence has shown that a regular “attitude of gratitude” can make us happier and increase our self-esteem. Helping us focus on the positives and evoking positive emotions.

It only takes a few minutes once or twice a week at minimum, but it can give you a lasting mood boost that can take you from feeling “okay” to feeling “great” on a more regular basis.

A gratitude journal is a tool to keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult and defeating life can sometimes feel, there is always something to feel grateful for.

Write five things you experienced in the past week that you're grateful for. The entries are supposed to be brief, just a single sentence.

When writing, don't just go through the motions. Sit and feel the gratefulness of what you experienced. Knowing and feeling are two different states of being. Be specific and get personal. For instance instead of "I am grateful for my child", write "I am grateful that my child hugged me this morning and told me he loved me". Record surprising events, the small blessings that occurred during the day, remind yourself of the little things that make you happy and that you are thankful for.

Remember, there is no wrong way to write a gratitude journal. The goal is to appreciate your life, yourself, and the world around you.

Tip: There are tons of amazing gratitude journals out there (Indigo or Amazon) with prompts to help you reflect and practice mindfulness.