Self-Care

Gratitude Journaling 101:

Starting Your Path to Positivity

Do you ever wonder why we emphasize gratitude so much? It turns out, being grateful isn’t just good for our mental health—it can actually help with weight loss too. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the notorious stress hormone that can lead to weight gain.

When cortisol levels are high, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode, holding onto excess fat reserves in case of emergency. By keeping cortisol levels low through gratitude, we signal to our bodies that it’s safe to let go of that extra weight.

But that’s not all—gratitude also improves sleep quality. And what’s one of the most crucial components of successful weight loss? You guessed it—sleep! When we sleep better, we wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

For those of us who tend to eat our emotions, gratitude can be a game-changer. It actually alters our brain chemistry by boosting dopamine and serotonin—the “feel good” chemicals that are also released when we indulge in comfort foods. When we feel happy from being grateful, we’re less likely to turn to comfort eating, which means fewer unnecessary calories consumed.

And here’s the bonus: practicing gratitude regularly can diminish feelings of anxiety and other negative emotions. When we’re in a positive state of mind, feelings like shame and guilt find it harder to stick around. It’s like turning on a light in a dark room—negative emotions simply can’t thrive in the presence of gratitude.

So, here’s a challenge for you this week: every morning, start your day by listing 10 things you’re grateful for. Reflect on them again before bed, adding any new moments from your day that brought you joy or appreciation. Notice how you sleep, pay attention to how you feel throughout the day, and observe the small but transformative effects of gratitude in your life.

Embrace this journey of gratitude—it’s not just about counting blessings; it’s about creating a healthier, happier you, inside and out.

Ready to transform?

Start today with gratitude.