In keeping with the theme of mental health awareness month, I’m sharing some free printable gratitude journals that you can use to start your own gratitude practice.
I’ve found that taking time each day to reflect on things I’m grateful for is one of the best ways to boost my mood and keep anxiety at bay. Not only does it force me to focus on the positive, but it also helps me to appreciate the little things in life.
Benefits of Using a Printable Gratitude Journal for Mental Health
There are numerous studies that have shown the benefits of practicing gratitude, especially when it comes to mental health. For example, one study found that participants who kept a gratitude journal reported feeling more positive and less stressed than those who didn’t.
Another study found that gratitude interventions (such as keeping a gratitude journal) were associated with improved mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, gratitude journaling may be a good place to start.
How to Use a Gratitude Journal
There is no right or wrong way to use a gratitude journal, but I’ve found that it’s helpful to set aside some time each day (or at least once a week) to reflect on what I’m grateful for.
You may also want to consider writing down specific things you’re grateful for, rather than just listing off generalities. For example, instead of simply writing “I’m grateful for my family,” you could write “I’m grateful for my husband’s sense of humor” or “I’m grateful for my daughter’s smile.”
You can also use your gratitude journal to reflect on positive experiences from the past, or to look ahead to things you’re looking forward to in the future.
Free Gratitude Journals
Here are some free printable gratitude journals that you can use to start your own practice.
Daily Gratitude Journal w/ Prompts
This printable gratitude journal has space for you to list three things you’re grateful for each day, as well as prompts to help you get started.
Click here to download the daily gratitude journal.
Floral Daily Gratitude Journal w/ Prompts
This daily gratitude journal has the same format as the one above, but with a pretty floral design.
Click here to download the floral daily gratitude journal.
Gratitude Journal for Kids
This printable gratitude journal is specifically for kids, with space for them to draw a picture and list three things they’re grateful for each day.
Click here to download the gratitude journal for kids.
Gratitude Journal
This traditional gratitude journal has space for you to describe what you are grateful for in a journal-style format.
Click here to download the gratitude journal.
Gratitude List
This list-style gratitude journal is perfect for those who prefer to keep things simple. There’s space for you to list 15 things you’re grateful for each day.
Click here to download the gratitude list.
Traditional Daily Gratitude Journal
This daily gratitude journal has space for you to list three things you’re thankful for each day, affirmations for each day, and daily reflections.
Click here to download the traditional daily gratitude journal.
How to Use These Gratitude Journals
Each of these journals has space for you to write about things you’re grateful for each day. I recommend taking a few minutes at the end of the day to fill it out.
You can also use it as a way to reflect on your week or month, and write down anything you’re grateful for that’s happened during that time.
If you’re not sure where to start, try brainstorming a list of things you’re grateful for each day. You can also use prompts like “Today I’m grateful for…” or “3 things I’m thankful for today are…”. Gratitude journaling is a great way to start your day on a positive note or end your day on a calm and peaceful note.
If you need some more ideas on what to write, here are a few prompts to get you started:
-Things that made you smile today
-People who helped you or made your day easier
-Moments when you felt happy or proud
-Things you’re looking forward to
-Anything else that brought you joy or gratitude
Gratitude journaling is a simple and effective way to improve your mental health. It can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life, and it’s a great way to end the day on a calm and peaceful note.
I hope you find these journals helpful in starting your own gratitude practice. If you do, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
And don’t forget to check out my other free printables while you’re here.
