One Grateful a Day

COVID-19 has amplified the anxieties of many young adults, with worries of the unknown and constant catastrophizing. These thoughts are running through the minds of college students more than ever.

The prevalence of anxiety within individuals between 18⁠–⁠30 years of age has increased significantly since the mid-twentieth century. Academic stress, social media comparison, and economic stress aid in this increase. 

Keeping a gratitude journal or simply expressing your gratitude can make a difference in your mental and physical health. It’s easy to think about all the bad things that happen within a day, especially when there are so many overwhelming factors—but when we do this we lose sight of life’s beautiful moments?

Licensed counselor Jacquelyn Buffo states, “Finding gratitude in your reality can help prevent you from reaching for something new and temporary to find happiness.” Buffo continues to emphasize that “It helps remind you that you don’t have to wait for your life to be perfect or stress-free to experience blessings.”

According to WellRX, gratitude journals reduce anxiety and help people effectively cope with feelings of depression. These practices also help raise awareness of our emotional triggers, help prioritize our concerns, fears, and problems.

Licensed clinical psychologist Nathan Brandon has found that gratitude may help people feel more connected to one another and the world around them.

“Taking time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for can help increase overall well-being and life satisfaction,” Brandon says. This can lead to increased happiness and decreased loneliness.

Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Practicing gratitude daily can be the start of a happier mind and healthier body. A 2021 UCLA Health Review of Research found that gratitude journals cause a significant drop in blood pressure and help our heart by slowing and regulating our breathing to synchronize with our heartbeat. 

In a world that’s so chaotic, it’s easy to focus on all the bad things happening, but it’s essential to take a step back and remember that there’s always something to be grateful for every day. Young adulthood is a transformative and challenging time, but finding little ways to improve our mental health will make this period of life more manageable.

Do you keep a gratitude journal? Let us know in the comments!