The Importance of Expressing Gratitude

Having a journal for any mental health issue, including eating disorders, is essential on 
many levels. It comes in handy in so many ways, from figuring out your triggers to 
having a safe place to express yourself without worrying about judgment. Another way 
the journal can help you is by expressing gratitude. Here are some benefits of either 
having a gratitude journal, or using gratitude in your journal that is used for other things.

Being Grateful Helps You Focus on the Positive

One of the benefits of talking about gratitude in your journal is that you can focus more 
on positive things in your life. Journals are often filled with your emotions and feelings, 
and some days, it might feel all negative. But you can usually find something to be 
grateful for every day and in every situation, so try to hone in on that. You can express 
gratitude at the end of each journal entry, or have a journal completely dedicated to it.

There are Physical Health Benefits

Believe it or not, there are also physical health benefits to gratitude. When you are more 
grateful, you may notice that you sleep better, you tend to want healthier foods, you 
might even have more energy. Why? Because negativity can take a toll on your mind, 
which keeps you from sleeping well and causes more emotional and binge eating. 
When you start focusing on more positive things in your life, you suddenly feel grateful 
and want to be healthier. It also reduces a lot of stress and anxiety to help you more on 
a physical level.

You Can Express Gratitude for Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of living in the moment and only considering the positive, not 
negative thoughts and feelings. You try to appreciate whatever is happening right in this 
moment. You can start journaling more mindfully and be grateful for what you have now 
at the same time.

It Helps to Improve Your Self-Esteem

Expressing gratitude is also wonderful for your self-esteem. Instead of talking about 
physical features or qualities you don’t like about yourself, start talking about the ones 
you do. Be grateful for as many things as you can think of, both inside and outside. 
Perhaps you are intelligent and grateful for your mind, or you have physical features you 
feel proud of. Embrace the good about yourself and focus less on what you don’t like.
