Ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed and wished you could flip a switch to feel better? You’re not alone. Many people are turning to morning routines to kick-start their day on a good note.
Two popular options are gratitude journals and affirmations. But which one is right for you? Both gratitude journals and affirmations can help you feel more positive, but they work differently. I’ll explain how each works to help you decide how to start your day.
How Gratitude Journals Work
Remember when you were a kid, and you’d scribble your deepest, darkest secrets in a notebook? Well, gratitude journals are kind of like that, but way less angsty and way more awesome.
Gratitude journals aren’t just about writing down “I’m thankful for pizza” (although, let’s be real, we’re all thankful for pizza). They’re about training your brain to spot the good stuff in life, even when things are going south.
So, how do you actually do this gratitude thing? It’s pretty simple:
1. Grab a notebook or your phone (no judgment here).
2. Every morning, jot down three things you’re grateful for.
3. Be specific. Instead of “I’m grateful for my dog,” try “I’m grateful for how my dog always greets me with a wagging tail, even when I’m in a bad mood.”
The Perks
Keeping a gratitude journal isn’t just a feel-good thing to do. It has serious benefits:
- Better sleep (because who doesn’t want more of that?)
- Less stress (goodbye, tension headaches!)
- Improved relationships (your friends will thank you)
- More resilience when life throws curveballs
The Not-So-Good Part
Okay, let’s be real. Gratitude journals aren’t all sunshine and rainbows:
- It can feel forced sometimes (especially on those Monday mornings)
- You may run out of things to be grateful for (spoiler: you won’t, but it may feel that way)
- It takes time and consistency (and we all know how hard that can be)
How Affirmations Work
Now, let’s talk about affirmations. These are like those pep talks you give yourself in the mirror, but less awkward and more effective.
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They’re like armor for your self-esteem. They help you tackle the day with confidence.
Affirmations aren’t just about saying “I’m awesome” over and over (although you totally are). Here’s how to make them work:
1. Make them present tense. “I am” instead of “I will be.”
2. Keep them positive. “I am confident” beats “I’m not scared.”
3. Make them specific. “I am a skilled problem-solver” is better than “I’m good at stuff.”
4. Repeat them daily. Consistency is key!
The Perks
Affirmations aren’t just woo-woo nonsense. They have real benefits, which include:
- Boosted confidence (hello, promotion!)
- Reduced stress (bye-bye, anxiety)
- Increased motivation (gym, here you come)
- Improved performance (you’ll be crushing those goals in no time)
The Not-So-Good Part
But let’s not put affirmations on a pedestal. They also have their drawbacks:
- They can feel cheesy (especially at first)
- If you don’t believe them, they may backfire
- They’re not a quick fix for deep-seated issues
Comparing Gratitude vs Affirmations
Alright, it’s time for a side-by-side comparison. In one corner, we have gratitude journals, and in the other, affirmations. Which of these two is the best way to start your day?
1. Ease of Use
Gratitude journals take more time and thought. You have to sit down, reflect, and write. Affirmations, on the other hand, can be done anywhere, anytime. You can recite them while brushing your teeth or stuck in traffic.
2. Long-Term Benefits
Gratitude journals have been shown to have lasting effects on happiness and well-being. They help you build a habit of noticing the good in your life. Affirmations are great for an immediate boost, but their effects may not last as long.
3. Versatility
Affirmations can be personalized to any area of your life you want to improve. Confidence, health, relationships, you name it. Gratitude journals are more general, focusing on appreciation for what you already have.
4. Scientific Backing
Both practices have been studied, but gratitude journals have a bit more research behind them. Studies have consistently shown the benefits of gratitude practices on mental health and well-being.
5. Immediate Impact
Affirmations can give you an instant boost of confidence and motivation. Gratitude journals work more slowly, building positive effects over time.
The Verdict: Gratitude Journals vs Affirmations
So, what’s the verdict? Gratitude journals or affirmations: which is the best way to start your day?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Maybe you’re a gratitude journal kind of person. Maybe affirmations are more your speed. Or maybe you want to double up on the positivity.
The important thing is that you’re taking steps to start your day positively. Whether that’s scribbling in a journal, pumping yourself up with affirmations, or doing a little happy dance in your pajamas (hey, no judgment here), what matters is that you’re setting yourself up for success.
So go ahead and give it a try. Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to mix things up. Your perfect morning routine is waiting for you to discover it.
Combining Gratitude Journals and Affirmations
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to choose. In fact, combining gratitude and affirmations may be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for.
Imagine starting your day by writing in your gratitude journal, focusing on all the good things in your life. Then, you stand up, look in the mirror, and recite your affirmations. You’re not just appreciating what you have but also pumping yourself up for what’s to come.
Here’s how to make it work:
1. Start with gratitude. Spend 5 minutes writing in your journal.
2. Choose 3-5 affirmations that resonate with you.
3. Recite your affirmations while looking in the mirror (yes, it may feel weird at first, but trust me, it works).
4. Go crush your day.
How to Journal and Do Affirmations When Busy
I get it. Mornings are crazy. You’re trying to get dressed, make coffee, and maybe wrangle some kids or pets. Who has the time for journaling and affirmations?
No time to write? No problem. Try this:
1. While waiting for your coffee to brew, think of three things you’re grateful for.
2. Say them out loud or in your head.
3. Boom! Gratitude practice is done.
Then, for speedy affirmations, try this:
1. Choose one affirmation for the day.
2. Write it on a sticky note and put it somewhere you’ll see it often.
3. Whenever you spot it, repeat it to yourself.
Your Morning, Your Choice
So, gratitude journals or affirmations? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Maybe writing down what you’re thankful for helps you see the good in your day. Or maybe looking in the mirror and giving yourself a pep talk is just what you need to feel ready for anything.
Whatever method you choose, remember that the best one will make you feel good. It will keep you coming back for more. Why not try both and see what clicks?
