Changes

* It helps manage [[stress]], [[anxiety]], and [[depression]] and the physical illness that they may cause.<ref>[https://www.verywellhealth.com/journaling-7498123 The Benefits of Creating a Journaling Routine] By Sarah Bence, OTR/L, VeryWellHealth.com</ref><ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref> Reflecting on stressful events helps one think more constructively/positively on the events plus helps one emotionally vent (For example, focus more on problem solving or focusing on better ways to mentally cope such as practicing [[mental toughness]] or [[psychological resilience]]).<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref> Studies indicates that time spent journaling about one's deepest thoughts and feelings reduces the number of sick days that people take off work (Sohal, Singh, Dhillon & Gill, 2022).<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref>  

* It helps manage [[stress]], [[anxiety]], and [[depression]] and the physical illness that they may cause.<ref>[https://www.verywellhealth.com/journaling-7498123 The Benefits of Creating a Journaling Routine] By Sarah Bence, OTR/L, VeryWellHealth.com</ref><ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref> Reflecting on stressful events helps one think more constructively/positively on the events plus helps one emotionally vent (For example, focus more on problem solving or focusing on better ways to mentally cope such as practicing [[mental toughness]] or [[psychological resilience]]).<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref> Studies indicates that time spent journaling about one's deepest thoughts and feelings reduces the number of sick days that people take off work (Sohal, Singh, Dhillon & Gill, 2022).<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref>  

* Gratitude journaling helps increase [[positive thinking]] by helping people focus more on the positive aspects of life via capturing situations, events, and interactions for which they are grateful.<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref>

* Gratitude journaling helps increase gratefulness/[[positive thinking]] by helping people focus more on the positive aspects of life via capturing situations, events, and interactions for which they are grateful.<ref>[https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health], PositivePsychology.com</ref>

* Increase one's [[confidence]] and [[self-esteem]]. PsychAlive.com reports: "Since you’re writing down your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, you’ll be so much more mindful of how you react and deal with certain situations. Not only can this help you to become the person you want to be, but it can also improve your self-confidence and your self-esteem, which can lead to more happiness."<ref>[https://www.psychalive.org/10-life-changing-benefits-to-keeping-a-journal/ 10 Life-Changing Benefits You Can Enjoy By Keeping a Journal], Psychalive.com</ref>

* Increase one's [[confidence]] and [[self-esteem]]. PsychAlive.com reports: "Since you’re writing down your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, you’ll be so much more mindful of how you react and deal with certain situations. Not only can this help you to become the person you want to be, but it can also improve your self-confidence and your self-esteem, which can lead to more happiness."<ref>[https://www.psychalive.org/10-life-changing-benefits-to-keeping-a-journal/ 10 Life-Changing Benefits You Can Enjoy By Keeping a Journal], Psychalive.com</ref>