Studies have shown that regularly practising gratitude through journaling can make you more successful, healthier and increase your happiness by up to 25 percent. With World Gratitude Day on 21 September there’s never been a better time to pick up a pen and express your thanks.
According to gratitude expert and founder of The Self-Love Project, Eloise King, poor mental health is one of the largest issues facing our society today with one in four people experiencing a mental health problem in any given year. It’s also the largest single source of world economic burden.
“Research shows a clear link between physical and mental health. As a collective we’ve never been wealthier yet we’ve also never been sicker,” says Eloise. “As a result more people are looking for ways to feel better within themselves and about their lives, and turning to positive psychology techniques such as gratitude journaling which has been proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing.”
Eloise notes that practicing gratitude is an ancient notion which all religious traditions have encouraged since their inception; and now scientific, agnostic and atheist communities are seeing the benefits too.
“Expressing gratitude increases oxytocins (the love molecule) and creates stronger connections and bonds,” she says. “Journaling also has a long history of being used for greater clarity and wellbeing, and so combining the two daily is a simple recipe for better health, improved happiness, stronger relationships, a competitive edge at work and greater overall wellbeing.”
According to John Johnston, marketing manager for Pilot Pen Australia, gratitude is something the company feels very strongly about with this year marking their centenary anniversary.
“We’re very grateful for the public’s support over the last one hundred years and are thrilled to see that in spite of the rise in technology, writing by hand is back in fashion, with the increase in gratitude journaling and calligraphy,” says Mr. Johnston.
On World Gratitude Day on September 21, Pilot Pen will be erecting a special gratitude wall in Sydney’s Martin Place where people are encouraged to come and express what they’re grateful for, have a personalised gratitude card written for them by a professional calligrapher, watch street artists in action, grab a free coffee and more.
“Helping people live their best lives is very important to us and luckily gratitude journaling is both effective and very accessible to all,” he adds.
Some of the many benefits of gratitude journaling, according to Eloise, include:
- Increased happiness and enhanced mental health, it helps you deal better with depression
- A strengthened immune system leading to better physical health
- Your anxiety is soothed and feelings of calmness increased
- Increased self-awareness, self-understanding and self-compassion
- Improved emotional intelligence (ability to perceive and understand emotions)
- It encourages spiritual growth and integration, and promotes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing
- Improved ability to communicate with others
- It promotes mental clarity and problem-solving skills
- Increased creativity, work efficiency and a boosted IQ
- It helps you to deal with stress and intrusive thoughts more effectively
“Gratitude journaling is such a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can do,” adds Eloise. “All you need is a pen and a piece of paper. It really works.”
Pilot Pen has a wide selection of pens which are perfect for journaling. For more details on their range or to download gratitude journaling tips from Eloise, visit: www.pilotpen.com.au.
Eloise King is the founder of Souluversity (an online educational institution) and The Self-Love Project (a six week online program), both which are aimed at helping busy people create more balance, happiness, authenticity and meaning to their lives. A former journalist educated in psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology and neuroplasticity; Eloise has worked alongside the likes of Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Dr Joe Dispenza, David Avocado Wolfe and more. For more info visit www.theselfloveproject.com or www.souluversity.com, or follow her on Facebook.
Pilot Pen is the largest pen manufacturer in Japan and has subsidiaries throughout the world, including Australia. The Pilot range is extensive, covering premium gold nib fountain pens to everyday ballpoint pens and markers.
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
Leave a Reply