gratitude-journaling-resilience

DOES GRATITUDE JOURNALING IMPROVE COGNITIVE RESILIENCE?

CONSENSUS

Possibly

EVIDENCE TIER

Preliminary

SHORT ANSWER

Regular reflection on positives can support mood regulation and perceived coping, which may indirectly help cognitive resilience.

TOPIC BACKGROUND

Gratitude journaling is a reflective writing habit where individuals note people, events, or details they appreciate. The practice is flexible - entries can be full sentences or short phrases - and many prefer a consistent time of day to make it stick. Journals can be paper-based, digital, or incorporated into broader planning systems.

People often use prompts to avoid blank-page hesitation. Reviewing previous entries periodically is a common way to notice patterns and maintain motivation. As with other habits, small, repeatable steps tend to be easier to sustain over time.

MECHANISM SUMMARY

Reframing attention toward positives may reduce rumination load.

TRY THIS

  • Write 3 brief items nightly
  • Be specific
  • Re-read weekly

TAGS

  • Habits
  • Well-being
  • Stress Recovery

CAVEATS

  • Benefits accrue with consistency
  • expectations should be modest.

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