The mental health benefits of gratitude journaling are well-documented, with studies demonstrating links between practicing gratitude and improved psychological well-being. For example, gratitude interventions have been shown to result in decreased feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction.
A gratitude journal can take many forms, from a beautiful notebook to an app on your phone. In essence, it is a tool to reflect on things you’re thankful for regularly, rewiring your brain to focus on positive experiences and emotions. From the simple appreciation of nature to the excitement of mastering a new skill, documenting gratitude is an easy and effective way to improve your mental health.
Yet the advantages extend beyond improvements in mood and outlook. Research indicates that this practice can also lead to enhanced learning outcomes, making it a powerful tool for students and educators.
Gratitude and Learning
Engagement
Academic performance results from the energy and perseverance students direct toward their learning. Studies show that the quality of students’ gratitude predicts learning engagement, with grateful students more likely to stay in school. There are ways to maximize this outcome. For instance, Dr Kerry Howells, the award-winning educator and author of Gratitude in Education: A Radical View, proposes a model where students are encouraged to perceive education as a gift. This shift in perspective causes students to be more present and engaged in their studies, leading to active participation and enhanced outcomes.
Cognition
The state of gratitude is associated with cognitive flexibility, which is the brain’s ability to adapt to new, changing, or unexpected events. Flexible thinking enhances creativity, which aids students in making novel connections between ideas and is connected to better school performance. Tasks involving adaptability, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving benefit from increased cognitive flexibility. Fostering positive emotions through gratitude journaling can broaden a student’s capacity to process information and motivate effort toward self-improvement.
Resilience
Evidence shows that gratitude supports resilience in youth. When challenges arise, focusing on gratitude nurtures a positive mindset, making it easier to face inevitable difficulties. Rather than denying hardships, building resilience helps students learn to manage challenges in constructive ways. One of the benefits of gratitude journaling is its connection to cognitive reappraisal, which is the ability to reframe events and change how we perceive them. For example, students might initially experience receiving criticism as a personal failure, but through gratitude, they can reframe this as an opportunity to grow. Through cultivating this resilience, students are more empowered to face obstacles on their learning journeys.
Relationships
Gratitude causes people to understand the world more optimistically, believing others to be acting out of kindness and sincerity. Adolescents with high amounts of gratitude are more likely to accept emotional support from teachers, which is a significant predictor of academic motivation. When children and teenagers feel supported by adults, they can better manage their emotions and behaviors, which positively influences their capacity to learn.
Incorporating Gratitude Journaling into Education
Gratitude can powerfully impact learning outcomes, but many people approach education with an attitude of complaint rather than appreciation. Fortunately, gratitude is something we can actively develop. Appreciative states of mind enrich learning by grounding us in the present moment, decreasing distractedness and vulnerability to stress. In turn, we are more likely to contribute to our environment positively. To harness the benefits of gratitude journaling, start by introducing it as a daily educational practice.
Daily Gratitude Ritual
Commence each day with a brief gratitude journaling session, either individually or as a group. Encourage students to reflect on the positive aspects of their educational journey, instilling a sense of optimism and appreciation. Prompts such as “What has inspired you to learn this week?” or “What small steps of progress have you taken?” can help students explore what they are grateful for. Prompts can be especially beneficial for students prone to negative thinking, as they can shift their mindset, leading to more positive emotional experiences throughout the day.
Reflective Assignments
Assign regular reflective writing tasks that prompt students to consider the gifts they encounter while learning. For example, at the end of a presentation or lecture, have students identify any knowledge and tools they have discovered and reflect on how these can help them reach their goals. These assignments will encourage them to engage more actively with their learning while acknowledging the support of others, recognizing personal growth, and valuing opportunities for further development.
Group Sharing and Discussion
Organize group discussions where students can share their gratitude journal entries with their peers. If you’re a teacher, be sure to contribute to this exercise with students. The entries you share can be related to education, but it’s also important to express appreciation for other aspects of life, such as those related to family, hobbies, and work. Sharing feelings of gratitude can enrich relationships, thereby strengthening the learning environment.
Exchange Thanks Regularly
As well as journaling, be sure to model gratitude in other ways. When students contribute to class discussions, display gratitude by sincerely thanking them for their input, showing that you understand the value of their thoughts and ideas. Expressing appreciation for specific aspects of their work will not only improve your relationship but also model to students how to give thanks to others. Extend your gratitude to other forms of contribution, such as acts of kindness between peers. Exchanging thanks will help to establish a learning environment that is both giving and appreciative.
Conclusion
Gratitude journaling is a transformative practice that can reshape how students approach their education. The benefits of gratitude journaling include enhanced emotional well-being, cognitive development, and heightened resilience. Students become attentive to the positive aspects of learning, enabling them to absorb knowledge better and contribute. By incorporating gratitude journaling into educational practices, students and educators can create a more engaging, fulfilling, and supportive learning environment.
In the spirit of gratitude and giving, please donate to Educate.Radiate.Elevate., so that we can continue to provide holistic tutoring to underserved students, addressing their emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs in an integrated learning format. Our tutors are trained social-emotional learning professionals, and they intertwine into their tutoring sessions valuable lessons on soft skills like gratitude practices.
