Hello everyone! I hope your June is going great. Mine has been hectic, intense, and emotional. Tomorrow I'm attending my best friend's wedding as a bridesmaid, which is nuts. Work, home, and adult life are crazy as usual, and I often feel overwhelmed. There is something about being an adult and managing different areas of life that is stressful and overwhelming. I already told you about journaling to cope with feelings and emotions. Journaling and putting your thoughts into paper help to clear your mind, but sometimes it's hard to schedule the time to sit down and write freely in your journal. 

My days are always different, and sticking to a routine is challenging, even if I am a creature of habit. That's why some days allow me to journal while sitting down, even for an hour straight. But other days are chaotic and packed, and I can't save ten minutes for my journaling session. I miss this routine during those days because I know how better I feel after writing down my thoughts. That's why I needed to find an alternative. 

Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is my go-to when I can't journal. Every morning I stop for a minute to focus on something I'm grateful for. That simple and quick action boosts my mood and reminds me how beautiful my life is, even if there are challenges to face. There are many ways to practice gratitude, depending on my time. I can write one thing in my Daily Planner while scheduling my activities. It's the most immediate mood booster. 

The second option is to answer three questions in my Daily Gratitude Log: today's intention, today's affirmation, and today I'm grateful for. It takes around five minutes and makes me feel at peace. 

Lastly, if I have more time, I practice gratitude while journaling in my Daily Gratitude Log dotted. It's a similar option to journaling, but I focus more on what I'm grateful for and how I can react to things to protect my serenity instead of a simple stream of consciousness. 

Practicing gratitude is my new form of meditation.

I tried different forms of meditation, but nothing suited me. But when I practice gratitude, I focus on my mind, body, and soul. I can sense the inner evolution because I actively care for my mental health, soul, and body. So, I treat my gratitude practice as my new form of meditation. Also, the immediate feeling of wellness makes me consistent during the week. And we all know that consistency makes a significant difference in practice.