The time has finally come. The days are growing longer, and the sunshine is here to stay. Many of us tend to feel an instant boost in mood. The heaviness of winter is starting to lift, and with it, the habits we leaned on to get through the darker months can fade quietly into the background. After all, if the sun is shining and our energy is up, do we really need to keep writing down what we are thankful for? The short answer is yes. You might be surprised by the impact gratitude journaling has during the light-filled seasons as it is during the dark ones.
Some people might have found themselves starting to write in a gratitude journal during the colder months. This can be due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or more commonly known as seasonal depression. Some symptoms of SAD include losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, low energy and feeling sluggish, problems with sleeping too much, experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty. Gratitude journaling becomes a trusted coping tool, offering stability and perspective, but when spring arrives and the symptoms of seasonal depression start to ease, it is easy to assume that there is no longer a need for it. In reality, gratitude journaling is not just a lifeline for tough times, but a mindset builder—a long-term practice that strengthens emotional resilience, sharpens perspective, and keeps us grounded through all seasons.
As some might notice, spring and summer do not eliminate life’s challenges, yet it seems as though the tolerance and resilience for these stressors grows during these times. The benefit of gratitude journaling is that it trains your brain to identify the good whether things are going great or horribly wrong. It helps you maintain emotional balance and stay centered, no matter what life (or the weather) brings. So, when the spring and summer months come, it is an ideal time to build on the momentum gratitude journaling creates. Instead of using your journal as a crisis tool, you can now use it as a growth tool. Write down things that inspire you, moments that made you smile, or opportunities you are excited about. This helps reinforce a positive mindset that can be accessed in many different circumstances.
Think of gratitude like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. If you only work it out during the hard seasons, you will constantly be starting over from the beginning. But if you keep journaling even during the good times, you build emotional strength that supports you no matter what the weather or situation is. It becomes less about recovery and more about consistency.
There is no wrong way to implement gratitude journaling into your daily life, but a helpful tip to try to create consistency includes journaling for about 3–5 minutes a day. Some try implementing journaling into a morning routine or reflecting before bed. Keeping your journal somewhere visible such as on your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter can help promote consistency as well. There are also virtual gratitude journals that can be utilized such as through your note app or other mental health apps (app resources and links to journals will be found below).
As the warmth of spring settles in, do not put away the habits that helped you thrive in the winter. Gratitude journaling is more than a survival tactic, it is a lifelong practice that can elevate your mindset, strengthen your relationships, and help you stay grounded in every season.
Gratitude Journal Resources:
• Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal, Original Daily Gratitude Journal 2025, Reflection & Manifestation Journal for Mindfulness, Undated Daily Journal with Gold Foiling, Plastic-Free: Check it out
• The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy: Check it out
• Clever Fox Gratitude Journal – Happiness, Positivity & Affirmation Daily Journal – Inspirational Daily Notebook: Check it out
• The Daily Bean (app)
• How We Feel (app)
• don’t panic!!! (app)
