How does gratitude journaling compare to other daily mental health practices?

Gratitude journaling, especially via The Five Minute Journal, stands out among daily mental health practices for its low time commitment and high impact. Compared to:

Meditation/mindfulness (10-20+ min): Gratitude is quicker yet similarly reduces stress/anxiety.

Exercise/journaling therapy: Easier entry point; combines reflection with positivity focus.

Affirmations alone: More structured and evidence-based (gratitude studies show broader benefits like better sleep/relationships). It ranks highly in "best daily mental health habits" because it's accessible, sustainable, and compounds over time—often recommended as a top starting point for positivity and resilience.