Healthy benefits of journaling include reducing stress and boosting creativity.

In the days before the internet, we had hours of “me” time and there was more silence because we turned off the television sets by a certain time of night….that was when reading, writing, and dreams happened.

Share in the comments if you know what I am referring to….

Blogging to me is the new age of Journaling. It can be a powerful tool to express our thoughts and feelings while expanding our creative skills. Plus, I have observed journaling assist individuals manage or reduce stress, anxiety and depression by allowing people to process and release emotions.

Expressive writing following traumatic events can improve overall physical and mental health. Various types of journaling focus on different outcomes, for example people use writing to heal, evolve and transform their lives.

Some people just want to keep track of their lives “I went here, I did this, etc.” or what I think of as the “Dear Diary,” method.

Journaling is also a tool for personal and professional growth as well as awareness and understanding. The art of writing something down helps you process feelings or let go of negative thoughts.

Some research I have read state benefits of journaling shows improved immune function, healing trauma and increased emotional self awareness, which helps us with ourselves and relationships with others. I have found journaling is a place I can turn to if I am angry; a path to peaceful and mindful practice of knowing thyself.

Journaling- How Do I Start?

Where does one start you may ask? I like to suggest to jump in NOW! There is no right or wrong way to journal; simply sit down and write on. I prefer handwritten journaling, whereas, some people prefer a Word Document. There are journal apps you can download right on your phone as well as for the computer.

Journaling can involve long entries, bullet points, doodling or bits of poetry. Some people start journals to create legacy projects such as a memoir or notes. I even have one leather bound journal of Ganesh imprinted from India which I received as a gift filled with quotes, notes besides the pictures of places I have visited and plan to visit.

Be creative!

Be Inspired and Journal!

Make Time for You!

Becoming aware of why we want to journal motivates us to do it regularly.

You are engaging in self-reflection in the pages of your journal and what’s key is knowing your own beat to your drum.

Some people enjoy writing in the morning for example filling three pages with stream of consciousness writing first thing in the morning before you get out of bed and start your day.

Other options include lunch hour, coffee breaks or the evening; just find which works best for you. The beauty of journaling is you set the time or simply write till you have no more to write. It doesn’t need to be hours, 5-10 minutes a day is just as good.

Above all, give yourself permission to write freely. While journaling can be a place for catharsis of emotions, it also allows us to cultivate positive feelings, like gratitude and joy, which are crucial to mental health.

We want to balance perspective in our journals. We don’t want to only write about the negative because that can activate more stress inside us. It’s just as important to write about what makes us happy, what brings us comfort and describing our hopes and dreams.

Journaling Prompts

Here are some helpful journaling prompts to get you started when looking at a fresh clean page. Consider starting your day with an inspirational affirmation or documenting your triumphs before bed. Other prompts that could get creative juices flowing are:
What would happen if…..
I am looking forward to …..
Right now, I notice….
My favorite memory of…is…

Journaling Suggestions

Consider these journaling suggestions as you get started:

• Decide on your preferred format such as a book, computer or phone.
• Commit to a specific time for journaling.
• Start writing. Give yourself permission to experiment with various styles of writing such as stream-of-consciousness, bullet points, drawing or jotting down memories, goals, affirmations or quotes.
• Think of journaling as a safe space to record accomplishments or unload anything you like to face.
• Reach out if you are simply stuck.

If you want to find out more about journaling, blogging, or getting better in touch with your authentic self, hop on the early notification list for the next Master Key Experience course.

As a thank you, we will send you a free tool called the 7 Day Mental Diet that you can apply right away to your every day life.