Benefits of Journaling
Journaling is a simple, powerful way to reflect and write down your thoughts. It's also a great way to help manage your mental health and wellbeing.
It can be as little as 5-10 minutes a day. This can give you a chance to sit quietly, let yourself reflect, and describe your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Incorporating journaling into your self-care routine can help reduce and manage stress, anxiety, boost your mood, improve sleep, increase self-confidence and stay connected to your goals.
Here are some easy tips to help you get started.
1. Add it to your daily routine
Set aside a short time during your day, such as in the morning before you start your day or in the evening before bed, and just write what’s on your mind.
You can write a few sentences in a notebook or on your phone, which can clear your mind helping you feel less stressed, and anxious.
Try journaling at the same time each day and build a habit that makes it easier to stick with.
2. Use Prompts
Having questions and prompts to get you started is helpful. Especially when you are unsure what to write.
These prompts and questions can be tailored to certain situations you are going through, or it could be daily questions about your thoughts and feelings.
Here are some simple questions that you can add to your journal routine:
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What’s something I’m proud of today?
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What have I achieved today?
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How am I feeling?
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What’s been challenging this week?
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What’s something new I have learnt?
3. Celebrate Your Wins
Write down moments that made you smile or that you are proud of. Such as making a new friend, trying a new cafe, ticking something off your bucket list or finishing an assignment. It’s a great way to track your growth and boost your confidence. Remember, there’s lots to be proud of.
This also helps you stay connected to your wellbeing and notice patterns in your mood, sleep, or stress levels, which can help you understand what supports how you are feeling.
It can also help you process emotions, celebrate milestones, and stay connected to your purpose.
To find out more about journaling and how to start, click here.