Within the past year, I began hearing more and more often about the benefits of journaling. Many people would say that writing daily in a journal helps to keep your mind happy and healthy.
Initially, I was thinking journaling wasn’t something for me for two reasons: one, I didn’t want to write everyday, and two, I didn’t have anything to write about. Over time though, I proved both of these initial doubts to be wrong.
I began writing in my journal on and off about a year ago. Initially, I didn’t notice too much of a difference but afterwards I’d feel much happier.
Now, after over a year of writing consistently, my mind is so much clearer, I’ve gotten rid of so many unwanted thoughts, I am much more present in my life, and I have less anxiety.
Initially, I thought it would be very hard to stay committed to writing everyday. But, overtime, I began to look forward to my writing; I’d feel so much more relieved and happier after.
I realized I didn’t need to write for a long time like I thought I’d have to, as little as 5-10 minutes was enough to clear my thoughts for the day and stat my mind on the right track.
How I Started Journaling
1.The first step that I used to start journaling is, well, to get a journal. Get yourself a journal style that you like and personalize it to yourself. Write your name in it, decorate it, or do anything else you want to do to make it feel like your own.
2.The second step I recommend is to pick a time to journal everyday that you can stick to. It may be first thing when you wake up in the morning, right before you go to bed at night, or any other time that you feel calm and relaxed.
3.The third step is to find a spot where you feel comfortable. Personally, my favorite place to journal is outside. First thing in the morning I like to make a cup of coffee, sit outside, listen to the birds chirping, and write. This is when my mind feels the most clear and I feel the most at peace.
4.The final and most important step that I used to begin journaling is to just start writing! You don’t have to have a prompt or a topic to write about every time. All you need to do is get the thoughts from your head to the paper. Don’t overthink it. This is where I messed up initially, I spent so much time trying to pick a topic that I’d become too bored before I even started writing. Now, however, I just write about whatever thoughts pop into my mind at the given moment.
These are the steps I’ve taken to help me implement journaling into my daily routine. I cannot recommend enough that you give journaling a try and if you’re ever lost as to where to start, come back to my page and review any of the helpful tips I’ve offered.