About Journaling & Why It's So Important For Good Health
Journaling involves a notebook, a pen, and a person.
Less emphasis is placed on what or how much you write while more emphasis is on the connection made between heart, mind, and page.
Writing one word totally aligned with a feeling inside, is a more meaningful action than a thousand words of superficial nonsense.
The point is, we go deep within ourselves and connect to that inner space.
Journaling might be viewed as a lonely practice. Generally, we journal alone and rarely share our writing with others. But journaling creates the type of connection deep within ourselves that makes us feel far from alone.
Journaling is a comfort, similar to a conversation with a trusted friend.
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Journaling takes many forms. There’s the classic diary, bullet journal, gratitude journal, morning pages, and mindful writing – to name a few.
To get the most out of journaling, choose a journaling style that appeals to you.
Journaling shouldn’t intimidate you.
Journaling should feel natural, the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.
Personally, I enjoy a "hybrid" style and journal as and when I feel like it. It’s an intuitive approach. I am committed to writing every day, but the ‘what, when, why, and how’ of writing, I like to keep open. Sometimes it is only by putting pen to paper that I know which journaling style to adopt. I might bullet point or draw a spider diagram (I love those) or write endless paragraphs. My journaling is a response to my needs.
Journaling is an ongoing process – not a finished article.
The goal is connection. An exploration into one's inner world, with whatever imperfections, mess, and chaos that brings.
When we journal, we aim to be honest. Inching our way word by word closer to the truth. Not stopping to judge, but following the flow of thoughts and feelings, freely.
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There are many benefits to journaling including clarity, balance, and joy.
Journaling can reduce fear and anxiety, soothe a critical mind, or motivate us.
There’s evidence that journaling can improve physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health – a holistic approach to health and happiness.
It's easy to outline the benefits of journaling, but the only way to really discover how much journaling has to offer is to experience it for yourself.
Here, you’ll find journaling prompts at the end of each blog post.
Perhaps start by finding a notebook and pen, something special just for you.
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Take your notebook and pen.
5 mins - Calm your mind, be present
To begin, spend a few minutes writing about your immediate sensory experience and surroundings. Writing should be specific, descriptive, and done with mindful awareness
10 mins - Lose yourself in the mind
Begin by writing a letter to yourself.
Start with Dear… (your name). In your opening sentence, tell yourself you’ve read about journaling, and you are considering starting your own journal. In your letter, explore your thoughts and feelings – both positive and negative – around journaling.
End with From… (your name).
You might like to reply to yourself with another letter.
5 mins - Reflect on what you’ve written
Reread everything you’ve written. While reading, observe the tone and emotion in your writing. Make further written notes underneath or beside what is already written to aid your reflections.
Journaling often stirs emotion so don’t be afraid if you touch on something that makes you feel certain way. Allow whatever comes up to pass freely and without judgement.
