Research has linked journaling with better health, sounder sleep, improved emotional wellbeing and more.

Just three to five 15-20 minutes journaling can relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system.

Keeping a journal prompts you to write and reflect on your feelings, relationships, experiences, and thoughts in a safe and private way.

You might not feel ready to talk about those things, or understand them for yourself, but writing down what’s on your mind can help you process it all — gaining understanding and perspective.

Journaling helps us to lean into our emotions with self-compassion and curiosity, rather than running away from them.

When we write with an open mind in a non-judgemental way, we can trust our expressive writing to bring authenticity to the page. The writing process will also shift the problem from our mind onto paper, leaving us feeling lighter, brighter, and more in control.

When we find ourselves in what feels like impossible situations, our journal becomes our confidante, and answers to problems will often present themselves through the process of creative journaling.

On the one hand, journaling can be a place to keep track of day-to-day tasks and routines, with reminders that might otherwise play on our mind.

Or on the other hand, it may offer space to express and explore our expectations, hopes, and dreams for the future.

Journaling can be many things, but what we can certainly expect from journaling is improved mental stability in the form of clarity, balance, and joy.

There are lots of different ways to journal. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different techniques suit different people.

Here’s a few of my favourite journaling techniques:

• The classic diary

• Emotional free-flow or free-writing journal

• Personal development journal

• The travel journal

• The health diary

• Gratitude notebook

• Powerlessness notebook

• Letters to oneself, another, or a higher power

• The bullet journal

• Hybrid journaling, including a blend of techniques

All you need is a notebook and pen, it’s as simple as that.

Feel free to contact me.