When’s the last time you wrote something that you knew nobody else would read?
What does it mean to journal?
It’s a personal practice that you could do anywhere, at any time.
“You don’t have to rack your brain to consider what you’ll write about.
You don’t have to research.
The purpose of journaling is different too.
Types of journaling.
Journaling is an incredibly flexible practice that can be easily tailored to your needs and whims.
Welsh says that this can be beneficial to mental health, especially when compared to the alternative.
Alternatively, research shows that emotional awareness has been shown to decrease symptoms ofanxiety1anddepression.
Improved mood.
Over time, journalingparticularly gratitude journalingmay improve mood.
“We only have so many thoughts in a day.
Calling your attention to positives may help restore this balance.
More mindfulness.
Better health overall.
Want to switch up your gratitude logging?
Studies also show thatwriting with your nondominant handcan help keep the brain sharp.
More resilience.
Journaling can be especially helpful during hard times.
Last but not least, journaling can help you get to know yourself a little better.
Tips for getting started.
Doing so will give you a glimpse into how your mind works.
Let your previous entries guide your future ones.
You might choose to spend your next few entries exploring ways to shift this negative thought pattern.
Play around to find a method that works for you.
Try gratitude journaling one week and mood checking the next and see what sticks.
No, you don’tneedto journal every day to get something out of it.
Chase recommends choosing a time when your mind is the clearest and you have the fewest distractions.
Set realistic expectations.
There is no magic amount of time you better spend journaling to reap its benefits.
Journaling should be fun.
It should be a release, not an assignment or a duty.”
Set yourself up for success.
Patel and Chase agree that where you keep your journal matters.
After all, you’ll want to see to it it’s on hand when the inspiration strikes.
Blank journals
The Jag
Manifestation Journal
Hard linen journal
Prompts to try.
With that, you’re ready to fill up some pages.
