Journal Writing

10 Benefits of Daily Journal Writing

           Journal Writing has numerous health benefits when done daily. It can release stress and improve your mental health. Allowing yourself to release whatever is pent up inside of you onto paper can help ease your mind and make better sense of everything going on in your world. Journal Writing has shown to be especially helpful to those with PTSD or those with a history of trauma. References Ackerman, C. (2018, May 14). 83 Benefits of Journaling for depression, anxiety, and stress. Retrieved from Positive Psychology: Below I list just ten of the many benefits of Journal Writing. Read the remaining article to discover ways to incorporate Journal Writing into your life and make it a daily habit.

Benefits:

1. Boost your mood
2. Improve working memory
3. Reduce symptoms of depression
4. Make you more self-aware
5. It helps let go of negative thoughts
6. It helps you move toward your goals
7. It helps you become a better writer
8. Improves self-discipline and encourages positive habits
9. Allows you to process your emotions better
10. May boost health and has been shown to lower blood pressure

References Ackerman, C. (2018, May 14). 83 Benefits of Journaling for depression, anxiety, and stress. Retrieved from Positive Psychology:

https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

How to Prepare Yourself to Make Journal Writing a daily Habit

To experience the benefits that journaling has to offer, you are going to need to do it every single day. Journal Writing is a habit you can build up, and like every habit, it can take a while to cement it into your daily routine.

If you want to start journal Writing every day, below, you will find I listed some of the best ways to get started.

Remind Yourself of The Benefits of Journal Writing

Some days you may find it more of a struggle than others when trying to journal. When you are just starting, it is easy to think, “I will just skip journaling for today and do more tomorrow.” However, just like with anything you put off, if you allow yourself to do this once, you will let yourself do it again, and you are only setting yourself up for failure.

To help you overcome the more challenging days, print out small cards which remind you of the benefits. You can look at them to gain inspiration whenever you need it.

There will be times when journal writing is the last thing on your mind. Life happens, whether it be grief, illness, or a significant life event. During tough times, journaling every day might not be realistic. On the other hand, during these times, it may be therapeutic.

Schedule Time For Journal Writing

If you schedule it, you may find it easier to make journal writing a routine as you would schedule an appointment. Set at least 10 minutes aside each day to write in your journal. Scheduling your journal writing may be easiest as something you do right before bed or along with your usual bedtime routine.

While some people find this easiest to incorporate journal writing at night with the day behind them, others find it more effective to journal first thing in the morning. Figure out what works for you, and then schedule journaling in at the same time every day. You will soon start to see that it has become a habit.

Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to journal daily is placing an expectation on yourself. For example, it is common for people to think they need to write a lot and that what they write needs to be a masterpiece.

The truth is you just need to start small. You do not need to write a lot or ensure that you are writing anything significant. The key is just to write. Set a timer for 10 minutes on the days you are struggling. You might find that the words flow from there once you get started.

There is no specific thing you need to write about. It does not need to be significant even. Just write whatever flows and comes naturally to you.

Use A Physical Journal

These days, you can journal online or use a physical journal. While online journals may seem more convenient, they do not have the same attraction as a physical journal. Just something about writing in a physical journal makes it exciting. Also, there is just something about feeling the pen in your hands and the paper that helps to relax you and makes you feel more connected.

So, if you want to stick to journal writing every day, ensure you get one that you can physically write in. If you find one you love, you will want to continue writing in it.

These are a small selection of the best ways you can set yourself up to journal every day. Remember, building up journal writing as a daily part of your routine may take practice. The more you stick at it, the easier you will start to find it.

Additional Tips for Journal Writing

• Spend a little more on your journal. Find a nice leather journal with excellent binding.
• If you are having trouble with what to write, scheduling your journal writing at night may help, so if all else fails, you can write about your day.
• If you write in the morning, you can always write about your goals and hopes for the day ahead.
• Buy a pen or pencil that you love to write with
• Have a dedicated area where you sit and write.
• After you write each day, write a reflection about your thoughts and writing.

Having Trouble Deciding What to Write?

!0 Ideas to Help you Get Started Journal Writing

1. Write about your experiences.
2. Write about what you are thankful for or write a gratitude list
3. Write about your struggles
4. Write about what you worry about and why including ways to overcome this…ALWAYS BRING POSITIVITY into your writing for the most significant benefits.
5. Write a critical or non-critical self-analysis.
6. Write about your goals and dreams.
7. Write about your past and/or future.
8. Write about your day, night, morning, week, or once a month, and do a monthly review.
9. Start a Nature Journal
10. Write about your success

References

References Ackerman, C. (2018, May 14). 83 Benefits of Journaling for depression, anxiety, and stress. Retrieved from Positive Psychology: