Journaling can transform your mental health and is known as one of the best self-improvement tools. An added benefit is that there is no right way to journaling!
Some days, your journalling practice may look like a diary entry, a list, a page full of scribbles, or perhaps even the note page on your phone.
Whether you are a beginner or a journaling pro, if carried out consistently there are some added benefits (that don’t just involve buying new stationary!).
Benefits of Journalling:
- Improves mental wellbeing
- Helps you work through challenging times (past and present)
- Helps you set and achieve goals
- A safe space to express your emotions
How to start Journalling:
- Find the right technique for you
- Let go of judgement (only your eyes need to see what you write)
- Make time for practice and create a writing routine
There are many techniques of journaling, take time to try out the best one for you. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Journal prompts
If you’re not sure what to write, using prompts can get you started:
- What 5 things are you grateful for?
- What is 1 thing you want to let go of?
- How do you really feel today?
Lists
Perhaps you enjoy ticking off lists. Not only can you make lists of things you need to do, but perhaps make a list of things you want to do! For example:
Today I want to:
- Do 10 minutes of yoga
- Go to the cinema and see a new film
- Go outside on my lunch-break
Morning pages
Set you alarm 5 or 10 minutes earlier, and before you do anything else simply write a couple of pages of anything and everything that comes into your mind! It really doesn’t matter what you write, it’s just a great way to clear your head before the day begins.