When it comes to recovering from trauma, changing our behavior, or starting off on a new path, we have a higher chance of achieving success in these endeavors if, we incorporate journaling into our lives.
Throughout history, many great leaders and scholars kept daily journals. The great Stoic Marcus Aurelius wrote extensively to bring clarity and order to his thoughts. He did this, so he could better understand himself and his behavior. Journaling became a mechanism for auditing his behavior and his reactions throughout his life. In fact, much of what he wrote is still available today. Many people still find wisdom and guidance in his published Journals.
Leonardo de Vinci, Charles Darwin, Benjamin Franklin, and even current world leaders and industry leaders use journaling as a way to deal with stress and reflect on the complexities of life.
For me, Journaling has been a way to understand my most fractured and sometimes abstract thoughts. Early on in my journey to recovery, I found that I lacked a true sense of who I was. I addressed this complex and troubling notion by writing. I wrote to uncover not just what was true about me but also to outline the areas that I needed to dig into more.
Journaling gave me a healthy and productive way to vent my anger and frustration. The fragmented and often abstract thoughts finally had a place to go. It was only after writing my thoughts down that I could arrange them in a way that made sense. Journaling started as a simple homework assignment; now, it’s part of my daily life.
Perhaps, one of the best reasons to start journaling is that it’s one of the most recommended and easily accessible ways to begin managing intrusive or obsessive thoughts.
When we allow ourselves to purge and expose all the things we worry about on paper, we free ourselves from having to think about them nonstop.
When it comes to journaling, we don’t have to focus only on the present. We can also revisit our past. We can reflect on past trauma or difficult times to better understand and fully process them. Studies have shown that journaling is a valuable part of dealing with and accepting trauma.
Our past can be a source of pain. Through journaling, we can finally reflect on some of the most challenging parts of our lives. Through journaling on the experience and with the help of a Therapist, you can overcome your trauma.
Journaling doesn’t just improve our mental state; it also does wonders for our bodies. When we write out our troubles and issues, we free ourselves from perceived stress and worry. This has a remarkable effect on our blood pressure, mood, and even our respiratory rate and liver function.
Journaling can also be tailored to meet specific needs. For example, you can find journaling prompts for anxiety, depression, overthinking, social anxiety, depression, fear, and grief.
Establishing a continuous and successful journaling habit takes time, patience, and discipline. Listed below are some helpful tips for making your new Journaling habit stick.
Journaling PRO TIPS!
1. If you’re new to journaling, approach it like you’re establishing a new habit. Set aside a specific time and place. Make sure it fits into your typical day-to-day routine.
2. Keep your Journal handy. Whether it’s a traditional notebook or digital device, make sure that it is readily available. There’s nothing worse than searching all over your home for your journal when it’s time to write.
3. Make journaling fun! Turn the process into a peaceful and enjoyable ritual. Brew a fresh cup of coffee or tea, and listen to your favorite song. Whatever you choose to do to get in the writing mood, set the right intention by developing a ritual that gets you into the right mindset.
4. Don’t force yourself to stick to a specific writing style or format. This is your journal, and you have the right to express yourself however you want.
5. Write, don’t judge! Journaling is not about judging your writing ability. Be free and let your mind and thoughts race as you write it all down.
6. WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! It’s that simple, make the time and start writing now!
If you need a little help to start off with, here are some easy writing prompts.
A. Daily Experience
- What was my day like?
- What did I experience today?
- Top 5 best parts of my day.
- Top 10 things that I love about me!
B. Describe yourself in 20 words
C. What do I need to be the best version of myself?
D. What’s my greatest dream in life?
F. What Am I grateful for today?
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