Keeping a journal is helpful in many aspects. It’s a way to check-in, unwind, reflect, and put things into perspective when we feel like we may have lost control. It’s also a great way to appreciate the amazing things we are blessed with in life. Day to day life can be overwhelming and exhausting, and we may find ourselves forgetting, or purposefully not journaling, though we know we want to. If you’re struggling to get into the habit of journaling, here’s our advice:
Keep Your Journal Close
The first step to ensure you regularly journal is keeping your journal close by. Keep it in the bag you take to work, and if you’re at home, keep it in the room you journal in. You can keep several journals; for example, a work notebook and a personal one, which will allow you to keep your thoughts in one place. This will also let you look back on your progress. Keeping your journal near you and leaving in the place you designated for journaling, you’ll be more likely to stick to this practice.
Moments of Need
While expressing your feelings regularly is lovely, your journal can be used for so much more. One of the perks is of keeping a journal is turning to it in moments of need. If you’re feeling angry or upset, you can use your journal as an outlet to express these feelings. Writing it all down will allow you to process the event and your emotions, and will help you calm down. Keeping a journal is a great way to help you work through decisions, arguments, creative pursuits, and boost your motivation.
A Judgment-Free Zone
We experience judgment from our families, partners, friends, coworkers, strangers, and even ourselves. It can be a little overwhelming. Keep in mind that your journal shouldn’t be a place where you feel judged. Aim to reassure yourself that your journal is a judgment-free zone.