Writing regularly is something that is said to free the mind, to process one's thoughts, to download the noise. For some, it is a collection of thoughts that were, in the moment of writing important. For others, it's a way of making sense of the hundreds of thoughts we carry every day.
Journaling is for anyone who wants to get to know themselves better, to understand thought patterns, behaviours and overwhelm. No one will listen to you the way you can, writing to yourself for no other reason than to feel truly heard is freeing. Writing can unlock part of your thinking that you cannot hear in other ways. The distraction that we experience every day makes it impossible for us to focus on one thing for any amount of time, this makes it difficult for us to solve problems, to understand things that are irritating us and this can build over time. Resolving problems or negative thoughts is easier to do with pen and paper and once resolved or understood you can feel unburdened by them.
Benefits of journaling:
- It allows for you to concentrate on one thought at a time, this approach makes it more likely that you will solve a problem if you write it out one at a time. This level of focus, exploring one thought, through one stream of consciousness is difficult to do in any other way.
- Writing processes stress differently, it organises the thoughts and takes you through them methodically. This can be self-soothing, you can say all the things to yourself that you need and this helps to calm the central nervous system
- It activates deeper parts of the brain, improving brain function, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- It can improve memory and concentration, as you reflect upon each day you are using recall that you might not need in other circumstances
- It encourages self-awareness, which can improve confidence and understanding of your needs. As you write about your needs and wants, you may appear to yourself in a different light
- It is a great way to set and track goals, you can create a world for yourself to be brave and try new things
- It's a healthy habit, that encourages moments for yourself. Self-love is important and journaling in amongst other self-soothing practices can assist in deepening a connection with who you are
- It is a safe and judgment-free space that you are in control of, you choose what to write and when to focus on the things that you need to focus on
Journaling is not for everyone but in difficult times it can be very helpful to un-muddle the thoughts and feelings. When you are overwhelmed it can help to bring things into order, which can make any problem seem manageable.
Trying to write once a day may be difficult but every time you need some clarity it might be good to have this practice available.
If you have never journaled before maybe these prompts might help you:
Thoughts
Each day, write down the thoughts that captured your attention, how each of these thoughts made you feel and what action these thoughts make you want to take.
Observations
We are surrounded by beautiful things, kind gestures and nature that on close inspection, can be grounding. Capture these observations in your journal as things you notice both inward and outward. Collect these memories as gems you want to remember.
Ideas
Dreams come true if we think about them long enough, but all dreams start as ideas. Use your journal to capture these pearls of wisdom. They might turn into your future.
Gratitude
List the moments that made you feel grateful, the who, what, when, where and how.
Download these prompts, to help you get into a regular practice.
As you explore what it is to be in your mind while journaling, know that the kinder you are to yourself, the more you will be able to unlock. Self-compassion is a choice, choose it when journaling.
