Although it seems that journaling seems more like work than “self-care”, writing is one of the most vital parts of the healing process. “Writing about emotionally meaningful topics have been associated with both significant improvement in mood and behavioural and physiological health”, (Pennebaker, 1997). The great news is that it’s simple to start journaling!
How is journaling so useful? Most people think that writing provides us with an opportunity to step back and interpret immediate experience. Not only does journaling help you work out what you’re going through emotionally, but it is also a tool that helps you turn your goals and dreams into a concrete plan.
Here are 4 Simple Ways to Start Journaling
1) What’s your Preference?
It’s never too late to make journaling a part of your everyday life. Keep in mind the best kinds of journals that will best facilitate your writing. Do you want a notebook, a laptop, or a fancy diary? Choose which one fits best for your lifestyle for your journaling.
2) Make it Fun!!
If it’s not fun, it won’t last. Writing will start to feel more like a chore or an obligation and we don’t want that. Writing should make us energized, reflective, creative, and inspired. Use different colour pens, try out new handwriting styles, post pictures or postcards, use clipped letters from magazines or newspapers, or glue in envelopes and fill it with items. Make it your own, be creative! There’s no right or wrong way of doing this!
3) Ideas for Writing
Not too sure what to write about? Here’s some ideas to try!
★ Lists of Anything: For example, significant moments. Then take one event from the list, imagine yourself reliving it, and write all down.
★ Word Collection: Write down any words that come to your mind. Use this word free-association exercise to see if there are word clusters you made that form a pattern. This information can provide you with insight on your current thought process.
★ Ready… Set… Draw: Get someone to write random words or topics on pieces of paper for you, pick one out of a hat and away you go!
★ A Long, Long Time Ago: Write about your childhood. For example, your first memory or your first day of school.
★ It’s All About the Details: Describe a place/people/time of year that you love. Don’t leave anything out!
4) Make Time and Set the Mood
Set aside a time in the day for some quality time with you and your journal. Some people enjoy the morning after they wake up, others prefer the evening before bed. Whichever works best for you! Make this time more inviting by listening to your favorite music, meditating before writing, drink some tea (or wine if its night time), whatever you need to make yourself comfortable. Remember, this is your self-care time.
