Journal writing is a creative form of recording your feelings free from the fear of judgement or criticism. Writing in a journal can have many different benefits. It can help you to work through complex issues in your life, it can create a sense or routine and work towards figuring out your next steps or achieving your goals. It can also be a way of relieving stress, rather than inadvertently taking out your unexplored feelings on someone else.
Here are some tips to get you started on you journaling:
Choose a method which you feel most comfortable with. Is that going to be on a computer, your phone or in a notebook?
Choose a time of the day that suits you best, either first thing in the morning where you could set your intentions for the day or just before you go to sleep at night where you can reflect on the day you have had.
No topic should be off limits. Journaling is about letting your thoughts, feelings and emotions roam freely.
Do you just have the urge to write, or do you feel that you would like to be a little more constructive with your entries? Do you feel that describing your day would be helpful or would you prefer just to offload and write any words that come into your thought process?
There is no set plan on what your journal should look like. If you are creative you could add in some doodles or create a drawing. If you're cryptic then you can work with abbreviations. Journaling is about creating a space just for you and your thoughts.
If you’re struggling to think of where to start then you can try some of these prompts:
Today I have been feeling…
The best thing that happened to me this week was…
I am so proud of myself for…
My goals for the next month are…
I am so grateful for….
What this experience taught me is…
I am so excited for…
Here are some questions to think about that may help you:
What are some qualities (both internal and external) you appreciate about yourself?
What are you thankful for?
What holds you back?
What is your definition of Happy?
What motivates you?
What are your values and beliefs?
Are you able to recognise good or bad habits?
Is there something that you are holding onto that is creating negativity?