So everyone is coming back to campus and there are so many things that are on the forefront of everyone’s minds. We are stressed and overloaded with everything that has happened within the past 24 hours. I want to use this article to remind you to take care of yourself. To truly take a step back, reflect and take a breath. So below I will suggest some websites or apps that you can use to meditate and let yourself forget about the world for a while.
- Better Mental Health
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So many studies have come out and said that keeping a journal is good for your mental health. College is a stressful time, so having even something small to help with your mental health is a great idea. Writing in a journal can help you gain control of and better understand your emotions, as well process difficult things you’ve been through. Simply just writing down your thoughts can take worries off your mind and put them on the paper.
- Good Way to Remember Memories
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Journals are unique in the way they capture your memories. When I write about a big event that recently happened, I also write my perspective about the event. But sometimes your memories of things change as time goes on. I have a tendency to remember the good things, and forget some of the bad memories, but when I look back and read my journals, I can see how my memory of an event might have been different than the way I actually experienced the event in the first place. It’s very interesting for me, and I recommend it to everyone!
- Use Up Your Cute Stationery
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How many cute notebooks or fun colored pens do you have lying around that you’ve never used? I know so many of us buy these things and then never use them, but journaling is a great way to put those things to good use!
- Increased Creativity
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Writing in a journal can make you a more creative person! I keep a traditional journal and when I write, I feel like my head is clear, and I have more space for other things, and I feel more creative. Plus, there are so many different types of journals: traditional diary-style journals, bullet journals, prayer journals, gratitude journals, journals with daily prompts, and many others! Finding what style works for you can help you become more creative and prompt you to think about your days in new ways.
- Remember Your Perspective on Historical Events
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We’re living through history right now with this pandemic, so keeping a journal of your experience during this pandemic might be really cool for you (or your kids, even!) to look back on in 20 or 30 years. Writing down your personal experiences about this important time in history can make for something really interesting to reflect on.
- Good Evening Routine
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I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have trouble falling asleep. When I reach for my phone or my laptop at night to keep me busy until I get sleepy, the light from my devices seems to keep me wide awake, but when I write in my journal, I obviously don’t have that problem. And when I reflect on and write about my day after it’s over, I feel like the day is really over and I’m ready for bed.