The Benefits of Journaling

With the start of the new year, everyone races to find the one thing that they vow to commit to and better themselves after their faults of the previous months. I wasn’t one that was always big on starting a gym routine, or kicking carbs out of my diet. This year it wasn’t until the end of the first month that I realized I was in need of trying something new for my own personal growth. I started the semester with an open mind and thought it would be best to get out of my head once in a while with practicing journaling. 

Let’s start with the basics, what is it?

Journaling is simple! It can be done digitally or with pen and paper. By journaling this allows you to write down thoughts and emotions to be understood more clearly. The practice of journaling has been known for improving stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Ok I’m in… but where do I start?

Finding the right routine for journaling can take some. There are still days I forget to journal or I find myself rushing through it instead of taking a minute to slow down and reflect. While journaling & self care in general looks differently for everyone, the following tips could hopefully create a path for you to start the process. 

• Picking the right journal! 

This can be hard with the endless styles of journal covers, page layouts, sizes, and other fun additions. Start by deciding what size is best for you. I tend to journal in bed so size wasn’t a huge factor for me but journaling can be done from anywhere! Take some time to decide if you want to take your thoughts with you in your pocket, always nearby in your purse, or big enough for you to never misplace your new space of comfort. Next it’s best to decide what color, pattern or texture speaks most to you. Picking something with an aesthetically pleasing look can occasionally realive more stress than the process of writing itself. Next it’s time to decide if the inside pages work best for you. Pages can vary in style from lined to dotted to bulleted to graphs. Just choose whatever feels right! Finally, decide what style writing utensil will be most useful in your journaling efforts. This could be a pencil for erasing and managing notations, or a pen for a smooth, bold look. Mix and match fun colors and thicknesses to create a place of journey and discovery. 

• Let’s check the calendar…

Journaling can be a long process for some individuals. It’s not always easy to gather your thoughts, just remember that this process is about YOU. Before you begin, check your calendar and find some time where you relax most or think you need! Working journaling into your current routine will maintain stability and ensure that you are still prioritizing rather than ignoring those important deadlines and other healthy activities. Another important element to note is the repetition of the practice. Journaling doesn’t need to be done every day. At first, it may be beneficial to start out once a week and get the flow of your new routine. Another reminder, that this is for you and there’s no right or wrong method here as long as you are benefiting the way you intend to. 

* More guidance: As previously mentioned, gathering your thoughts can be hard. Here are a few social media pages that have laid out the basics of journaling and could provide more direction for those that need it! *

Instagram: @bulletjournal, @boho.berry, @showmeyourplanner

TikTok: search terms could include “bulletjournaling” “journalprompts” “journalinginspiration”

• journaling
• mental health
• self care affirmations
• Writing Prompts