It’s still the beginning of 2024 which means New Year’s resolutions are in full swing (or they are already starting to dwindle).
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to improve personal growth. It’s a healthy habit to begin incorporating into your daily habits. We all want to get into healthy routines but sometimes that ends up failing, especially for full-time college students.Â
If you aren’t doing this already, journaling can make a massive improvement in your daily live. Taking a couple minutes out of your day you will help you to clear your thoughts and process emotions.
Journaling is a simple task to incorporate into your routine. It could take even as few as five minutes out of your day.Â
There are great benefits to journaling. Research from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences shows that it can reduce anxiety and stress, lead to better moods, improve communication and writing skills and is great for personal growth.
I started journaling in high school when my anxiety was acting up during the pandemic. Journaling helped me get all of my thoughts and emotions out which helped me a lot.
If you are wondering where to start or what you should write, Pinterest is a lifesaver.Â
On Pinterest search, “journaling prompts” in the search bar and various self-reflection questions will pop up
As we are entering a new month, I will include some self-reflection questions you can ask yourself this month and see what you learn about yourself and if journaling works for you as it did for me.Â
Journaling prompts could look like:Â
- Day 1: Goals for this month.
- Day 2: A quote I love.
- Day 3: What is my ideal day?
- Day 4 : I’m feeling _____.
- Day 5: Five things that make me smile.
- Day 28: Favs this month.
Prompts can be super vague but when you start building on your thoughts, your emotions take over what you want to write. Journaling has the power to put you in tune with your emotions.Â
There is no right or wrong when it comes to journaling. You don’t even have to follow prompts and can strictly write about your day or how you are feeling. That’s the best part about journaling, there are no rules.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research has found that writing focuses on positive outcomes in negative situations which decreases emotional distress.
Journaling is an art that allows you to write your life and find your way, one sentence at a time.Â
Many celebrities are known to be avid journal users, such as Jennifer Aniston. She says that writing her thoughts out helps her to keep her in control of her emotions — which is another benefit of the practice.Â
Oprah Winfrey is also into journaling. She wanted to start outlining goals and aspirations to gain perspective in her life which is a great method of journaling.
Journaling is a great form of therapy for those who don’t want to have one-on-one sessions with therapists. It’s a helpful form to keep your emotions intact.Â
This is your sign to make journaling a part of your daily routine. Get your comfort notebook, and favorite writing utensil, play your favorite music and start writing!