This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Sacred Heart chapter.

1. It is a healthy outlet for your built-up emotions

Journaling is the one of the best ways to identify and express your emotions, especially if they are ones of anger. You are able to get your point across in some way, without lashing out at other people or directing your negative emotions towards others. Journaling also lets you look back at some the emotions you were feeling at a certain point in your life.

2. You become more self-aware

Journaling helps you identify and understand your own feelings. By first admitting to yourself that you are feeling negative or toxic emotions, you are able to understand yourself better, and learn from your own emotions. This is beneficial because you become more aware of how you react to certain situations, and as a result, become more rational.

3. It’s therapeutic

Sometimes it is just therapeutic and stress-relieving to reflect on your day. It is self -validating to reflect on the emotions you felt during that day and recognize that they mean something to you.

4. Journaling helps set goals

Write down all the goals you have reached or all the goals you plan to reach. This will help you become aware of how much you get done in one day, and help you stay productive. You need to keep reminding yourself that you have worth, and you are doing great.

5. It improves relationships

Journaling can help improve relationships because it creates a safe space, where you can vent about all the things that annoy you about your partner. Sometimes you just have to let it out, without having a conversation with your significant other about it.

6. It’s a form of meditation

Journaling can be a form of meditation for some, because it forces you to connect with your inner self. While journaling, your mind relaxes and goes into a calm state. You dig into the deepest corners of your brain and write down all the thoughts you find there.

7. You can always look back

One day, 20 years from now, you may want to go back to your college journal and read all the things you were feeling at the time. It will help you learn from and reflect on your mistakes, and grow as a person.

8. It is all yours

In a world where it seems like your privacy is always being invaded, a journal is a space just for you that no one can intrude on. It is important to find “me time” throughout your day, where you can be alone and decompress; journaling is a great way to do that.

9. You can bring a journal with you anywhere

The best thing about journals is that you can bring them anywhere with you: to class, to work, to the park, on a date. They fit perfectly in a backpack, purse, or book-bag. Bringing your journal with you on-the-go can also give you an extra sense of security, because you will have a safe space with you anywhere you go.

10. Journaling improves anxiety and mental health

Mental health is so important, and journaling can help relieve negative thoughts and clear your mind. Journaling is a relaxing activity that can relieve stress and improve mental health because it is a healthy way of expressing your feelings.

10 Reasons Why You Should Journal