Journaling is often more than what people perceive it to be.
We often refer to journalling as a way of documenting or recollecting our own thoughts. In many ways, we often disregard the true purpose of journaling.
So before we dive deep into that, let’s take a deeper look at the definition of journalling – that way we can all be on the same page talking about why we even bother scribbling daily, in a notebook.
So What is Journaling?
A personal journal is a record of significant experiences – it’s much more personal than a diary. It contains feelings, emotions, problems, and self- assurances and can typically be used to evaluate one’s own life. For a journal, one does not just record their experiences, but also thoughts, feelings, and reflections.
Now to clear things up – here’s the main difference between journals and diaries:
- Journals are records of significant experiences, thoughtful, emotional and artistically unstructured.
- Diaries are chronological.
It’s like to improve writing versus a well planned and structured piece. We all know what we’d rather choose to express ourselves freely. Journals give you unparalleled freedom to express your thoughts and emotions on paper; a tangible form of your hidden self that only serves to empower you.
But, again, Ally, Why Should I Journal? I still don’t get it..
Here’s the thing…
Every day, we are bombarded with too much information.
So how can we only take-away that of which we really care about, declutter our minds and streamline our cognitive thinking processes?
Journalling.
Haven’t you, too, ever felt relieved when you wrote down a thought, idea or reminder so you wouldn’t have the burden of carrying it on your mind? (Plus the risk of forgetting it!)
Right!?
So not only does it clear your mind from what may feel like a mess up there, but it’s also a tool commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people become aware of their mental and emotional state; how to control it through different strategies.
Today, journalling is often recommended by psychologists and therapists to help treat those with mental health and emotional disorders like depression.
It’s like when athletes need physiotherapy and incorporate certain strength and conditioning exercises to get them back in optimum form.
Does it mean that they’ll only incorporate strength and conditioning training when facing injury?
Does it also mean that we only take vitamins when our bodies become deficient in providing us them?
Our point here is plain and clear.
Journaling doesn’t have to be a habit we only form to make us feel better when we are going through an emotional crisis. Instead, it generally significantly increases the quality of our thoughts and our lives, just like strength and conditioning with fitness and health.
In short, here are 4 scientifically proven benefits you’ll gain from Journaling:
1) It will clarify your thoughts & feelings.
2) You will know yourself MUCH better.
3) It will reduce your stress.
4) It will help you solve problems and make decisions more effectively. (As it declutters your mind)
We’ll end this article by showing you the advantages of a simple habit that can change your life.
Journaling is Extremely Cheap.
Journaling is Extremely Quick. (5 mins per day at maximum)
Extremely Convenient. (Your journal is your takeaway book, everywhere you go.)
Your journal will act as an immortal best friend wherever you may go, to communicate, connect and share your stories too. It’s often exactly what you need at the end of the day when you return back home with jam-packed memories of the day randomly floating on your mind. I guarantee you that jotting some takeaways from your day revives these memories forever.
Your journal is extremely private.
There are no rules writing in it.
Write without censor.
Write quickly.. it frees your brain from “shoulds” and other blocks to successful journaling.
Pour your heart on paper.
Get it off your chest and get it together! You’ll thank us all later.
There’s a mental health journal that helps you literally GET IT TOGETHER that I’ve used before. Feel free to check it out here.
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