I have been journaling on and off for the last few years. As a result, journaling has become an essential part of my day since the lockdown, which was further enhanced following my enrollment to yoga teaching program. For me, journaling helped me to be more focused and happier. Indeed, gratitude journaling makes you see life more positively, such as documenting daily three things you are grateful for is certainly very satisfying. Also, I like to list in my journal all the action items to do, which helps me process complex thoughts and feelings. I find it magical, when I see my anxious list written down, and then suddenly they seem to be less scary as solutions arise and the anxious feeling evaporates.

Why Journaling is good for you?

Studies have confirmed mental and physical benefits to journaling. It is a tool for self-development and healing.  Below are few thoughts on its benefits:

How your journal is your best confident

Your journal is your best friend, you can write down all your secrets, fears, and joys without fearing to be judge or questioned.

How your Journal is your personal therapist

I certainly have experienced this as journaling helps me process my thoughts and emotions. When you write down the things that scares you, suddenly you have the feeling that you have control over those emotions and consequently you gain more clarity about how to deal with them. 

How your journal is an amazing tool for productivity

Journaling can help you set clear objectives and an action plan to achieving your goals. There are useful journals that are set specifically for productivity. My favorite is the productivity planner by Intelligent Change.

How journaling enhances your creativity

The Artist Way book by Julia Cameron highlights the benefits of morning journaling and its benefits for your creativity. Writing down daily in your journal 3 morning pages help glow your creativity. Let your thoughts wonder and write them down without any restrains. Writing your 3 pages every morning will help you organize what you have in mind. It can be considered as a form of meditation. As you are expressing your dreams, aspirations and hopes to yourself and the Universe.

Tips to get started:

Make it simple

Journaling can be part of an elaborate ritual and it can be done anytime and anywhere. You do not need to make this activity a fancy habit that need a specific setting. You can incorporate it in your routine anytime you want and need.

When to journal?  

I highly recommend  morning journaling. It will set your day and makes things you need to be clearer. However, you do not need to constraint yourself to sometime of the day to journal. You can do it anytime you feel the need, and this can take only few minutes.

How long to journal?

There are amazing journaling books that are friendly to use and help you get initiated to journaling. If you have a busy schedule and consider journaling as a constraint, I recommend trying the 5 min journal as it has great prompts and I use it myself, t’s truly magical!

Where to journal?

Journaling can be done anywhere and anytime of the day. For an example, you can journal on your travel journey to work, such as. on the train, Uber ride or even the plane. As I emphasize that my preference is morning journaling, and I practice it after meditation. I find that  it sets my day, but I also journal spontaneously during the day when I feel emotional or need to release my thoughts.

How to incorporate journaling with other habits?

To make journaling stick longer, you can incorporate it to other of your habits such as your meditation practice or after yoga practice. 

How to journal: Digital or Paper?

You can either use the paper version or the digital option. I tried both and I love the digital version of the 5min journal app. I find it very useful as it includes daily affirmations, prompts and meditation tools. I was indeed skeptical about using an app for journaling as I love the touch and the feeling that writing procures. However, Intelligent Change products are wonderful, easy to use and most importantly carbon neutral. So, whatever you choose to opt for a paper or digital version both are worth trying.

I hope you have fun journaling, x Jami