What Does it Mean to Journal?
Most of the writing we do has an intended audience with a message that we are trying to convey. Journaling is another type of writing, but different in so many ways. Journaling is a valuable practice, both for self-care and for supporting your overall mental health. It allows you to connect to and awaken conscious thinking. It is an honest conversation with yourself that provides a cathartic opportunity to release unresolved hurts and bitter disappointments. It is also a place where you can dream big, and relish in your secret desires.
“Studies show that people who write for about 20 minutes two to five times per week have a lower risk of developing heart disease"
While there is no right or wrong way to journal, there are some things to keep in mind for reaping the most benefits.
1. Let Your Heart Guide You
Try not to overthink or censor yourself when journaling. Allow whatever you feel to end up on your paper. Being hyper-aware of your writing defeats the purpose of journaling.
2.Create A Sacred Space
Set aside a special and quiet place in your home where you can be alone to self-reflect and journal. It can be a corner in your bedroom, or a chair in the living room. Keep it tidy and visually appealing. Having a separate space that you go to for journaling will signal to the brain that you are preparing to relax and write.
3. Keep Your Thoughts to Yourself
Journaling is something that you do for yourself. It is not meant to share with others.
Types of journaling
Free-form journaling: This "Dear Diary" style is what most people imagine when they think of journaling. It involves writing about whatever's on your mind that day—the good, the bad, and the ugly. It can also reinforce existing unhealthy thought patterns when not reread with a critical eye—which we'll touch on more later.
Gratitude journaling: Gratitude journals are filled with things that you're grateful for. They can be larger things like your health or family, or smaller snippets like a cup of coffee or a funny conversation. The idea is that by bringing your awareness to positive situations, you're training yourself to notice them more often.
Dream journaling: Dream journals are a place for you to write down and analyze your dreams from the night before. In the process, you'll start to remember your dreams more clearly and might even get some insights into your subconscious.
Guided journaling: Guided journaling is writing based on built-in prompts like:
What would it feel like to forgive myself?
What is one thing I wish I could change?
What’s a quality I love about myself?
What is something I need to let go of?
Creative journaling: with built-in prompts and reflection exercises
It is exactly how it sounds, writing creatively. That can mean several different things to people. Some people use these journals to write poetry, while others write short stories or flash fiction.
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