How to Start a Journaling Practice

The act of journaling can significantly boost mental health and help with the development of self-awareness and radical self-compassion. For a true integration of mind, body, and spirit, we need to get back in touch with ourselves and our innermost thoughts.

Becoming better acquainted with your thoughts, feelings and sensations through journaling can be transformative. Within a short period of time, you’ll find it has a positive effect on your relationships and productivity. Journaling is a popular practice, and the range of options and methods out there can get a little overwhelming. Let’s cut the noise and take a look at a few simple techniques for getting started.

●    The type of journal/notebook you use doesn’t matter. By all means, choose a beautiful book to write in if you feel that’s helpful, but the most important thing to focus on is establishing a safe place to begin your journaling habit.

●    Center yourself with grounding exercises. Deep breathing works well. Try breathing in through the nose for a count of four, hold for four, and out through the mouth for a count of six. Repeat a few times.

●    Express gratitude for five minutes each day. If you’re new to journaling and would like a guideline, write a minimum of three things you’re grateful for each day. Be specific and go for depth over breadth. This will help lower stress and increase self-awareness.

●    Think of a challenging situation. What was your emotional response? Consider why you felt that way. Convey this on the page however you like – write, draw, or doodle. If writing, grammar does not matter.

●    What did the other person’s behavior mean to you? What kind of person receives this type of treatment? This will help you to clarify a core belief.

●    Is there any other possible reason this person may have acted this way? Consider whether your initial core belief was true.

By stepping outside of our reactions and examining them, we learn more positive ways to negotiate our interactions. By regularly taking five to ten minutes for yourself to establish a journaling habit, you’ll soon reap the benefits in terms of wellbeing. Get in touch today to learn more about how journaling, along with other practices, can change your life for the better.

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