Writing your way to wellness: Exploring the benefits of journaling

Ever thought about grabbing a journal and jotting down your thoughts? It's not just about writing – it might be a game-changer for boosting your mood and getting a grip on life's ups and downs. It may also help you ditch stress, and get some quality sleep. Journaling isn't rocket science; it's a simple yet powerful way to dial up your emotional wellbeing and find some clarity in the chaos. So, if you're up for a little experiment in self-discovery, why not give journaling a whirl? Let's see how it can shake things up for the better. 

Source: Health Direct 

What is journaling? 

Think of it as hitting the snooze button on life's craziness. It's your chance to slow down, tune in, and unpack all those thoughts swirling around in your head. By putting pen to paper, you're peeling back the layers of your emotions, gaining insight, and finding clarity amidst the chaos. 

Source: Statista 

Why does scribbling in a journal do anything? 

Let's break it down: 

• Name it, tame it: Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of emotions? Writing them down is like tossing out a life raft. It gives you the power to put a label on those feelings, which instantly makes them less overwhelming. So, when stress or anxiety hits, jotting it down helps you take a step back, see what's going on, and deal with it like a boss.

• Get some clarity: Imagine this - you're stuck in a rut, feeling lost in a maze of thoughts and emotions. Journaling is your map out of that mess. By regularly scribbling down your thoughts and feelings, you start spotting patterns, like how every time you have a stressful day at work, you end up feeling lousy. Once you connect the dots, it's like turning on a light bulb in a dark room - suddenly, everything makes sense, and you know exactly what you need to do.

• Improve communication and relationships: When you write down your thoughts and feelings, you're basically creating a cheat sheet for effective communication. So, next time you need to explain why you're upset or frustrated, you've got a roadmap right there in your journal which helps make misunderstandings disappear and strengthens your bond with your loved ones.

How do you actually start jotting down your thoughts and feels? 

It's simpler than you think. 

First things first, consistency is key. It's not about making your journal look like an Insta-worthy masterpiece or penning a Pulitzer Prize-winning essay. Nope, it's all about showing up and putting those thoughts down on paper (or digital screen) regularly. 

Now, where do you actually put pen to paper? Well, you've got options. Grab a trusty notebook, fire up a journaling app on your phone, or hey, even jot stuff down on a random napkin lying around. And if typing's more your jam, there's always the good ol' Notes app. Heck, you can even talk it out using a voice recording app if that's more your style. 

Bottom line? Find what works for you and roll with it. Whether it's scribbling away in a notebook during your lunch break or tapping out your thoughts on your phone before bed, make it your own. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to journaling.

Journal prompts to get your started 

Let's dig into some prompts to kickstart your journaling journey. Below are some questions to ponder. 

Feeling a bit overwhelmed or anxious?  

• What's really going on inside? Can you put a name to those feelings? 

• Any weird sensations in your body right now? 

• What thoughts are running wild in your mind? 

• Got any evidence backing up or challenging those thoughts? 

• If your biggest cheerleader was here, what would they say? 

• Any tricks up your sleeve to calm the chaos? 

Feeling a bit down in the dumps?  

• How are you feeling in this moment? Can you put a label on those emotions?

• What's the story your mind's spinning? 

• Got any proof to back up or squash those thoughts? 

• Remember a time you felt like this before? 

• What's one little thing that might lift your spirits? 

• Who's got your back when you need a boost?   

Had a run-in or a rough patch with someone?    

• What's the vibe you're feeling right now? Any names for those emotions? 

• Any physical cues your body's throwing at you? 

• What's the storyline in your head right now? 

• What's your message to the other person? 

• Are your assumptions grounded or floating in space? 

• What do you stand for in this situation? 

• Ever considered the other person's side of the story? 

• How can you nudge things towards a positive resolution? 

So, keep diving into these questions through your journaling journey. You'll uncover nuggets of wisdom about your thoughts and feelings, spot those sneaky patterns, and uncover fresh strategies to wrangle those tricky emotions. Happy journaling!