Whether you are a busy mom of five, a professional with a lot on your mind, or a single person with a normal life, journaling can surprising boost your health. Journals aren’t just for people who want to write down their secrets and stash under their pillow. Today, many people use a journal. In fact, if you search for the word “journaling” on your preferred search engine of choice, you will get millions of results about journaling and anything from mental health to weight loss to goal-setting. Writing in a journal has become more than just a way to record your feelings. It is more about keeping track of your daily life, what you are doing right, what you think you should do better, a way to release some of those feelings you have been keeping inside, and it can even work as a brainstorming tool.
Why Journal?
Starting a journal can be as simple as picking up your phone or other electronic device. There are hundreds of journaling apps available online and they are all pretty good. Many of them are free. Choose an undaunting one free of all the bells and whistles. Now—write whatever you want! There are no rules, and nobody is going to look at it and say, “you did this wrong” or “this is not spelled correctly.” This is your private place to write whatever you are feeling or thinking about without having to worry about anyone else seeing it. Experts have found that those who write in a journal on a regular basis have less stress and anxiety than those who do not. Are you working through a mental health issue? Journaling can be another means as to how to deal with depression, periods of mania, or even be an aid to things that you are already doing, like therapy.
Get Started
First of all, you have to decide whether you want to use an app or a book. Many of the experts say that the physical act of writing things down is a better stress reliever than entering it onto your phone, tablet, or computer. There is something unique and cathartic about using a pen or pencil to write down your thoughts and feelings on paper. But, if you do not like to write, you can always use a computer, recording device, or your phone. So, once you have figured that out, find a nice, quiet place where you can be alone for at least half an hour without being interrupted. Sit down and start writing. About anything you want. You can even doodle or draw pictures. It’s your journal and it is for your eyes only so you can do whatever you want.
Let Go
Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts and feelings, increase your stability and focus, reduce stress, and to be honest with yourself. Sometimes you will find that you will write down things that you did not even realize you were feeling. It is also great for remembering things. You can always look back on a certain day to see how you were feeling or what may have made you feel a certain way. It is a memory tracker of sorts. And you do not have to share it with anyone unless you want to.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and we have been compensated through BetterHelp.com.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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