The Benefits of Journaling

I love journaling. I enjoy writing in my journals just as much as I enjoy making them. Sometimes people ask me what to journal about, so I thought I'd try to answer that question in a blog post, and also list some of the benefits of keeping a journal.

To start off, here is a quote from Journaling.com "Journaling has been scientifically proven to speed healing, increase productivity, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, AND improve creativity."

Have you ever tried journaling? I have, and I can say that I do agree with that quote.

Journaling can have benefits for anyone, at any stage of life. For centuries, people from many different cultures and periods in history have turned to journals as trusted friends. Reflecting on daily experiences, relationships, and personal values can be a great way to help you get in touch with your thoughts and feelings.

Isaac Watts, in his book Improvement of the Mind (free download from The Library of Congress) said, "Once a day, especially in the early years of life and study, call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge. ”

Lorraine Nilon, in her book Spirituality, Evolution and Awakened Consciousness, wrote "Contemplation cultivates an inner connection, an awareness of yourself. I don’t mean your emotional self; I mean the part of you hidden beneath your emotional baggage — your soul’s consciousness.”

Anne Frank, whose diary is perhaps the most well known, in modern times, wrote,“I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn,” 

Journals offer a safe space to express difficult emotions, making it easier to work through distressing thoughts that you might not be ready to share out loud.

So, I thought I'd start off with a few lists. 

Different types of journals:

• plain writing journal (aka diary)
• art journal
• bullet journal
• junk journal, which is often a handmade journal made from actual junk papers, or an altered book whose pages have been prepared so that they can be written on, or you can use digital kits that you print out on your home or office printer, and then use a simple binding method to put the pages together and then use the booklet as a journal

If you are interested in printable kits, I have some freebies at one of my blogs (click here) then click on the "Freebies" tab in the top menu bar. You can also see some examples of different journals that I have made on my YouTube channel.

Here are some reasons you should journal:

• to calm yourself
• to write positive affirmations (or do what they call "manifesting")
• to focus on one particular thing or goal
• working through any type of loss - such as a grief journal
• to emphasize the importance of certain things you want to remember
• or any other specific purpose that you feel is important to you

What should I write about?

You might like to start off with what is called a "brain dump" - just let it all out. Or maybe do your own version of a brain storm - jot down all the ideas that come to you, without trying to evaluate them or put them in order - you can go back later and do it.

You can journal about spiritual topics that you want to focus on, or do a written style of meditation.

You can write down Bible verses or prayers.

Another thing that I like to do is to write down quotes that I want to remember, or copy out my favorite poems to read later.

You can also write a list of things that you are thankful for. This is great for getting your focus off of your problems and onto the positive things that are already a part of your life.

What styles of journaling can I do?

It can be reflective or analytic. You might even try writing a conversation between your heart and your head, or between two or more fictional characters who represent different points of view that you want to consider. Or like I said before when I was talking about the "brain dump"... write it all down - everything goes - just get it all out. You can deal with the individual pieces later on.

These are just some of my thoughts and ideas - if you'd like to get more input from other journaling fans, here are some resources for you:

Podcasts about journaling:

https://focusonthispodcast.com
in particular I recommend episode 61: The Power of Journaling. and episode 64: Why You Need to Count Your Blessings

https://ultimatehealthpodcast.com/katie-dalebout/
An interview with author Katie Dalebout, writer of Let It Out: A Journey Through Journaling

Journaling.com also has several podcasts that I like:

Journaling to Create Calm with Marni Amsellem, Ph.D.

Six Ways to Use Journaling to Access Heart Intelligence with Sheva Carr

Discover Legacy Journaling with Merle Saferstein

Breathing in Full Sentences: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Practice with Christina Baldwin

Journaling: Relief for Anxiety and Depression with Maud Purcell

Books about journaling

OK, I have not read any of these books, but they all are top recommendations at GoodReads.com

The Miracle of the Morning Pages Journal by Julia Cameron

Let It Out: A Journey Through Journaling by Katie Dalebout

The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte

No Excuses Art Journaling: Making Time for Creativity by Gina Rossi Armfield

The 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal

Writing Prompts for Adults: 365 Days of Journal Writing Ideas, Self-discovery Questions, Daily Reflections to Find Direction, Boost Creativity and Discover Who You Are

Places to get journaling prompts: (ideas for things to journal about)

PsychCentral.com - 64 Journaling Prompts for Self Discovery
or use your favorite search engine and search for "journaling prompts"