I first started making journaling a habit in 2020, shortly after everything was on lockdown for COVID. That’s really when my healing journey began. It’s super fun to look back and see how far I’ve come. I’ve also noticed that there still are some of the same complaints/patterns around. I definitely know what I need to work on.
When people think about journaling, they think of pen-to-paper writing. That is how I journal, but that’s not the only way. Other techniques include typing, voice notes, and recording videos. The key is to hold the time and space to reflect. If you aren’t able to physically write out your thoughts, you can still benefit from other types of journaling.
But why journal?
Journaling has many benefits, and I’ve picked out my top 6. Journaling has improved my life in different areas. It’s improving my communication skills and gives me a way to vent about everything, in the “grossest” way without any judgement. Sometimes a girl just needs to vent!
It’s also allowed me to figure things out. Journaling has allowed me to sort through all kinds of messy thoughts. From my healing journey, I have recognized toxic behaviors and setting boundaries is so unfamiliar. Journaling helped me make sense of it all and figure out what boundaries were needed, and the best way for me to do that.
Here are my top 6 benefits of journaling:
- Improved mental health: Writing down your thoughts can help you process and manage difficult emotions. Research suggests that journaling can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Increased self-awareness: The practice of journaling allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Over time, you can gain insight into your patterns, triggers, and beliefs. Then, with this awareness, you can identify areas for growth.
- Improved problem-solving skills: Writing about a problem can help you evaluate it from different angles and brainstorm potential solutions. What’s another perspective? And then you can explore that, without judgement.
- Enhanced creativity: Writing can be a great way to explore your imagination and generate new ideas. Journaling can look like a short, creative story or poems. You might just see this creativity “seeping” into your daily life.
- Stress relief: Putting your worries and concerns onto paper can help you make sense of them and release the stress associated with them.
- Improved memory: Writing down important information can help you remember it better. This can be especially beneficial in school or work settings. I find that if I write it down, I have a MUCH better chance at remembering. Plus, I have that reminder to look back to if needed.
Journaling doesn’t have to take a long time, either. It can be as short as one sentence, or you can write until you can’t anymore. Each day will look different. Building the consistency of journaling will increase your results with it.
Want to start journaling, but not sure where to start?
I got you, boo! I just added a ‘Spring-Cleaning’ downloadable Journal to the shop on my website to help you declutter your life and start moving toward the life of your dreams. Each prompt will ask you to reflect on an area of your life and come up with actionable steps to work toward your dream life. Use the space I provide in my journal or whatever you have/like. You can find it in my shop or send me a DM on Instagram (@megs_hammond), and I can send you the link.
If you would like more information on anything I spoke about here, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (thewheellifeblog@gmail.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (IG/TW/TT @megs_hammond). As I just mentioned, I do have a free 2-week journaling guide that you can download from my website if you are interested in starting your journaling practice. I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity, and self-care going! Until next time, live honestly, passionately, and with kindness! Take care!
Megs