The Power of Journaling: 5 Reasons to Embrace Journaling

It may sound silly to hear someone tell you “Journal about it.” Some of the most common responses are “I don’t like keeping a diary” or “I don’t like writing things down, what if someone sees it?” or “That sounds childish.” Makes sense. Totally respectable responses. The following can help shift your perspective if you are like most people who just can’t see themselves journaling but are ready to see changes and growth.

1.Judgement-Free Zone:

Have you ever felt a certain way and told someone what happened or how you felt to only end up feeling worse? Completely unvalidated? Or judged? Or misunderstood? Well, lucky you to be able to express yourself freely without any filters and without an undesired reaction from anyone. Just an honest dialogue with yourself. In fact, when you are able to vent openly and freely you can help yourself feel better. This takes us to the next reason journaling is beneficial.

2.Unload Difficult Emotions:

Journaling can help you vent and feel better afterwards because you are actually processing your experiences. Sometimes you have to hold things in, whether it is emotions, thoughts, or an honest opinion, for whatever reason. These things just build-up, for some slowly but definitely surely! Writing things down can help you release everything you have been suppressing to release some of that weight you carry throughout your days. You will start feeling lighter and chances are, you will not explode at the wrong time in front of the wrong crowd! Imagine! We have all been there.

3.Declutter Your Brain:

So… if you are like most, there are a million things racing in your mind all day every day. And sometimes, well, most times, a lot of these things can get in the way of you getting things done or simply remembering stuff. Journaling can help you get a lot of that clutter out of your brain so that you can think clearly throughout the day and improve your focus/concentration. Getting in the habit of journaling daily can help improve your functioning. Your brain will thank you for it and you will notice the difference.

4.Shift Your Perspective/Mindset:

Journaling can have whatever purpose you need it to have in your life. If you want to dig deeper, it can be used to shift your point of view. For example, if your goal is to be more positive or appreciative, you can use your writing sessions on a gratitude journal. You can choose to start your days identifying your strengths, positives, or what you are looking forward to in order to live your day with more intention and focus. Or you can choose to journal at the end of your days to feel appreciation for all things positive you experienced/felt throughout the day. You choose, you can start and/or end your day with a positive mindset. Whatever works for you.

5.Get in Touch With Yourself:

Have you ever felt a bit lost? Without direction? Or purpose? Or like you’re just not sure how you got here? Well, journaling is a tool that can be beneficial to your journey. You can use journaling to get in touch with yourself; You can learn about your old self and work towards your ideal self. You can create or improve your action plan too. You decide.

These are some benefits to journaling and there are plenty more! In a world that often feels uncertain, journaling can help you stay grounded and, in the present, moment by moment, so that you are able to enjoy more of it. Grab a journal, a notebook, or any piece of paper, and have at it. Some people prefer an electronic device, go for it if that is what works for you. It doesn’t matter what you use as long as you are taking the time to mindfully improve yourself and your life. It doesn’t have to be long either, you can start with just 5 minutes per day, we all scroll on our phones for longer! You got this, go for it.

Stay tuned for journaling prompts and ideas if you need them!