I remember when I was a teenager, I would journal to get all my thoughts, dreams, and emotions out on paper and out of my head. I was diligent in my journaling, but I lost this powerful practice somewhere along the way. While I still have piles of my old journals stored away in my garage, and reading them brings me laughs and cries, I am hoping this year I can try to start journaling again because I miss the unedited and authentic writing that gave me a glimpse into my crazy brain and heart.
Journaling is good for your mind, body and soul
Journaling can have many impacts on a person, but there are some proven benefits of it, including:
- Self-discovery and awareness
- Improved mental health
- Boosted cognitive function
- Sparking creativity
Tips to start you on a journaling journey
Choose how you will journal
In this digital age, journaling can be done electronically or in the traditional format. Tech Crunch+ recommends the following journaling apps Day One, 5 Minute Journal, Daylio, Momento, and DailyBean. Or if you are like me and love the feeling of touching the pen to the paper, you can pick up a beautiful journal that reflects your spirit. Here are a few of my favorite guided journals.
Oprahs Life Finding Purpose Journal
If you are creative, you can also try visual journaling, where you sketch and create collages like vision boards or drawings to tell your story.
Carve out the time
We are all busy these days, and sticking to a new practice means building it into our daily routines. Whether you journal daily, weekly, or even monthly, the key is to keep it consistent to gain the long-term benefits. Try scheduling a time in your calendar or add it to an existing routine, like journaling when you have your afternoon tea.
Free flow
Let journaling be the place where you can freely write how you are feeling and what you are thinking. It’s important not to get caught up in spelling, grammar, or what it sounds like when you read it. It becomes a therapeutic outlet and space to vent, reflect, and gain clarity. Let the magic come out of the messiness of your writing.
Writing prompts to start your journaling journey for the new year.
Dayone app provided 24 New Year journal prompts, and here are a few of my favorites to get started this new year with reflection, clarity, and focus.
- What will bring me joy and happiness this year?
- What lessons from last year will I carry into this year?
- What’s the biggest challenge I’m facing this year?
- What is one relationship I’d like to improve this year?
- What are five things I’d like to do this year?
- How can I step out of my comfort zone this year?
Journaling will give you a fresh perspective and start you on the way to a great year ahead. Happy journaling!
Here are a few more resources to get you started on journaling: