The Many Benefits of Journaling

By Stepy Kamei

If you knew of a habit that would help lower your stress levels, improve your focus and creativity, and help you feel more grateful on a daily basis, wouldn't you be interested in giving it a try? From notable historical figures, to successful contemporary leaders, there's one habit that's often cited as an extremely useful and helpful tool -- journaling. Keep on reading to learn how the act of keeping a journal can benefit your health and well-being, and how to get started.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Journaling provides a fantastic outlet for getting all of your thoughts and feelings out of your head and into a more tangible space. Once you actually see your thoughts, worries, and concerns written down, it can be that much easier to think of a useful solution -- or, you may find yourself simply letting the worry go, realizing there's no need to hold onto it any longer now that it's out in the open. Think of journaling as a way to declutter the closet of your mind.

Increased Gratitude

As you continue your journaling journey, you may find yourself reflecting on not just the bad parts of your day, but the good times as well. Taking this time to process a positive experience or emotion can help solidify that positive response in your mind, which can greatly boost your mental health the more you practice journaling.  

Improved Productivity

You may want to use your journal to help you identify tasks which need to get done, as well as plan for the upcoming day or week. This practical approach to journaling can ensure that you get your goals and tasks out on paper, making it that much easier to follow through and complete them.

How Should You Start?

If you're not sure where or how to start, simply try adding it incrementally into your day. Consider what you want to gain from journaling, and use that information to guide how you'll place it into your day. You may want to carve out five minutes in the morning to plan for the day ahead and write down any worries you may have. Conversely, you may prefer to turn to journaling for a few minutes before going to sleep. In this time, you can decompress from the day by writing out your feelings about anything positive or negative that occurred.

If any of these methods seem too overwhelming, consider simply starting out by listing three things you're grateful for, or three things you're worried about, or three things you're looking forward to. From here, you can see where your mind takes you, and discover the joys of journaling.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Weston, Fla.