Keeping a diary is something we may associate with our younger teenage/pre-teen years—an activity that many stop doing as they grow older. But keeping a diary and journaling have many mental health benefits that should be shared with everyone at any age. This week, we'll share the benefits of keeping a diary or journal and a few journaling techniques you can explore.
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Table of Contents

The Idea of the Week

One of the biggest benefits of journaling is the documentation of your day-to-day life. When you look back at your journal entries, it may be easier to recall the little moments in your life and help slow down the passage of time; whereas without those journal entries, it can be difficult to recall what you did last week or even what you ate for dinner last night, and so the days seem to blend together. 

Healthline also shares 6 mental health benefits. Journaling may: 

  • Help reduces stress;
  • Boost health and well-being;
  • Create space and distance from negative thoughts;
  • Provide a way to process emotions;
  • Help you figure out your next step;
  • Deepen self-discovery.

Practice of the Week

Here are a few ways you can keep a journal or diary:

  • Stream of Consciousness Writing (a 10-min video). If you’re unsure of how to start journalling, this method is a great place to start!
  • Mood Journaling is a way you can capture your emotions on the page.
  • Journal Prompts: Here is a podcast that shares weekly prompts and journaling techniques to help you gain insight into yourself. You can also find journaling prompts on Pinterest.
  • Storytelling Through Your Diary (a 13-min video) is a great method of journaling for creative writers. 

You don’t only have to write in a journal. Here are some other modalities you can try instead to document your day, feelings, or thoughts:

  • typing in a word document;
  • texting in a notes app;
  • using the speech-to-text feature;
  • using a voice recorder;
  • using images, drawing, painting, and making art;
  • filming a video of yourself;
  • filming a portion of your day and adding commentary.

There is no right or wrong way to journal, but there are many ways you can journal. So, explore and experiment to find what best works for you!

News of the Week

Melissa Compton LCAT, LPMHC has joined our staff!
Melissa offers art therapy in addition to traditional talk therapy and offers play therapy for children. She is now taking new clients in person in our Erieville office on Saturdays and via telehealth on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Please call 315.516.8644 to request an appointment with Melissa!

Full-Impact Self-Defense Course for Women
“Turn Fear into Power”

As my daughters become young women, I want to give them the best possible tools to navigate this world. I took this course myself in my early 20’s and it was one of the most empowering things I have ever done. 30 years later, my body still remembers what to do. This investment will have a lifelong return. This course teaches women and girls how to defend themselves in the event of an attack. It teaches your body how to remember what to do, in case your brain is offline with fear. Model Mugging is the original, full-force, self-defense program based on martial science and as close to realism as safely possible, Adrenaline Stress Training. Students learn how to harness the power of fear, and find their courage to become their own heroines, not only in class but apply the lessons learned in everyday life.
The tuition price is $595 per person. 
July 19th and 20th, 8 am – 6:30 pm on both days.
Click here to register.

The Thought of the Week

Wishing you a peaceful week!

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