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!
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
