Journaling refers to writing about one’s own thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections. Journalling helps to focus, open up and let go off troubling thoughts. It can be practised as per one’s convenience at any place, time and doesn’t need a lot of resources, or expertise.
According to research, journaling on a regular basis has proved to be an effective tool for managing mental health and helped many people to get lives back on track with a number of benefits like:
- Lowering tension
- Setting and keeping track of goals
- Tracking challenges
- Finding motivation
- Overcoming anxiety and depression
- Developing self-awareness
- Boosting self-confidence
- Organising self-thought
- Improving communication skills
Here are some more tips on some of the things to be addressed during journalling:
- How am I feeling today?
- What are the things I’m grateful for?
- What is one of my current challenges?
- How can I overcome this obstacle?
- What actions may I take to look after myself?
- What brings me joy?
- What kind of negative ideas have I been sticking to?
- How can I replace such ideas in my mind?
- Which fear or anxiety do I experience?
- What steps can I take to deal with this concern or fear?
- How can I apply this knowledge to improve my own development?
Whatever the obstacles faced, journaling is a straightforward yet powerful exercise to improve emotional wellness. It can enrich lives on many levels, regardless of whether utilized as a stand-alone practice or in combination with other mental health treatments. It can help navigate feelings and experiences with greater clarity, healing, and agency.
Now take out a pen and paper and start writing! Embrace the therapeutic advantages of writing and see how it may improve your general and mental well-being!
Written by:
Farha Fatima
Department of Public Health, North South University
Associate at WSIF
