Journaling is a great way to gain clarity on who you are; your dreams, goals or situations. It can be a calming exercise and help you sort through the ideas swirling around in your head.
Embarking on a journaling journey was important because I have been so inconsistent with the process. I believe in the benefits and understanding journaling can bring to a person, but I’ve failed miserably at keeping up with daily journal prompts.
As someone with a full plate, I need something that worked for me and had to make the process my own. I guarantee that I am not the only one not finishing journaling challenges so I wanted to share what I came up with.
This post is going to get you ready to embark on building this process into your life. After reading this post, you are going to have explored the type of journaling method that works for you, learn the benefits that it can bring to your life and figure out how to get started.
Pick a Method That Works for You
As you embark on your journaling journey, it is so important to find a method that will keep you coming back for more.
I am always so excited to use pen and paper and like to use a journal that is fun and unique. If this is you too and you need a new journal, check out TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Target. I always find some fun stuff in those places!
Another method of journaling that works for many people is using a computer or tablet. This can be a word document, or you can start a blog too! Many people enjoy the creative flexibility a tablet can provide. You don’t have to be serious about blogging by any means and purchase a domain and website hosting. There are plenty of free options like BlogSpot and Wordress.com. It is totally up to you if you want to share what you are working on and you don’t have to make it public like this blog.
Another method could be video recording yourself speaking. It is easier for some people to speak and articulate their thoughts through conversation so if this is you, give this option a try!
This is your time to reflect and get value, so spend it wisely on a method that speaks to you!
Benefits of Journaling
Journaling provides so many benefits! I am going to list a few here but keep in mind that the list can be endless. Everyone will get different benefits from it, so do it for the reasons that make sense for you! You might not be getting the same things that I do but that’s okay because this is your time and your journey.
Here are 10 benefits that you can gain from journaling. Many of these are benefits that I get from it!
- Mindfulness
- Healing
- Reduce stress
- Self-reflection
- Brainstorming
- Processing
- Self-Discovery
- Goal-setting
- Clarity
- Deep thinking
To get the ultimate benefits from journaling, you must also be diligent about building it into your routine and return to it often for growth. So, figure out how and when you work best.
One area that I struggle with is keeping up with daily journal prompts. I have tried any resources and just haven’t been able to carve that extra time out. I decided to do what works for me and my schedule and that is journaling once weekly.
Not having the pressure of writing daily has relieved some of the stress I had with the process.
Guide Your Writing
Now that you have a method in mind, know when you’re going to create the time and have an idea of what benefits journaling brings to your life, what’s next?
It’s time to get started!
In the past I have done free write journaling where I don’t have a prompt in mind and I just write about and process things going on in my day or life in general.
I’ve also found journal prompts helpful and these activities have gotten me out of my normal method of thinking and writing. This is where I’ve received the ultimate self-reflection, clarity and self-discovery. You can easily find journal prompts by doing a Google or Pinterest search.
So, think of how you want to approach this process for yourself. If you’re new to trying this out, maybe give both a try and see what feels right for you.
Get Started
There are so many benefits that someone can gain from journaling. To get started, you must decide what the process needs to look like for you to be successful. You may need to try different methods or different writing inspirations, but you will find what works for you. After all, you are the one that is going to be putting in the time and getting the growth from it, so it needs to be just right. Take some time to get yourself situated and begin!
What is a benefit that you hope to get from journaling? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to share these tips and our freebie with your friends, so they too can take advantage of the awesome benefits.
