Journaling and how to start

Hello beautiful people, I wanted to jump on here this week to talk about journaling. Last year, after Covid-19 Lockdown hit New Zealand I felt extremely overwhelmed as many others did as well, being confined to your living space and sitting with your thoughts 24/7 was a challenge and something I was not use to. I didn't realise how impactful the outside world was to my ability to be able to digest and filter through my daily thinking.

I looked for another way to alleviate the stress and found Journaling was something many people suggested to work for them. In the beginning, I only wrote when I felt like it and about topics I would be thinking about at the moment. After a few pages, I began to naturally feel like writing my thoughts down released some kind of tension and I found I wouldn't think about those matters, burdens, or concerns again.

“A personal journal is an ideal environment in which to become. It is a perfect place for you to think, feel, discover, expand, remember, and dream.” - Brad Wilcox

Journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts and feelings to better understand and gain control of your emotions. It helps with stress, depression, or anxiety and takes the pain from your mind, and transfers this onto paper.

It is an activity that nourishes your mind. It allows individuals to be able to convey their stress and energy onto paper, I have found a "weight lift off my shoulders" when writing as I don't have to spend time overthinking my thoughts. It evokes mindfulness and helps keep perspective of the present picture.

Here are the steps towards starting a personal journal:

• Before bed, get your journal and pen and set a timer for 5-10 minutes.

• The best way to start is to take the pressure off yourself and be free of judgment.

• Be present and let your mind wander in your thoughts and start writing.

• Write for as long as you want or during the timeframe of your timer!

• Then you are all done :)
  

Journaling before going to bed can help make it a habit. Commit to scheduling time for journaling every night, by doing this you are allowing your mind to rest and be ready for sleep.

Through my practice of journaling, I have given myself time to unwind, de-stress and get my thoughts out to feel content with my thoughts and what is happening around me. It allows people to clarify their thoughts and feelings, finding valuable self-knowledge, and pushes the capacity of comprehending how you are feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Warmest,

Shania x