What are the benefits of journaling?

Are you thinking about keeping a journal? There are so many benefits of journaling, ranging from helping you reduce stress to helping you achieve your goals. Here are 5 benefits of journaling.

Journaling is very simply just writing down your thoughts and feelings. It’s free, easy, and often therapeutic. There is an unbelievable range of different types of journals you can keep. Finding one that works for you may take time, but they are a great way to manage your thoughts or feelings and understand them more clearly. If you’re considering giving it a go, here are 5 benefits of journaling.

Here are a few types of journaling to get you started;

•  A bullet journal is an excellent method for personal organisation and tracking progress. Bullet journals are valuable for making to-do lists, brainstorming projects, and recording goals.
• Gratitude journals are a simple and effective way to be present. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, it can help to focus for a few minutes on what you feel grateful for and jot it down.
• Idea journals are a place to brain dump and write down whatever you think or feel to better process your thoughts and emotions. If you let the words out in a stream of consciousness, the flow can help clear your head.
• Reading journals are an excellent way to record the books you are reading and write down how they make you feel, inspire you, and your thoughts.

1. Journaling is excellent for your mental health

Keeping a journal can be a great tool if you struggle with mental health and suffer stress, depression, or anxiety. It can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. Sitting down and putting pen to paper for me is instantly calming.

I find journaling a fantastic way to relax and manage symptoms of anxiety. I suffered from PTSD after the traumatic birth of my son, and journaling about the experience with the help of a therapist allowed me to process the trauma. When I get my thoughts down physically on paper, it helps me face my problems, fears, and concerns so that I can process them, address them and visualise solutions. Also, they are great to look back on after some time and see how far you have come.

Need a little mood boost? Journaling can improve your mood and give you greater emotional well-being and happiness. It’s so worth a try!

2. Journaling inspires your creativity

Journals are an easy place to jot down those ideas that come to you throughout the day. Carrying a small notebook around with you is the biggest tip I was given at university. Then, you can revisit your notes later and write a more detailed entry around your idea.

I always feel more creative after journaling. If I even spend 10 minutes in the morning journaling, I think more creatively whilst writing for the rest of the day. Keeping a journal is an effective way to channel your creative energy and express yourself.

If it’s an inspiration that you need, try stream-of-consciousness writing or using thought-provoking prompts to help ignite creativity. Many artists keep a visual journal and sketch or paint images from their imagination or real life.

3. Journaling encourages self-confidence

Journaling can boost your self-confidence in a few ways. First, if you journal to keep your thoughts and schedule organised, you may find that preparing reduces anxiety. Properly managing your time to check off those boxes on your to-do list can help reinforce that you’re capable and on top of everything. You could use your journal to practice positive self-talk and combat negative thoughts actively.

4. Journaling strengthens communication and writing skills

When you write down your ideas, you organise your thoughts. This can help you communicate not only better in writing but also verbally. There is such a strong connection between writing and speaking. Journaling is a great tool to improve your writing ability, particularly by improving your voice and vocabulary.

5. Journaling can improve immune function

Would you believe that expressive writing is a way to strengthen your immunity? It has been proven that people who journal have improved immune system functioning and stronger immune cells. They also boast lessened symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Writing has also been shown to improve liver and lung function. It has even been reported to help the wounded heal faster.

It can be a little daunting starting a journal with so many options. Start somewhere, and you’ll soon find out what works for you. Try not to worry about perfect punctuation, grammar, or spelling. Instead, write and don’t censor yourself. Journaling is for you.

Hopefully, this article 5 benefits of journaling has given you a few ideas! Let me know in the comments if you journal and how it helps you.