THINK IN INK: How journaling can help improve our mental health
As a New Year begins, there is one thing I’d like to do more of - journal. Last year, I did more than ever, which is no surprise given the 'unprecedented times' we were all faced with.
Journaling is something I want to continue with this year as a daily practice, and for a minimum of 4 weeks, as home schooling continues in our household, I am dedicating ½ hour every weekday 8.30-9am when I would normally do the school run to my ‘thinking in ink’ time and I would love for you to join me.
For me, journaling is a healthy place where I can express my thoughts and feelings on paper with no judgement, it’s proven to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and or depression as journaling helps us process and release our emotions. It’s an outlet where we can all open up privately (or share of you wish), it allows you to check in with yourself, see what’s working and what’s not.
A lot of the time I don’t even know what I’m going to write but making the time for ½ hour a day makes a HUGE difference to the rest of my day. I’m inviting you to join me on zoom (with or without camera on). You can find the zoom link here https://fb.me/e/1sjsTpQBC
If you’re not ready to join me on zoom just yet, here are some useful tips to get you started:
Make it easy for yourself, use prompts if it helps get you started (suggested prompts – what do I want to achieve today, how can I make it better than yesterday, what am I grateful for).
I know some people that simply start with, ‘I don’t even know where to begin or what to write today’. As soon as they see pen on paper it can encourage more thoughts to arrive
Write whatever thoughts and feelings you have. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to journaling. Definitely don’t worry about your spelling or grammar
Write everyday
Try doing it at the same time everyday
Have low expectations and start small, stop before you lose all of your thoughts, don’t feel like you need to write everything, if you don’t want to write about something – DON’T!! There is no wrong way to journal.
