Our mental health is equally as important to care for and if you’re someone that struggles to look after yourself, a journal is a great way to start taking care of your mind and body.
Life can be a bit much sometimes, and that’s okay, we all feel worry, anger and stress.
In times like this, an outlet to air our frustrations is highly beneficial.
When it comes to our self-care rituals, we focus on our physical bodies a lot with pampering and bubble baths galore, but we often ignore our mental wellbeing.
Adding a journal into your self-care routine can help clear your mind and encourage you to be more present in the moment.
Keeping a journal allows you to clarify your feelings and thoughts while aiding you through possible solutions, prompting you to become more in touch with yourself.
Understanding your emotions allows you to develop a greater awareness of your mental wellbeing.
Seven ways to journal for wellbeing
Experts on journaling, make starting your wellbeing journal easy.
On top of creating beautiful journals and planners, their inspiration section highlights everything you need to get started.
Here are seven ways you can begin to journal for your wellbeing:
1. Letter writing journaling – you can write to yourself in the future or past. Try describing what you’re hopeful for, what you’re proud of or what you’d love to tell your younger self.
2. Journaling for artistic expression – your journal can act as a judgement-free space for artistic experimentation.
3. Imaginative journaling – try testing your imagination with some creative writing.
4. Organisational journaling – use your journal as a space to get organised. You could try setting goals for the day, week or year.
5. Morning pages – to start your day with a moment of reflection, try writing morning pages.
6. Gratitude journaling – taking time to note what you’re grateful for can make you feel more positive and remind you of how much you already have.
7. Describe your day journaling – going through your day and writing down the highlights, lowlights and everything in between can help you recognise patterns in your behaviour.
Guided journals for mental health can come in a variety of forms, depending on what your goals are.
From general wellbeing to gratitude, whatever you’re looking to work on this year, there’s a journal to help you on your journey.
Tips for keeping a journal to benefit your mental health
• Start small – at first you may only feel comfortable writing a few words, and that’s OK. Start with the basics, like understanding why you chose to begin a wellness journal in the first place.
• Set goals – little or big.
• Make writing in your journal a habit – sit down every morning or reflect at the end of the day.
• Get to know yourself – write down your thoughts, feelings, meals and activities and look for patterns or inconsistencies.
• Be honest with yourself – being honest with yourself is the only way a wellness planner can work to your advantage.