Journaling is an amazingly effective way to heal and release difficult ideas and emotions. Without this release, many times this negative energy can be built up over time causing depression, anxiety or body aches and pains. Here are some ways that using a journal can be a helpful tool in maintaining your mental health.
Stress Relief
Releasing your thoughts, feelings and emotions into words on paper doesn’t seem like much, but it is a safe space for you to express yourself without any judgement from others. I also use my journal as my to-do list. It is a great way to stay organized. There are many different approaches to using a journal and there is really no right nor wrong way. You just have to find what is effective for you.
I enjoy keeping everything in one journal. This gives me the ability to look back and reflect on different points in my life and I can get the whole picture. I can see what projects I was working on and where my mindset was at the time. Reflecting back on your journals can be a great way for you to realize the progress you have made and help you stay on track to achieve your goals both personally and professionally.
Help With Anxiety
If you struggle with any form of anxiety, whether it is constant worry, generalized anxiety disorder, or severe panic attacks, you know that it can come on suddenly and without warning.
However, it is possible that there are certain events or situations that are leading to the anxiety and that it isn’t always quite as random as you thought. By having the journal and recording your moods and daily lifestyle, you can actually pinpoint what tends to cause the panic attacks.
It might be when you have work stress or when you are around a particular person who seems to draw out the anxiety in you. It can also be due to certain foods or drinking a lot of alcohol or caffeine.
Finding Your Depression Triggers
Depression is also something that may happen at any time, but can also be triggered by someone or something. Some people have situational depression, where there is something that usually occurs to cause all of those depressive moods and feelings.
This is another thing you can determine by recording as much of your life as possible in a bullet journal. This journal is yours and should be private, because that allows you to feel free to record any emotions or feelings that you find necessary. Look back on it often to see if there are any patterns.
Journaling is such a great way to stay on track. It encourages you to look inside for happiness. It allows you to look back and see how far you have come. It gives you the ability to organize your present thoughts and clearly plan the future. If you are not using a journal, try using one for one month and evaluate the difference not only in your day to day, but your overall well being too.
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