Journaling: what is it and how does it benefit us?

At some point in your childhood did you write a diary? This is a very common activity among children and adolescents, but we abandon it as we grow. On many occasions due to laziness and on other occasions because we consider it a waste of time. How we were wrong!

He journaling It is the habit of writing down thoughts, emotions and reflections.. It is a practice that brings numerous benefits for emotional health. Therefore, even if you are already an adult, you may be interested in recovering this valuable habit. If you want to know its benefits and some ideas to start practicing it, we invite you to continue reading.

What is the journaling?

Define the journaling It is not that simple, since it is a very versatile activity that can be approached in different ways. Some people practice it with two specific requirements: writing by hand (no cell phone, tablet or computer) and commit to doing it daily. But in reality, the essential thing is to do it in the way that works best for you.

It is an ideal self-knowledge technique to clarify your ideas, organize your projects and even reflect on your experiences and emotions. The best of all? In this space, there is no room for judgment, you can express yourself with total authenticity.

How to start doing journaling?

The first thing you need is to get a notebook. The more you like it, the better. Also, you should know what to practice journaling It is not the same as writing a diary in the strict sense, since you do not need to narrate the day’s experiences. In reality, you can give it various approaches, for example:

Gratitude: You can follow the technique The five Minute Journal, which consists of dedicating five minutes a day to writing things for which you feel grateful or good things that happened to you during the day. This will help you maintain a positive outlook.Personal reflection: Using the notebook to reflect on your thoughts, goals and aspirations can be a great way to get started in the journaling. It is not necessary for you to reach revealing conclusions, clarifying your ideas a little is already an achievement.Creativity: You can also use it to explore your creativity, whether drawing, painting, writing stories or making artistic journals.Emotional expression: You journal It is a safe space to express your emotions. You can write about how you feel every day, describe your joys, worries and fears. According to what was stated in an article published in Complementary and alternative therapies in nursing, It is a spectacular strategy to learn to manage your feelings in a healthier way.Project planning: You can break down your short- and long-term goals, track tasks, set deadlines, and evaluate your progress as you advance your personal or professional projects.Habit Tracking: You can include aspects such as diet, hydration, exercise, time spent reading or any other habit you want to incorporate. Putting it down on paper will help you create a greater sense of responsibility in your daily life.To-do lists: Many people take advantage of the journaling to keep track of to-dos, movies you want to see, places you want to visit, interesting museums, and much more. You can’t imagine how rewarding it is to cross out elements of your check list.

How you can see, You have the freedom to customize this tool according to your tastes and needs. The suggestions above are just a few options, you can combine them or develop your own practices. Free writing is allowed too!

Bullet journal, another valuable instrument

He bullet journal (or BuJo) is a personal organization system created by Ryder Carroll. It is based on a blank notebook where symbols and bullets are used to write down tasks, events and notes in a quick and structured way. It is a versatile and easily adaptable tool that can help you plan and organize your life.

Unlike journalingwith which it is often confused and which is used as a technique of emotional expression, the bullet journal focuses on organization and productivity. However, nothing prevents you from combining both techniques to make your personal diary a tool for reflection and organization.

Compelling reasons to start journaling right now

As we said, at first glance “writing a diary” may seem like a trivial activity typical of fifteen-year-olds. But the truth is that writing about one’s own emotions has a therapeutic effect, since facilitates a series of internal processes that contribute to well-being.

Thus, some of its main benefits are the following:

1. Promotes self-knowledge

By taking a moment each day to write reflections, you can cultivate the relationship you have with yourself. This you will help you understand how you think and identify your most deeply held beliefs. Having all this information is essential to learn to take care of yourself, love yourself and accompany you as you deserve.

2. Helps release the mind and stress

He journaling It is very effective to release all those emotions that overwhelm you, disturb you and that you cannot get rid of. Fears, sadness, resentments, frustrations, disappointments… connecting with them is the best way to recover emotional peace.

Remember that you can express yourself without filters. Afterwards you will feel much lighter and with a calm mind to be able to continue with the day.

3. Facilitates awareness in everyday life.

Writing in the morning can help you have a more mindful day. What does this mean?: That by having spent time observing yourself, recognizing your emotions, thoughts and needs, you will be able to better understand your reactions throughout the day. This will help you not act on impulse and be more present and in touch with yourself.

4. Promotes the advancement of one’s own objectives

This strategy also helps get you closer to your goals. And by having a written record of the experiences and thoughts that arise, you will be able to follow up and detect what is holding you back and how you can overcome obstacles.

Pen in hand… now write!

Immersing yourself in this incredible practice is a step toward greater self-discovery and emotional well-being. No matter the age, the journaling It is an accessible and flexible tool that can transform the way you relate to yourself and others. So why not get started today?

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