The Power Of Journaling | The Benefits of Daily Practice, Plus 20 prompts to get you started.
Hi, and welcome back to The Good Stuff.
I think we can all agree that we are living in an era of information overload. Most of us wake up first thing in the morning, roll over, grab our phones and immediately scroll through our emails, texts, and social media feeds. But it doesn't stop there. Throughout our day, we continue to fill our minds with new data, deadlines, numbers, YouTube videos, podcasts, news, magazines, audiobooks, more social media posts, deadlines to be met, important events to attend, and conversations with friends and family. Then, in the evening, you might wind down by watching Netflix, and before you know it, you're asleep, just to wake up to do it all over again. Sounds familiar? We're constantly processing information while simultaneously being exposed to new information, which leads to overstimulation. So there's no wonder you might feel like your days are rushing by and your thoughts are a little hazy.
Signs you may have information overload:
- Low mood or energy
- Lack of productivity
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Constant fatigue
- Increased blood pressure
- Difficulty making decisions and sticking with them
- A strong compulsion to check emails, texts, apps, social media, news, etc
I want to be the source of all The Good Stuff in life, and information overload definitely sounds like a whole lotta Bad Stuff. So instead of going on and on and contributing to the problem, I'm here to give you the solution. Now there are many other solutions, such as yoga and meditation, but you're here today to learn about the benefits of journaling — so let's get to it. Journaling is one of my favorite self-care practices that is a fool-proof way to achieve your goals, improve writing and communication skills, reduce stress and anxiety, track progress and growth, gain self-confidence, reflect on memories, build awareness, regulate your emotions.
Here's how you can get started:
Pick a super-duper special notebook.
If you already have a daily journal practice — amazing. Keep doin' what you're doin', wherever you're doin' it. But if you're just getting started, this one is super important. It's time to pick out a notebook that you LOVE. You will be much more inclined to write in a journal that you admire, one that you're proud to carry around. So find a journal that reflects your favorite color, matches your aesthetic, and fits in your purse or backpack.
Designate a special pen specifically for your journal.
Your pen is just as important as your notebook. I find it helps to have a special pen dedicated solely to writing in your journal. Now I know this is about to sound far out, so bear with me on this one, but what I'm about to tell you is how you can transform regular journaling into a mindfulness practice. When you pull out your pen to write, set an intention with it. I'm not kidding. I want you to close your eyes, hold your pen, and think about what you want to get out of the experience. Some examples include "I intend to write from my heart so that I can understand my thoughts and emotions," or "I intend to organize my thoughts so that I can think clearly and be more productive," or "I intend to remember all the details of what it's like to be in my 20s." Setting an intention will help narrow your focus and get you in the right headspace before writing.
Use prompts.
I know it can be intimidating to look at a blank page. Thoughts of self-doubt can flood in. Maybe you don't know how to start. Perhaps you're overwhelmed because there are way too many places to start. Take a deep breath and remember the whole point of journaling is to reduce stress.
To make this entire thing a little bit easier, we've included some journaling prompts to get you started:
- What would make me happy right now?
- What's standing in the way of that happiness?
- What's draining my energy?
- What do I need to give up, say no to, or let go of?
- How can I re-prioritize my to-do list?
- What can I declutter physically or emotionally to find more simplicity?
- What are 3 things I am most grateful for right now?
- Who are 3 people I am most grateful for right now?
- What am I really good at? What's my superpower?
- What would I do if money or other people's opinions didn't hold me back?
- What am I afraid of? How can I confront those fears head-on?
- Where do I feel out of alignment with the things that bring me joy?
- What do I want to learn more about?
- What accomplishment am I most proud of this month?
- What is a short-term goal I'm confident I can achieve?
- What small action can I take this week toward that goal?
- How do I define success?
- What does self-care look like for me?
- How does my ideal day look? (I.e., where are you, who are you with, what are you doing, how do you feel?)
What are you waiting for? This opportunity is the first page of your new chapter, literally. So go pick out a notebook, and get to it! If you feel like sharing any of your thoughts and reflections on social media, feel free to tag us @happyplacebrand #thegoodstuffjournaling for a chance to get featured on our page! Bonus points if you're journaling from home in one of our favorite waffle robes. You deserve to start every day off with a fresh, clear mind; hopefully, journaling will bring you that peace of mind. If it doesn't, stay tuned because we'll be sharing some other self-care practices to clear your mind that you'll love.
'Til next time,
Zoë
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