So many people are focused on their responsibilities, loved ones, and people who count on them both at home and at work, that they often neglect themselves. If you find that this is happening to you, simply writing in a journal and help tremendously. Use your journal not to talk about anyone else, but to reflect on yourself and your own life. To check in on YOU and see how you’re doing.
How have you been feeling?
Is there anything on your mind? How have you been feeling lately? Write how you have been lately, both internally and with what you have been spending your time on. Maybe you are excited and happy, and want to gush about how amazing you’re doing. On the opposite side, you might want to talk about how your anxiety has been, and what has been causing a little stress.
What are you struggling with?
If there is anything you have been struggling with mentally, now is a good time to check in and figure out what is on your mind. This is where you focus more on your negative emotions, what is leading you to be more stressed out, what is frustrating, and just anything that feels like it isn’t going in the right direction.
What is going right?
Don’t forget to reflect on your accomplishments! What is going right in your life? What are you loving? What is bringing you joy? Maybe there are people in your life who are so loving and supportive, you can’t help but talk about them. Or you might have gotten a promotion at work or finished a big project you are proud of. Did you recently start a new hobby? Talk about it!
What has been motivating you?
Is there anything that has been helping to motivate you recently? This is another way to check in on yourself in your journal. Write about what your goals are, and what you find to be the most motivating thing in order to achieve those goals.
What do you feel is holding you back?
On the other hand, if a person or situation is holding you back, you might want to write about that as well. Now is the time to say goodbye to people or things that are keeping you from succeeding or who are not supportive in your plans to better your life.
Can Journaling Solve All Your Problems?
Nowadays, journaling is a popular topic that enters many conversations. People are learning the benefits of journaling, how to create journaling habits, and the different ways they can use them. But it is also easy to assume journaling is going to solve all your problems. This isn’t the case, but it can help you in a lot of ways.
Benefits of Journaling
While journaling might not be able to solve all your problems, it does help with a lot. There are a multitude of benefits, including:
Reducing stress and anxiety – If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, just writing about your feelings and what is bothering you can have a tremendous effect on your life. It allows you to get those emotions out and really figure out what is triggering your stress or making your anxiety worse.
Helping to set and achieve goals – Journaling can also be used to figure out what your biggest goals are, define then, and then start working to achieve them.
Finding clarity in your life – If you feel lost or confused, where you aren’t sure why you feel stuck or what to do next, you might need a little clarity. This is one of the best benefits to journaling.
Making a big decision – Another way journaling can benefit you is by helping to make a big decision. Just writing out your feelings on a new job or new home in another province can help guide you in the right direction.
Venting and releasing frustration – Sometimes, you just need to vent, without involving another person. Your journal is a safe, sacred place where you can vent about anything that is currently bothering you, then move on from it.
It Should Not Replace Professional Help
Keep in mind that while journaling can be used to complement professional help, it should not replace it. No, it is not going to solve all the problems in your life. But even therapists often recommend writing in a journal in addition to seeing them on a regular basis. It is often used in addition to medical and mental help treatments, from using the journal to write down triggers for your gut issues, to writing out how you feel when your anxiety or depression is getting worse.
It is still important to seek help from a medical professional when you are dealing with something involving your health, including your mental health.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.