How to Start Journaling: Two Ways - the Pros and Cons
Journaling is an excellent way to express your thoughts and promote mental clarity. The benefits of journaling include boosting your mood, reducing anxiety and stress, creating a positive mindset, and improving your overall sense of well-being.
Journaling doesn't have to be daunting or difficult - it can be as simple as writing down a few words that describe how you are feeling!
I used to find it very difficult to journal. It was challenging for me to write things down and let my thoughts flow. I started with a guided journal and that made it easier for me. Two ways that you can journal are listed below. Find what works for you!
Guided Journaling
What is it? This type of journaling guides you through a self-reflective process by using prompts. You then reflect on these prompts by writing down your responses. Examples of prompts include: what are 3 things that you are grateful for, what do you want to achieve today, etc.
Resources: The Five Minute Journal, Googling "guided journal prompts", Start Where You Are Journal
Pros:
Provides structure if you have a difficult time putting your thoughts down into words
Suitable for beginners: allows for a starting point with guided prompts
Encourages you to explore different thoughts or feelings that you may not have discovered on your own
Cons:
Purchasing a guided journal can be a barrier to access
Less creativity due to structured prompts
Can get repetitive if the guided prompts are always the same
Free Flow Journaling
What is it? This type of journaling involves freely writing down any thoughts or feelings that come to mind. You can journal about something that is causing you stress, a certain upcoming event, or just simply your thoughts that occurred that day - anything goes.
Resources: A plain or lined-paper journal/notebook, or anything that you can write on
Pros:
Allows for more creativity: you can write and doodle
Easily accessible: anyone who has paper and a pen can do this
"Brain dump" your thoughts: write down anything that comes to mind
Cons:
Can be challenging if you are not used to freely writing down your thoughts
Might not be the best option for beginners
Lacks structure: it can be difficult for those that need some guidance
Give journaling a try! It will take some time to get into the routine of it, but you will definitely notice a difference once you make it a habit.
Interested in creating a positive affirmation to write down in your journal? Read here to learn about how you can create one!
