Journaling is a mental and emotional exercise that keeps your brain and emotions in top condition. It’s a great way to boost your memory and improve several cognitive skills. 

But some people don’t know how to start journaling or find it a little tricky to keep up with it. So, if you’re interested in learning the best tips to start and stick to your journaling habit, keep on reading.

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Lots of people start the habit of journaling without actually knowing what they’re doing. As teenagers, many of us kept a diary hidden where we wrote our dreams or fears and confessed our emotions without fearing being judged. Some of us also use the note app on the smartphone to write down our thoughts. 

In simple words, journaling is the act of writing down your feelings and thoughts to understand them better and help your mind process them. According to medical research, journaling actually has lots of cool benefits. 

It reduces stress and helps you deal with anxiety as you put your fears in a tangible form, so you can better assess their intensity. 

It’s a great way of coping with depression as you let out the negative feelings instead of bottling them up. 

By writing your journal, you can actually prioritize your thoughts and emotions as you put things into perspective to see what really matters. 

It helps you understand and control your triggers. As you journal regularly, you’ll be able to learn more about your triggers and how to avoid them. 

It’s an excellent way to set and achieve your goals. By being organized, you’ll feel less overwhelmed when you’re trying to think about your future. 

Journaling and other forms of expressive writing can literally strengthen your immune system as you let all the negativity out. Stress can mess up your hormonal balance, which affects your immunity negatively. Since journaling will help you manage stress, you’ll feel more active and generally healthier. 

Journaling can help you discover your talent as a writer. It also allows you to improve your writing as you become better at expressing your feelings and emotions. 

What are the Benefits of Journaling?

For these reasons, practicing journaling can be a great way to put your life on the right track. This is why you need to establish and stick to a healthy routine that allows you to enjoy the amazing benefits of journaling. Here are the best tips and tricks. 

Pick the time that feels right. Some people enjoy writing their journals before they get out of bed as they set their affirmations for the day, while others prefer to journal at the end of the day as a recap. 

There’s no right and wrong here, as you should pick what feels right to you and stick to it. You can also choose to journal several times throughout the day as a way of recording your thoughts and dealing with everyday emotions. 

Use an app to stay focused. Although there’s something special about using a pen to write down your thoughts, having an app where you can pour out your thoughts can be more convenient. 

Writing down in a notebook will give your brain a break, especially if you’re working on a screen all day long. However, an app can help you if you’re unable to keep up with the practice or don’t have your notebook throughout the day. 

Choose your favorite writing style. You don’t have to write full sentences if you have difficulty expressing your inner feelings. The more you practice, the easier it will get. 

Some people still prefer to write bullet points. This can be easier if you don’t have time to write every day. You can also write on your calendar as a daily reminder. 

Create a template for yourself. The most difficult challenge that people face when they start journaling is that they don’t really know what to write about. You can overcome this problem by creating a template that you can follow every day. 

Start by asking yourself a question like, “How do I feel today? “ “How can I make today a better day?” or “ How did X make me feel?” This way, you’ll have a clear plan for where to start recording your thoughts. 

Get creative with your writing style. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to journaling, as you can keep it emotional or go for a funny style. There are several fun prompts that you can find on the internet to help you get started. 

Don’t be shy to include verses of your own poetry or write down your favorite quotes. You can talk in the first or third person if it makes you feel more comfortable. 

Keep your expectations realistic. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed if you can’t follow the goals you write down in your journal, as this can be extremely frustrating. As a matter of fact, sometimes, you might feel overwhelmed if you’re unable to stick to your journaling routine. 

Instead, sneak the habit of journaling into your busy schedule by writing a single sentence if you don’t have time. Just write something positive that happened or give yourself a pat on the shoulder. 

Learn how to deal with writer’s block. It’s quite normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed, especially if you’re not used to writing. In this case, you can start with gratitude and write about the things you’re thankful for. In most cases, this is enough to help you overcome your writer’s block. 

Change your environment. If you don’t feel comfortable about writing in your current room, change the scenery. You can grab a chair and sit on the balcony, or even take a walk in the park and sit under the trees. The change can help your thoughts flow.  

How to Start Journaling

Practicing journaling is a healthy habit of self-care. You can always feel more comfortable when you’re writing down your thoughts and seeing them in a physical form. 

It’s a great way of channeling your inner negative energy instead of bottling it up. Moreover, it will help you set your goals and maintain a positive mindset. 

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