There are many ways in which to journal. And a lot depends on what you want to get out of it. Have you ever thought you wanted to learn how to journal, but didn’t know where to start? Do you need some help in knowing what to write in a journal? To be honest there is never a right or wrong way to write in a journal, just find a way that suits you best.
Self Care
Journal writing specifically for self care is about giving yourself the time to stop and listen to your own needs, your own thoughts, and your own feelings, rather than concentrating on other’s needs and demands. When you learn how to journal for self care you will be able to easily identify your specific needs, and what you want out of life. You will be able to set yourself realistic goals and be able to measure how you are doing against those goals.
Some of us are trying to gain clarity or to solve a problem, whilst others want to develop a creative way of expressing ourselves. Many people all over the world use their journal writing to improve their health and well being.
Here are my tips to getting started:
- Set the scene and pick the right environment for you. Make yourself comfortable, have a cuppa ready beside you, a lovely new book to write in, and a pen that flows across the page. Add in a scented candle, and take 5-10 minutes to get in the mood, to calm down and to prepare yourself.
- Start writing. You can either write freestyle, and use whatever comes up in the moment, or there are a number of prompts you can use to get you started, (we will look at prompts next week in more detail).
- Set a timer for around 10 minutes, or whatever works best for you – and try to aim at sitting down at a similar time each and every day.
- Focus on your writing without worrying about grammar or spelling and ignore your inner critic.
- At the end of the time, look back over what you have written and reflect on the experience.
- Date every entry as this will encourage you to remember that specific time and how you felt at that time.
Taking time for yourself matters. Journalling helps you to reflect on your life, and helps you to understand how to become a better you. Journalling brings out our very special creative skills, and values. And remember, whatever you write is right!
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Featured image by CharuTyagi from Pixabay