Journaling is an underrated form of personal therapy. Not only does it help to release bottled up emotions, journaling creates a safe space to share everything that weighs heavy on your mind and heart. I began journaling in high school as an outlet for anxiety and stress. It helped me so much and I felt that I had a judgment-free space to vent and dump out all of my emotions. It has worked wonders for my anxiety and works well when I’m in need of emotional dumping without having to share with others (because sometimes I just don’t want to talk).
Some of my best ideas are written on paper. I believe that there is power in putting pen on paper to manifest your desires. Usually, I keep a journal close by when I’m scrolling though social media or even meditating to help organize ideas and goals I have. This also helps with my blog planning, trip itineraries, and personal goals that I create. I have a problem with storing everything in my head until I become overwhelmed and stressed out, so journaling literally helps with everything!
Also, in every Full Moon Release Yoga Workshop I have hosted, I’ve included a journaling portion and have received great feedback on it. I decided that since we work on releasing in the class, journaling helps to highlight what serves us and what needs to be released, and it truly works. I really love teaching people how to implement journaling into their lives.
Here are just a few benefits of journaling:
- Great for writing down insights during meditations.
- Brings awareness (to desires, traumas, triggers, etc.).
- Teaches you how to express yourself, especially emotionally.
- Pinpoints patterns.
- Aids in goal & intention setting.
- Creates a baseline for self-discipline.
- Assists with stress & emotions and anxiety.
- Helps to trace your growth.
- Can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
There are so many ways you can implement journaling into your life, whether it’s once in the morning or just when you need to release. There is no right or wrong way to journal. Recently, I have personally been using The Five Minute Journal daily and I absolutely love it. It’s a gratitude journal that has simple prompts for every morning and evening.
It’s a very popular journal at the moment, currently viral on TikTok and it’s for a good reason! This journal is great for beginners who don’t really know where to start and aren’t looking for something tpo time consuming. I also recommend it to anyone who would like a gratitude journal, it’s a great way to start your day and end your night.
Some of the best guided journals are:
If you’re someone who just wants to free write, you can find amazing plain notebooks at TJMaxx or Marshalls! I’ve purchased so many super cute ones from both stores and they’re usually only about $7. I use mine for open journaling, lists, planning, and even recipes. The options are endless. You can also find really great journal prompts online and on Pinterest.
If you have other journals you love and recommend, please leave a comment and tell me your favorites. ❤