Back in 2016 I wrote a post about why you should journal and how to start. I detailed how I first got interested in journaling (and described all of the journals I’d had up until that point because why not) and how you could become a journal-er yourself. I respect what Alyssa of 6 years ago had to say on this topic and I’ve filled many more journals since then.
However, I’ve realized that different techniques are needed to keep this habit consistent and helpful when there isn’t as much free time between classes and clubs to take advantage of. Today I am going to share my updated tips for getting the most out of your journal and how to make it work for you!
Have a “why”
In 2015 I wrote a post about why journaling is essential and called out benefits, like always having a friend to talk to and having a record of your life. These are things that important to me, but it may not be important to you! You’ve probably read that journaling is good for the general “you,” but you have to figure out what you will personally get out of it.
As time has gone on I’ve realized that journaling is a way for me to work through my thoughts and feelings, as well as a great tool for expressing gratitude. If you’re interested in starting or getting back into the habit of journaling it’s worthwhile to think about what you most need from writing and remembering that often.
Make it easy
There is no one right way to journal. When you have an idea of the “right” way to do things it is so much easier to become discouraged if you don’t live up to these make believe standards.
While I love to do a long recap when I’ve skipped days of journaling, that may be too much pressure or sound like no fun to you – just pick up your pen and start writing in the present!
There are many examples of these “shoulds” (write everyday, write a page a day, write three things you’re grateful for), but the reality is that your journal is for you and you alone, so make it easy for yourself to enjoy whatever it looks like for you.
I like to write a recap of my day and what I’m currently feeling, but I know many people like to respond to prompts or use guided journals. You can do a quick Pinterest search for journaling prompts and have tons to choose from.
Create a ritual
I just finished saying that you can do journaling your own way, but there is no doubt that there is benefit in journaling consistently (but that could be once a day, once a week, once a month). Making a ritual out of journaling is a way that I have recently revitalized my enjoyment of the practice and made it an activity I look forward to again.
Whenever it works out in my schedule, I take my journal on a Sunday morning date to a cafe, I sit at a perfect seat in the window, and I spend as much undistracted time writing as I want. It always makes me feel refreshed and happy and at peace after I have a solid journaling session in a calming place.
Your ritual could include a certain time of day and place, or maybe a certain playlist or snack to accompany your journaling time. Whatever it is, make sure it’s an enjoyable and relaxing experience that you would want to seek out.
Are you a journal-er? Do you have tips that make this easy for you?
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