4 Simple Tips to Make Journaling Easier

Did you have a diary when you were a kid?

Did you fill it with dreams, hopes, goals, and secret thoughts (maybe some about your current crush)?

You were on the right track. Studies show that journaling has many health benefits. Putting pen to paper and releasing the words in your head is a powerful way to relieve stress and process emotions, especially during tough times.

By freeing yourself from negative, undesirable and unwanted thoughts and digging into your deepest feelings and desires, you will find it easier to release the feelings and emotions associated with them.

It also allows you to organize your thoughts so you can recognize cause and effect. It helps you to distance yourself from your experiences for a better shot at understanding them and gaining insights.

If you’re struggling with a challenging time in your life, it might be helpful to take time to reflect and sort through your feelings and emotions then write them down.

Journaling is a mindfulness practice that can reduce stress and anxiety and help you sort out confusing emotions, yet you put it off because it seems like it may take up too much time and energy. Or, you simply can't figure out when to do it.

Here are tips that might make it easier to do:

?? NO RULES. Journals come in whatever form you feel most comfortable with: fancy faux leather, index cards, voice memo, Google doc. You decide how you want to journal. Everything counts.

?? NO NOVELS. Start small. Even writing one sentence a day can get you in the habit. It’s okay to ease your way into it.

?? USE A TIMER. Consider setting a timer to remind yourself to set aside 10 or 15 minutes a day to jot your thoughts down.

?? BRING IT. Always have your journal with you so anytime inspiration or a nagging thought hits, you have a place to write it down.

BOTTOM LINE. Journaling doesn’t have to be hard. If it’s something you enjoy, you're much more likely to make it part of your life.

Journaling can be a place for healing.

If you’re going through difficult times or facing some challenges I have something for you.

I've created my guided journal Your Path to Inner Peace to help people through complicated emotions they may be experiencing. In this journal you will find a 5-step process that combines mindfulness practices and journaling prompts to help you move through these moments.

You can access your copy here.

Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you find clarity when things get cloudy.