Journaling for Mental Health

Journaling for Mental Health

We know that journaling can be a very helpful tool. It can help us reduce stress, release our emotions, become self-aware of unhealthy habits/patterns and produce mindfulness.

I'm a huge fan of journal writing in the form of free writing. A free write is writing whatever is on your mind with no judgment, spell or grammar check. It's just to write what you feel and release it. It can be part of a morning routine. You start your day with a free write, release the negativity, cultivate mindfulness and then start your day.?

There are a few other ways we can use journaling as a mental health tool.

1. You can write out your trauma/tough times. The same rules apply- no judgment, spell or grammar check. Many of us hold onto our tough times and don't disclose out of fear of abandonment, judgment or rejection. If you are someone who doesn't share their pain, this can be a very beneficial tool for you. Start out by writing about the situation, what happened, how it made you feel when it happened and how you feel about it today. After writing it out, you might feel a rise in anxiety initially but after a few days, it will start to drop, and you will start to feel healthier and happier. You can write about the same situation over a few days or write about different situations each time. There is no right or wrong. This type of writing gives you the chance to process and unpack what you went through. It can help you make sense of the situation or just understand what you are feeling.?
2. Another way to use journaling to help cultivate happiness is to write about your positive experiences. Writing out the good can be as beneficial as writing out your traumas.?As you write out the good experience, really bring yourself back to the moment. Where were you? Who were you with? How did you feel??Write out all the details. Use your senses. *Remember, memories and experiences are top factors of happiness.
3. The Last option is writing out your future life. This is a coaching exercise that helps people visualize their possibilities and potential. It helps give clarity about the future and your goals. With new year's a month away, it's a great time to write out your possible future self. Write out what you want your life to look like if you were living your best life.?

Sit down, get quiet and pull out the journal and get writing. I suggest taking a week to write out the tough times. A week to write out the good experiences. A few days to write out your future self. Remember, when we write out our goals, we are 42% more likely to accomplish them. Happy Journaling!

For more information, please visit www.dianelang.org or email Diane at [email protected]