Health & Wellness
The Art and Benefits of Journaling: A Guide to Getting Started
By Jenifer Mason – July 19, 2024
Recent Blogs
Sweater Weather Chic: 2024 Fall Fashion Essentials!
Fall Fashion 2024 Sweater Weather Chic: 2024 Fall Fashion Essentials! As the leaves start to turn and the air gets that perfect crispness, it’s officially time to swap out those summer dresses...
10 Last-Minute Christmas Host Gifts That Feel Personal & Thoughtful!
Buying Host Gifts this Holiday Season 10 Last-Minute Christmas Host Gifts That Feel Personal & Thoughtful! We’ve all been there—between the holiday parties, last-minute shopping, and...
10 Last-Minute Host Gifts – Host Gifts that Feel Personal & Thoughtful
Buying Host Gifts this Holiday Season 10 Last-Minute Christmas Host Gifts That Feel Personal & Thoughtful! We’ve all been there—between the holiday parties, last-minute shopping, and...
15 Stunning Fall Porch DIYs 🍁 | Modern & Budget-Friendly Decor Hacks You’ll Love!
As autumn's crisp air arrives, it's time to make your front porch cozy and welcoming. This article shares 15 stunning, budget-friendly DIY ideas for your entryway. You'll find easy and affordable...
Essential Airbnb Amenities That Guests Love!
Having the right amenities is crucial for providing your guests with the best stay and gives you the best chance of receiving 5-star reviews. It's a...
Chic on a Budget: Top Restoration Hardware Dupes You’ll Love
I LOVE Restoration Hardwares timeless elegant pieces. The major downside is of course the Restoration Hardware prices. I learned a trick by accident one day...turns out you can find similar peices...
Level Up Your Closet – 5 Must-have Items to Keep Your Closet organized
I've spent way too much time scouring the internet looking for stylish organizational items for my closet so you don't have to. Here are 5 Must-have items to add to your closet that are unique and...
Earn Extra Income with Ease: Renting Out Your Spare Room on Vrbo Made Simple
I don't want to jinx myself here, but I think I might be onto something... If you've considered renting out a spare room in your home to earn extra income, but weren't sure if it would even be...
Essential Items for Short-Term Home Rentals: Must-Have Supplies for a Perfect Stay
Essential Short-term Rental ItemsNewsletterSign up for my newsletter and get exclusive tips, workouts, wellness, and decor inspo delivered straight to your inbox. AboutContact
Vrbo Bedroom Must Haves
Shop Vrbo Bedroom Essentials UTopia Pillows Garment Rack Mattress Protector Full Length Mirror "64 x 21" Feather Comforter - Queen Quiet Set - Tower Fan ...
Published July 2024
A
mid the chaos of daily life, journaling could be the key to unlocking insights, untangling emotions, and shaping a more mindful intentional existence.
There was a time I felt intimidated by journaling as an adult, either I wouldn’t know where to start or even worse what might pour out of me if I really stopped to take the time to assess my feelings. Well – one existential crisis / awakening later and journaling has become an absolute MUST for me.
So, if you’re looking to dig deeper into journal writing with some self-reflection prompts, or are new to journaling and are not sure how to begin, or just want find an adorable journal to write about your secret crush in – I’m here to help!
If you are in the market for a new journal, give one of these a try
Every day is a New Beginning
CAGIE Lined Journals
Switch Research 91-Day Self-Love
Tips For Getting Started
Pick a journal writing time that works best for you and make it a habit to write daily for maximum benefit. Just like anything else, once you are consistent, journaling becomes easier over time and it’s fun once you find your flow state.
Are you a start the day off on the right foot morning journal-er?
-
- Journaling in the morning allows you to capture your ideas when your brain is fresh – ya know – before you’re bombarded with thoughts of all the tasks you need to complete for the day. “Run the day or it may run you” – is something I like to say.
- It helps with setting intentions and a tone for your day, reinforcing the habit of self-reflection and personal growth.
- You can outline and prioritize, which helps you stay focused throughout the day.
- Creative thinking tends to take place in the morning when your mind is more open to new ideas, making it a perfect time to explore insights.
Here are some morning mindset journals to get you started
Morning Mindset: A Daily Journal to get you in the best headspace every day
The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to start every day
The SaltWrap Sunrise Manifesto: Daily Morning Guided Journal for gratitude, mindfulness, wellness, self-care for women and men
Are you a night time relaxation and deep reflection journal-er?
-
- Reflect on the day: whether you faced challenges, accomplishments, or both – journaling at night provides closure and a chance for you to process emotions or lessons learned.
- Provides an opportunity to practice gratitude, which is known to promote a positive mindset, and improve overall well-being.
- May serve as a chance for you to decompress and relax. Preparing your mind to get a good nights sleep.
- Enhances personal insight and self-awareness by examining your thoughts and behavior. Leading to introspection and valuable insight into your personal growth journey.
Here are some morning mindset journals to get you started
Night Journal: Guided prompt for reflecting on the day
52-Week Mental Health Journal: Guided Prompts and Self-reflection to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being
Gratitude and Grit: A Journal for Growing Resilience
Here are Some Additional Benefits
Journaling engages the mind, body, and brain. There are many areas of the brain that get activated and this helps process information and emotions easier.
Writing by hand is a lot slower than our capacity to think, which forces us to be present. It helps us to engage in our senses rather than our sometimes unsettled mind.
When we write things down the amygdala (part of our brain responsible for processing emotions and triggering fight/flight/freeze reactions calms down and as journaling becomes a habit, we’re better able to process our emotions, and no longer experience them with the same intensity.
When we write things down in general, information passes easier from our short term memory to our long term memory.
Reflective Journaling
Say you’re ready for some deep reflection and you’re not sure where to even start, here are some journal prompts that might help:
1. What are my core values, and how do they influence my decisions and actions?
2. How do I handle adversity or difficult situations? What strategies can I use to improve my resilience?
3. Describe a recent moment of joy or gratitude. What factors contributed to this positive experience?
4. What are my long-term career aspirations? How can I align my daily actions with these goals?
5. How do my relationships impact my overall well-being? Are there any relationships that I need to nurture or improve?
6. Describe a recent moment of mindfulness or inner peace. How did I achieve this state, and how can I incorporate more mindfulness into my daily life?
7. How do I spend my leisure time, and does it align with my values and goals?
Journaling for Anxiety & Depression
1. What situations or events tend to trigger my anxiety?
2.Describe how anxiety feels in my body. Where do I feel it most intensely?
3. Are there recurring negative thought patterns or “cognitive distortions” associated with my anxiety? (e.g., catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking)
4. What coping strategies have been effective in reducing my anxiety in the past?
5. Reflect on moments of calm or relief from anxiety. What factors contributed to these moments?
6. What specific steps can I take to manage my anxiety proactively?
7. Track changes in my anxiety levels over time. Are there patterns or trends in my anxiety episodes?
8. Describe how depression feels for me. What physical sensations and emotions do I experience?
9. Are there specific situations, people, or events that trigger or exacerbate my feelings of depression?
10. What are common negative thoughts or beliefs I have about myself, others, or the future?
11. How do I typically respond to myself when I’m feeling depressed? Am I self-critical or compassionate?
12. Who are the people in my life who provide support or comfort during difficult times?
13. Describe moments of joy or relief from depression. What activities or experiences bring me temporary comfort?
14. Write down positive affirmations or qualities about myself that I can focus on during challenging times.
15. How can creative activities (e.g., writing, art, music) serve as outlets for expressing and processing my emotions?
16. Track changes in my mood and energy levels over time. Are there patterns or trends in my mood fluctuations?
There are Journals for Fun - Have you Heard of the Wreck it Journal?
This Journal is meant to be destroyed (if you wish). It has prompts for painting, shredding, and transforming.
Before, I knew this existed I was wrecking and stapling bits from napkins to insert into my journals – this is way better of course.
Other Fun Journals
From personal reflections to practical tips, journaling has become an essential practice in my own journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re diving into journaling for the first time, seeking new prompts to enrich your practice, setting intentions, or documenting all your epiphanies (like me), there’s a guided journal to capture all of it.
Ready to dive in? Explore the recommended journals above and discover the joy of journaling for yourself.
Jenifer Mason
fitness enthusiast. Founder of BalancedLivin.
You can email her at heyitsjenifer@yahoo.com