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I have mentioned journaling as a self-care tip on Self Love Script many times because it’s proven to be great at helping with mental health and organizing your thoughts, among many other things.
Though I’ve mentioned journaling before, I’ve personally never actually journaled and stuck to it (at least after age 14… boy were those some funny journal entries) – and maybe you’re the same way.
Check out this post I really love for how to get started with journaling from ASerenePursuit.com.
So, I wanted to challenge myself to try something new, and I really need some more structure in my life these days with working from home now and everything seeming kind of chaotic and off its normal cycle.
I have really noticed being quarantined negatively affecting my life, particularly my levels of energy and motivation.
I have had seemingly no energy the past couple of weeks, and in turn, I have been eating tons of junk food that makes me feel sluggish and even more tired.
I’ve also not worked out in weeks – something I used to enjoy almost daily – I’m a gym-goer, so not being able to go to the gym has really taken a toll on me over the past two months of staying at home. At-home workouts just don’t do it for me. I don’t enjoy them.
I have heard many things about the positive impacts of journaling on mental health.
I figured one good habit I could implement that would be semi-easy to stick to (for at least a week!) would be journaling. Maybe writing down my thoughts everyday and starting each day off on the right foot could really help my mental state and energy levels.
Some of the benefits of journaling that I’ve learned from a little bit of research include improving our sense of optimism (definitely need some of that right now), enhancing creativity, and what I’m really excited about – improving self-discipline and willpower.
Read more on the benefits of journaling here.
All of these things tie in directly with being stuck at home and having no energy or motivation.
And as much as I want to put good things into my body, finish the book I really enjoy reading, and participate in movement that honors my body and helps me feel my best – it is just not happening right now with my current mindset.
Hopefully journaling can help me with this, and in turn – help you too!
In case you’re wondering, I am using this bullet journal.
I’m challenging myself to journal every day for a week. Let’s get started.
Day One
What I wrote about: I made a list of what I did today that made me feel good! Giving myself a pedicure, doing a face mask, going on a walk, making sweet potato fries.
How I felt throughout the day: I felt amazing this day!
Other things I felt good about doing: I was motivated to have a great, productive day filled with self-care.
Day Two
What I wrote about: I woke up this day with pain in my neck, so I wrote about that, and despite the immense pain I was feeling, I still managed to have a great day!
How I felt throughout the day: Optimistic, kind, energized
Other things I felt good about doing: I ate vegan all day long, which made me feel incredible.
Day Three
What I wrote about: Staying positive despite my neck still hurting (update: it’s better now, but I had to change my sleep position and buy a new pillow).
How I felt throughout the day: Happy, motivated
Other things I felt good about doing: Going on a walk with my sister and my pup!
Day Four
What I wrote about: Wanting to put a better focus on my goals and living a healthier lifestyle
How I felt throughout the day: Feeling weak, unhealthy, just down about myself – but also positive about changing some things
Other things I felt good about doing: I was happy that I realized I needed to make some healthy lifestyle changes, but also was not shaming myself or putting myself down about it.
Day Five
What I wrote about: DIY projects with my sister, weekends with my family
How I felt throughout the day: Happy, energized, positive, outgoing
Other things I felt good about doing: Painting furniture, a quarantine-friendly adventure to Walmart
Day Six
What I wrote about: How it’s so important for me to keep doing good things for myself and my future
How I felt throughout the day: Great, confident
Other things I felt good about doing: Putting my foot down about something personal in my life!
Day Seven
What I wrote about: How I journaled successfully for a week straight, job opportunities at work
How I felt throughout the day: Great! Excited, happy
Other things I felt good about doing: Making a to-do list and doing everything on it!
Overall, I found journaling to be an absolutely wonderful addition to my daily life. I felt less anxious because I was letting out my true feelings without having to deal with anyone else’s opinions.
Not only that, but I’ve been eating better and going on frequent walks with my dog and my boyfriend. I don’t know if that directly relates to journaling, but I am definitely feeling a whole lot better overall!
I think journaling becomes not only easier, but more effective if you use prompts or daily questions to journal about.
I was gifted the Q&A a Day for the Soul – Five Year Journal and have been using this for my morning journaling time. It has some thought-provoking questions, which helps get my brain working in the morning, while also keeping me grounded with gratitude.
Check out my Pinterest board all about Journaling for Beginners!
Now, I have 30 minutes in the morning allotted for getting myself out of bed, getting ready, and journaling/practicing gratitude.
I think the busier life gets, the more it becomes crucial to make sure we have time devoted to being with our thoughts and remembering to take things one day at a time, while enjoying life’s little moments.
Are you an avid journal-er? A newbie? Someone who never journals? Leave your thoughts in the comments or reach out to me on Instagram! I’d love to hear from you.
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