Balance

Dear DiaryJournaling for your Mental Health

Written by Jennifer Miller

What if I told you that I knew a place you could let it all out? Where you could say what you want to who, share your darkest secrets, deepest thoughts and most personal fears. Journaling is not just for the angsty middle schooler. It’s a true way to deal with overwhelming emotion and can help manage anxiety, reduce stress and help cope with depression. Your journal is a space with no judgement, no punishment and no limits.

Journaling can help identify common themes or triggers in your day to day life which will in turn help you find more understanding of the issue.

Helping clear your mind is the number one benefit of journaling. Leaving the thoughts on the page helps you take a step back and see the problem from a different perspective. Journaling can help prioritize problems, fears or concerns. It can also help you identify negative behaviors and thoughts. As you journal more consistently you;ll start to notice common patterns and stressors. Formulating a plan and finding resolve won’t seem so daunting after that. You’ll also find it easier to track moods and triggers to those moods which will help you better control them.

How to Journal:

DO IT DAILY // Set aside 10 to 15 minutes everyday to just write. Find a comfortable place where you feel safe and can have a few uninterrupted minutes.

KEEP IT SIMPLE // It doesn’t need to be fancy. Or maybe it does! Go get yourself a leather bound journal and ball point pen. Or maybe an old school composition book is more your style. Whatever gets the pen to paper.

DITCH THE GUILT // There are no rules. No one is grading it or asking you to read it aloud. Don’t censor yourself or correct your grammar. Structure is simply not allowed. If you feel like drawing, draw. If song lyrics speak to you, write those out. If it’s easier to write your entry as a letter to yourself, or someone else, go for it! You won’t be sending it!

JOURNALING IS JUST FOR YOU // You’ll find, as time goes on, you’ll start to get to know yourself a little better and maybe be able to be a little more honest with yourself. You don’t need to start with a bang, simply start where you are. Leave it all on the paper and see where it takes you. As the catchy En Vogue song goes…. “Free your mind and the rest will follow.” w