Journaling is one of the oldest self-help practices in existence. It dates back to the 10th century and has only grown in popularity since. Today, millions of people write down their thoughts, doodles, and aspirations in their journals to help improve their lives.
So, what is the appeal with journaling?
Discover four main reasons that drive so many to continue to use this age-old technique. It could inspire you to continue to journal or even begin.
1. Journaling Relieves Stress
Journaling is a great tool for relieving stress. Getting your thoughts, emotions, and goals written on paper and visually in front of you, it helps clear these words from your mind. By “emptying your brain”, you are automatically left feeling calmer and more relaxed.
In addition, journaling can be used to analyze your issues. When you can clearly work out solutions to the problems you are facing, it helps you feel more in control. In turn stress is reduced which makes you happier and relaxed.
2. It Boosts Mental Health
Journaling is scientifically proven to improve mental health by relieving the symptoms of depression, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
Think about this…how easy is it to get lost inside your own head?
Everyone has an inner critic. Many are able to reign it in tight and keep it under control without it overwhelming them. But for others it can prove to be overpowering. If you have trouble switching off your inner critic, journaling can help…it provides a method to address negative thinking and switch to a more positive mindset.
The longer you journal over time, the more mental health benefits you’ll experience. After your first month of journaling, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your mood.
3. Journaling Provides Amazing Health Benefits
As discussed above, journaling boosts mental health. In addition, it is also great for physical health. Many studies have shown that journaling on a regular basis can:
- Boost your immune system.
- Improve your memory.
- Help you recover from trauma.
- Improve cardiovascular health.
Many of these health issues are brought on by stress and negativity. Journaling allows you to empty your negative and stressful feelings onto another medium, emptying them from your mind. This in turn promotes a positive outlook which can exponentially improve your physical health.
So, if you are looking to become healthier both mentally and physically, keep a daily journal.
4. It Improves Every Facet of Your Life
Use journaling to better yourself in every possible way…such as:
- Want to lose weight?
A journal helps you to set goals and track your progress. It also helps you to identify what it is that is making you keep the weight on…maybe poor eating habits or emotional eating.
- Do you need to improve your relationship?
- Are you having trouble sleeping?
- Do you want to become healthier or decrease stress?
Use daily journaling to improve all of these and more.
There really is no limit to what journaling can help you achieve.
Journaling is Fun and Good for You...Start Today?
These are just a few health examples of why journaling is so popular.
Journaling used to only consist of writing down your thoughts. Today there are many different ways to practice it.
Research the different types before choosing which one is right for you. For instance, do you know why bullet journaling is GREAT for everyone and what are its 7 best benefits? For a place to start your journaling adventure, click here for more information.
