There’s something special about the spring air that encourages me to start fresh. This season of rebirth is known to signify a brand new chapter. I find myself searching for new self-care practices, hobbies and new beginnings. If you are also looking for healthy habits to pick up this spring, look no further! Journaling has become one of my favorite parts of the day in the past few years. Whether I am writing to-do lists, recounting fond memories, or simply getting heavy thoughts off my mind, journaling is a self-care practice that I believe everyone can benefit from.
Here are some reasons why you should start a journal this season…
Journaling can help to regularly practice gratitude. Expressing thankfulness for the good things in life is so important and can increase your overall happiness and self-awareness. A simple prompt I like to use at the end of the day is writing one good thing that happened to me, one person I am thankful for and one thing I am looking forward to. This exercise may be small, but it is instantly grounding and boosts my mood.
Journaling is also very effective for reducing stress. When we have negative thoughts overwhelming our minds, sometimes the only way to feel better is by expressing them. Putting these thoughts and emotions on paper is a healthy and easy way to do so. Plus, it can be helpful to look back at how you were feeling during difficult times. Growing to understand your emotions and their origins is an incredible piece of self-discovery, that is very possible through journaling. In all honesty, sometimes we just need to vent. Your journal can be the perfect place to do so.
As I mentioned previously, spring is a time of new beginnings. What better season to set some new goals? Effectively journaling your goals can help recenter thoughts and remind you of what you want to achieve. Writing down your goals for the day, the month, the year and five years in the future is a motivating practice like no other.
Finally, and most importantly, journaling is fun. It is such an individual and personal experience because the possibilities it provides are endless. If you need a sign, this is it. Buy a journal and write about all your favorite moments. Write down song lyrics or lines from movies. Create poetry. Draw doodles in the margins. Put stickers all over the pages. Make your journal your safe space and have endless fun doing it.
I promise, you won’t regret it.