You most likely have an empty notebook somewhere in your dorm room that is just going to waste, so instead of letting it collect dust, consider journaling. I know what you are thinking, “who has the time for that?” or “what will that do for me?” I thought the same thing before I started journaling, but over time I have come to reap the benefits that it has to offer.
1. Provides A Higher Likelihood Of Achieving Goals
Most people start off the new year by writing a list of goals that they would like to accomplish during the year, but usually tend to let them go due to a lack of motivation or being forgetful. According to Psychology Today, “The act of writing down what you are going to do is a strong motivator. Writing down goals prevents you from leaving your goals vague.” I can attest to this because each week I write down a list of goals I would like to achieve from as small as working out 3 times a week to scheduling a doctors appointment. Even if you think you can remember to do these things, having them written down in a concrete place will help to remind you and increase your likelihood of getting everything done.
2. Help Change Thought Patterns
I am a huge supporter of going to therapy and changing unhealthy thinking patterns, and while I am by no means perfect in terms of my mental health, I sure have come a long way in terms of changing some of my unhealthy irrational thoughts. An exercise my therapist told me to do was to write down an irrational thought I was having, and then, write down a more logical thought five times after. This repetition of writing down the thought will not only help you to remember it, but over time it can help you change your beliefs. For example, instead of saying “I am so unproductive and get nothing done ever,” you can say, “I did what I could today, and although, I may not have been as productive as I would have liked to be, at least I was able to get some activities done.” This type of thinking is something that does not come easily as it takes time to reflect on thought patterns and how it is affects your feelings and behaviors.
3. Write Letters To Yourself
Writing letters to yourself might sound odd, but it is essentially the same thing as keeping a diary. In a letter to yourself, you can write about your day, how you are feeling, and other thoughts that you need to get off your chest. If you date these entries, at the end of each month you can go back and reflect on how you got through difficult times and celebrate the accomplishments you had in order to aid in your growth as a person. I also, write letters to other people who are no longer physically with me in my life as a way to cope. I know they will never be able to read them, but the idea of writing them helps me to believe that they are still around. That might not be for everyone, but for those who have lost someone close to them I would suggest writing a letter to them.
Writing in a journal should not be something that you force yourself to do, but you should try to prioritize it as it can provide a sense of clarity and relaxation. If you are not a fan of journaling, there is a new kind of journaling called bullet journaling which is aimed at getting things done in a list like format which might be more beneficial to you. No matter the kind of journaling you decide to pursue, you are sure to reap benefits you would not have had otherwise.