Why you Should be Journaling

After the New Year, I decided to begin journaling as a healthy coping mechanism. I wanted to have documentation of my mental health journey and see myself grow. Since starting, I have noticed that it has helped me work through my thoughts and I highly recommend others trying it out. 

Outlet for Venting 

Life can be overwhelming sometimes. At these times, it is normal to feel the urge to vent to a friend or family member. However, sometimes it is helpful to have another outlet to express your emotions, especially a self-reliant outlet. Letting out your emotions through writing does not pass on the emotional weight to another person; therefore, it is a more thoughtful way of dealing with strong emotions.

Processing Emotions 

I found that journaling has provided me a space to process my emotions free of other opinions and outside bias. As writing is a slower process than speaking, it slows me down and makes me consider the words that best describe my feelings at a point in time. This provides me with the opportunity to look at how I am healthily processing my emotions. After writing down my current thoughts, it feels as though a weight is lifted off my shoulders as the thoughts are no longer constantly on my mind. 

Turning your Brain off 

I always write in my journal at the very end of my day. I can get out any lingering thoughts or feelings that I would have typically over thought while trying to sleep. It is an amazing way to end the day as it feels like closure for chaotic days. A bonus is that it gives your eyes a break from the constant screens before sleeping! 

Reflecting 

Journaling allows you the opportunity to think about and possibly make changes to your life. When reflecting on the day, you want to write about something that you are excited about; therefore, it could help you make changes to live a life you actually want to be living. In the long-term, journaling gives you the ability to go back and see what was going on in your life and how you felt about it at the time. It is interesting to see yourself grow and change your opinions and outlook on life. 

Journaling is therapeutic and can drastically change how you handle your mental health. It made me confront and think about how I am feeling rather than just burying myself in work. Even if it is not every single day, writing down a journal entry every few days or even once a week can be extremely beneficial for your life.