Journaling and Mental Health
Journaling and Mental Health: Write your thoughts away
28.03.25 – Maria Plexida
“In the journal, I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.” – Susan Sontag
Writing our thoughts down is proven to be very beneficial for our mental health. Imagine all these thoughts circling around your brain being put in an order and then down on paper. Everything will slowly start to make sense.
You might have had a diary when you were younger or a blog or simply just a piece of paper that you kept track of your everyday life, what you did with your friends, how that “someone” made your stomach go full with butterflies. You were keeping a record of your life.
The benefits of Journaling
According to several studies, Journaling has positive effects on our health, either mental or physical.
- It can put a limit to stress and anxiety: Writing down our thoughts helps us process our emotions better
- Strengthen our self awareness and emotional resilience
- It can confine the vicious circle of overthinking
- It regulates emotions: We can gain better control of overwhelming feelings
- Improves problem-solving skills: Seeing our thoughts down on paper helps us see problems more clear
- Encourages goal setting: Keeping track of our goals makes the progress easier
- It helps us open up more easily
- It lowers blood pressure over time
How to try Journaling
I know sometimes it is easier said than done. We are full of energy and willingness to start and write everyday. And then…days pass and we might forget about it or set journaling for later.
It is important to note that we have to be gentle with ourselves when we start journaling. We don’t need any extra feelings of guilt. Just starting and showing up are enough. There is no wrong way of doing it. We simply are ourselves.
Do what feels right for you: There are no rules when it comes to what we write. Just express what you’re feeling, without worrying about spelling or sentence structure. It is a world of your own and you can say anything, with any means. They may be some drawings or creative additions to it, or simply sentences or even just words that come through your mind at that particular time.
Write anywhere: A piece of paper, a beautiful notebook you bought just for this occasion or just the notes on your phone.
Journaling prompts to help you start
Sometimes we feel stuck and don’t have a clear idea on how and what to write. These are some examples that can help you get started with journaling:
- How do the changes in your life make you feel?
- What are you most anxious or uncertain about?
- What three things are you most grateful for today?
- Name something you fear and why?
- What do you enjoy doing and why?
- What does my ideal day look like?
- What are three ways I can practice self-care today?
- What is something small that made me smile recently?
- What skills do I want to develop, and why?
- What’s one thing I noticed today that I usually overlook?
- When do I feel most connected to myself?
- What is a skill I am proud to have?
To summarise
Even if you want to dedicate a whole hour or just 5 minutes to journaling, the benefits you will see in the long run are sure. You just need to show up and the rest will follow 🙂
If you want to try journaling with other people, and combine it with some gentle movement and meditation, we have the place for you!
Check here for available dates and more information on our Community Circle Workshop.
