Everything You Need to Know About Journaling (Easy Tips for Beginners)

Do you want to start journaling but don’t know where to begin?

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about journaling.

Continue reading further to know how to start the journaling process and make progress.

Journaling has been in practice since ages. People have always liked to keep a record of their lives in form of journals. Many studies reveal the advantages of journaling. It is beneficial in many ways than one.

Benefits of journaling

Writing journal can benefit significantly to your physical and emotional well-being.

Journaling-

• boosts memory
• relieves stress and anxiety
• helps you stay organized
• keeps your thoughts in check
• increases creative power
• encourages self-confidence
• enhances critical thinking

Studies show that journaling can also boost immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

So literally, Your diary can keep you healthy!

Easy ways to start journaling

You can start journaling by using the following ideas-

• write about your day
• write affirmations
• ask yourself questions
• write about memorable experiences
• reflect on your thoughts
• keep a record of your goals and plans

Pick any one of the above each day and start writing.

Creative ideas for journaling

Keep this in mind while journaling

Be true to yourself while writing down your thoughts.

Don’t keep any secrets and pour your heart out on the paper.

Write the journal as if you are talking to yourself.

Free yourself! Don’t be harsh on your feelings.

Avoid judgements. Accept your feelings. Don’t judge yourself for feeling a certain way.

How to make journaling a part of your daily routine

Any activity needs to be practiced regularly for it to become a part of the daily routine-

Create a writing schedule

Setting a journaling time according to your routine can make it easier for you to journal regularly.

Reserve a time slot of at least 15-20 minutes during the day especially dedicated to journaling.

Use your own language

Here, ‘own’ language does not mean your native language or the one you speak. Well you can use that too!

But your own language is simply the one that helps you express yourself the best, effortlessly.

Remember you are writing for yourself. Your only goal should be to write what you feel and not to impress others or even yourself for that matter.

You will impress yourself in wonderful ways once you get completely truthful to your thoughts and write them down.

Set routines for journaling

Try to follow proper journaling routines-

A.M routine

Write in the morning with fresh perspective. Plan your day ahead. Jot down tasks for the day. Write about things you are looking forward to.

It helps you stay positive and organized throughout the day.

P.M routine

Reflect on your day. Record tasks you were able to complete during the day.

This gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence.

Do gratitude journaling at night. This develops optimism.

You look forward for another day with hope in your heart!

Weekly self-reflection

It is not exactly ‘weekly’. You can do it whenever you want- daily/ weekly/ monthly/ anytime.

Self-reflection is you inspecting yourself, your thoughts, your actions, what you are doing to achieve your goals, where you went wrong, your mistakes, your accomplishments, everything.

This is the best way to find out your position in the journey of progress.

In case of accomplishments, reward yourself and pat your back for doing good. However, if mistakes are noticed, rectify them and work towards further improvement.

You become accountable for yourself.

Start a journal today!

Also read: 10 Easy Self-improvement Tips To Achieve Personal Growth