When it comes to establishing a sense of calm and tranquility amidst the chaos, journaling may seem like a no brainer. However, sitting still and contemplating about what to write can be daunting and overwhelming. The thought of having neatly written down pages with grammatically correct sentences, may keep us from opening that one book that’s collecting dust in the corner of the bookshelf.
Well, no more will it feel abandoned and neglected!
We are here to help you create a healthier and more fruitful journaling journey by helping you get rid of your preconceived notions towards journaling, and highlighting what might be stopping you from putting pen to paper
You think everything needs to be ‘Journal Perfect.’
Journaling for beginners can be quite the task with misconceptions surrounding the fact that everything needs to be A+. Good grammar, great handwriting, no cancellation and a good flow of thoughts are not mandatory at all when it comes to journaling well.
Getting those messy, unfinished ideas and thoughts out of your brain and onto the paper is all you need to get started.
Truth be told, we are messy and complicated humans. Writing down our worries and making a list puts things into perspective and helps us deal with it better.
You think you need a specific kind of journal book.
Although there are brands and influencers that do create their versions of what a journal should look like and how theirs could help, that doesn’t mean you can’t do without it.
Their guides are stepping stones that assist you in your journaling ideas.
But if you are on a tight budget, a simple notebook that’s ruled or blank, or whatever you fancy is good too. For under $10, you can get a good quality notebook on Amazon.
As for those with fancy covers, they are beautiful but not compulsory to have. Your journal is for you alone. Don’t worry about what other people will say. If you are someone who likes art, add your personal touch to the cover of your notebook.
You think you need to journal everyday and only a certain amount of pages.
When it comes to writing a diary entry, it’s never too little or too much. It depends on your plan for the day and what you are currently feeling. You can write down for two mins or an hour at a stretch.
As long as you write and are relatively consistent in your practice, that’s considered journaling.
I learnt this approach from certified life coach Taly Elbaum, who helps women thrive, as they create a life that’s meant for them. Her Instagram page is full of valuable insights and gentle reminders to take care of ourselves from time to time.
Now you may be wondering…..
But what do I journal about?
Well, if you have a whirlwind of thoughts floating around in your brain and you aren’t quite sure where to begin, don’t fear!
Sometimes, starting to write may not be as simple as it may seem.
Here are some journaling techniques to help you tackle the challenges of the day…..
What are you grateful for everyday?
Write down three things you are grateful for on that day. Maybe your family is safe and well, or you’re enjoying good health.
Appreciating what you have at that moment helps you see things from a different perspective and start the morning with some sort of calm.
Write down three things that have upset you.
A common misconception when it comes to journaling is that it’s all about positive vibes and everything good.
But let’s be honest here for a moment. We all go through so many emotions and challenges during the day that it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you can’t always speak to someone about what you’re going through, making a diary helps you release those negative emotions.
Generally, this kind of entry is practiced at the end of one’s day. However, it isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Your visions are important.
If you are having a better day than usual, make a note in your journal about all that you wish to achieve or maybe plan to achieve this coming week or few months ahead. Envisioning yourself in the future, helps you center yourself and is a good self care technique.
What are the things you are most afraid of?
Very often, we build up these scenarios in our brain, that may not necessarily exist, but threaten our ability to take the next step whether it’s in our career or social life.
Write down in your journal what scares you the most, while logically thinking about it and find out if it’s something worth stressing over.
We often think we can take care of everything and things will fall in place. However, we can control things within our care and leave the rest upto the universe.
Always remember, your emotions are valid whether you are a kid or an adult. You are human and you are allowed to process what you feel throughout the day.
We all go through tough times. Sometimes it’s not easy to process our emotions.
But, it is good to pause, take a breather, journal your concerns and understand if for the majority of your days in a month or your year, you are pursuing what feels true to your heart.
