Have You Tried Journaling and Then Stopped?
Have You Tried Journaling and Then Stopped?
These tips could help you make a lasting habit to aid creativity and mental health.
Last week, I caught up with my sister. I'm not sure how it happened, but we got onto the subject of journaling. Her words were, ‘You don’t still keep a diary, do you? You had one when we were kids.’
It made me realise what a big part of my life journalling has been and how valuable it is to my mental health and creative process. It is, however, not always easy to know where to start, which is what I am aiming to help you all do.
My first tip is to start small. Don’t over-commit because nothing will make you stop more than an impossible task. The idea is to build tiny habits and add to these as time goes on.
One of my favourite journal techniques is a gratitude diary. Every day, I share three things for which I am grateful. Many days, these are related to my children, but sometimes, it is as simple as turning the tap on and receiving clean, drinkable water.
Another popular quick method, which I also do, is to write a sentence a day. I chose this as a highlight; Austin Kleon writes a quote that amazes him. Just one every day. Whatever you choose, this is another excellent way to start a small habit.
Once you start more long-form journaling, you may be drawn to general writing or more prescriptive journal prompts. Morning pages are extremely popular with creative people. This involves writing three pages, of stream of consciousness writing. Although called morning pages, because it should be the first thing you do, you can write them anytime. I found the evening worked well for me.
If this doesn’t interest you, you might like to try these journalling prompts to get started.
How am I feeling today?
What am I looking forward to this week?
What have I learned recently that I didn’t know before?
Who do I admire and why
What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?
One prompt that I have used recently is to describe what my ideal life would look like in five years. From this prompt, you can plan how to achieve that lifestyle and take tiny steps towards that life.
My final journaling tip is one that I will start this month and is especially useful to writers. Every day, describe one thing you heard, one you smelt and one you saw. Put as much detail in these as possible.
For all my journalling, I prefer pen and paper. There is something very therapeutic about slowing down and writing by hand. This is not to say you shouldn’t use a computer. There are several good applications that can help you, such as Day One and Apple’s Journal.
The secret is whichever method you choose, just start and make it as easy to complete as possible. Put your notepad near the kettle for your morning cuppa if you want to do morning pages. Set up a reminder on your phone if you want to use an application.
Start small and build on your successes. Start journalling this week. I promise you will not be sorry.
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Until next week stay safe
Sam 😊
Quote of the week
The very act of writing it down made her realize how easy it would be to forget, how important it would be from now on to put everything, everything, down on paper. — Donna Tartt
