Reasons You Should Keep Journal + How to Get Started

We are all aware that we need to be doing things that are good for us. Self-care is absolutely important, but the trendy type of self-care sometimes pushes us to try expensive options that don't actually have huge benefits. Keeping a journal is an easy, almost free form of self-care that has a massive positive impacts.

Health benefits 

While it might seem surprising, studies should that journaling can improve your physical health. I'd like to think that this is the reason I've rarely gotten sick, but I'm also aware that a variety of factors probably contribute to this.

Stress Management 

Writing down your thoughts can help you get rid of negative emotions. The process of sitting with your thoughts and sifting through them can allow you to focus on what's most important to you. For me, journaling is one of the best ways that I cope with stress.

Creativity 

Chances are that you already know that artists of all kinds keep journals. You might find it super helpful to have a place to write down the random thoughts that flit through your mind. Every idea may not be golden, but having a low-stakes medium to play around with can allow you to try out new ideas.

Reflection

Journaling can help with reflection in two ways. First, it can provide a way for you to gather your thoughts about recent occurrences or issues in your life. Second, journaling can allow you to look back at events in your past. For example, if you've already been through a situation once looking back at previous journals might be helpful in deciding what to do next.

Self-Discovery

We spend so much time consuming media that figuring out where the line stops between who we are and who we think we have to be can be almost impossible. Sitting alone with your thoughts can give you the space to discover who you are and what you want from life.



Now, I will acknowledge that there are probably some people who have no interest in keeping a journal and who, as a result, wouldn't benefit from keeping one. But, if you've read this far, you are more than likely interested in keeping a journal.

You're in luck because keeping a journal is actually super easy.

Just to be clear upfront, your journal does not have to be

• boring
• organized
• perfect
• time consuming
• instagrammable

If you're worried about any of these things, don't be. There is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. Your journal doesn't have to be like mine or like anyone else's.

You just need to know a few things before you begin.

1. What materials do you want to use? Your materials can be as simple as getting a cheap notebook and picking up any random pen that you have lying around. I like to use a sketchbook because it has thick paper and no lines. Turns out that despite the moleskine hype, I personally don't like using them for a journal. I also enjoy using stabilo pens. But, it's more important to get into a habit of writing in your journal rather than putting off getting started while you search for the perfect materials.
2. When do you want to write? Creating a routine for journaling makes it infinitely more likely that you'll stick with writing. Do you want to write in the morning, after work, before bed, or whenever? Does it need to be every day or maybe just one evening a week? It's ok to miss days or to change your routine as needed, but try to link journaling to another habit to make sure that it happens consistently.
3. What do you want to write about? Your journal might be a hodgepodge or you might have something more specific in mind. In the past, I've found that writing "today, I did..." gets boring. I've used journal prompts before. After getting used to the habit of journaling regularly, I've become more freeform. You can start one way and change as you go along. Your journal is entirely for you.

Keeping a journal is such a useful self-care practice. Start simple at first and experiment as you go.

If you already keep a journal, how has it helped you and what advice do you have for others? Share in the comments below.

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