Anxiety, Depression and Trauma: Exploring the Wonders of Journaling (+ 7 Tips) 

I typically journal every morning. Often when I wake up, I have the day weighing on my mind. As I’m sure most of us do. If I jump right into my day without journaling, I feel rushed. Scattered. Overwhelmed. Journaling helps me set the tone of the day. Rid myself of any negative thoughts (or at least set them free on the page). Make lists. And prioritize what needs to be done. 

Journaling isn’t just something that’s helpful at the start of my day, but throughout my day too. When I get overwhelmed, I journal. When I get anxious, angry, overjoyed, I journal. Basically, I use journaling to talk to myself throughout the day. I use it to keep myself on course. And to check in with myself to make sure I’m okay. 

Journaling is a best friend. A therapist. A safe place you always have to go. And when journaling, you can be your true self. You can be raw on the page. And let yourself shine through. 

So if you’re curious about the wonders of journaling, or even if you already journal, here are some tips:

1. Don’t worry about how you sound. Remember that journaling is just for you. No one else is going to read it (at least, they shouldn’t). So don’t worry about how well you write or what you sound like. Just try to get your raw voice onto the page. 
2. Forgot about spelling, grammar and mechanics. None of it matters when you’re journaling. I am a terrible speller, for example, but when journaling, I just sound it out. If I stopped to look up a word every time I didn’t know how to spell it, I’d end my thought, stifle myself, which I never want to do. 
3. Journal by hand or type into the Notes section on your phone. Journaling should feel joyful, not like a task. Journal in a way that works best for you. You can even speak into Google Docs or the Notes section on your phone. 
4. Journal in the morning, throughout the day and at night. As I mentioned above, journaling can help with anxiety in the morning and throughout the day, and you can keep a gratitude journal at night to help you reflect on all that you were grateful for during the day. 
5. Reflect on what you’ve written. You can do this once a week, a month, a quarter, etc. Whenever you do it, have the intention of reading and learning about yourself. 
6. Use your journals to set goals. After you reflect, take some time to think about what you really want and set goals. 
7. Consider journaling to be your time. Whenever you journal, make it a time in the day just for you. Light a candle, drink something yummy, curl up on your couch with a soft blanket, etc. Make it about you. 

Whatever ways you journal, may you explore all the wonders and experience all the joys. Happy writing! 

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