Why Journaling Is Powerful – The Positive Ways It Can Transform Your Life

Whether you’re journaling to process your emotions or to cure boredom, there’s no denying the powerful benefits that come along with this practice. We’re diving into why journaling is powerful, as well as our favorite tips and tricks to help you get the words flowing effortlessly. Let’s dive in.

What Is Journaling?

Journaling is the act of writing down your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and memories (or anything really!) to express and connect with yourself.

There aren’t any rules when it comes to journaling and how you choose to journal is for you to decide. (But don’t worry, we’ve got the tips and tricks to help you get started.)

Why Journaling Is Powerful & The Wonderful Ways It Can Transform Your Life

There are many incredible reasons why journaling is powerful. It allows you to manifest your dreams, record your travels, learn about yourself, or reflect on life events.

But you might be surprised at the long list of benefits journaling has for your mental health beyond exploring pastimes!

Journaling Can Help Reduce Stress And Anxiety

This may be the most powerful benefit of journaling. Have you noticed when you talk to someone about how you’re feeling, your mood improves? After sharing your thoughts or problems, you start to look at things in a clear, more levelheaded way.

Well, journaling is similar. The thoughts and feelings have somewhere to go, meaning they don’t stay bottled up inside. Writing in your journal frees up any tension and emotional blockage to relieve stress and improve your mood.

Journaling Helps You Self-Reflect And Focus On Yourself

Life can be pretty hectic. And it doesn’t always allow us the time to give our brain and thinking mind a break to connect with ourselves. Journaling allows you a healthy moment of rest to reflect on your state of mind.

We’re often busy tending to the needs of others, and journaling helps make sure our needs are met too.

Journaling Helps You Practice Gratitude

By regularly writing about what you are grateful for, you might start to see life through a new lens. Practicing gratitude can provide a mood boost, shift your perspective and remind you of all the wondering things in your world.

Plus, you’ll probably notice you experience a profound increase of positive thoughts after you count the blessings in your life.

Journaling Helps You Work Towards Your Goals

Think of all the New Year’s resolutions we set but often forget about (guilty.) When you regularly write about and read your goals, they become ingrained in your mind.

You will be able to hold yourself accountable and check in on your progress by rereading your old entries. Plus, you can identify any limiting beliefs or behaviors you need to change.

Journaling Helps You Build A Better Relationship With Yourself

A relationship with ourselves is just as important as the meaningful relationships we have with the ones we love. Journaling is a powerful tool that helps us understand ourselves better, to create a deeper connection with ourselves.

You may choose to use journaling to heal from past trauma. Discover what makes you happy, or figure out challenges or negative thinking patterns you’d like to overcome. The options for self-improvement and growth are truly endless.

What Do I Write About?!

Now you know why journaling is powerful, you’re probably eager to get started with your practice! But for most people, deciding what to write about is the hardest part of beginning their practice. Am I writing a story? Recalling events? Writing about my day!?

The truth is, you can write about whatever you feel called to put down on paper. But, most people find it helpful to have an idea of what they’re writing about before they get started.

Perhaps you could start your morning by writing down one goal you have for the day. Or end your evening by writing about three things you are grateful for.

Why not write about how you feel currently and see where it takes you? You might find you quickly full three pages without trying, but other days you finish with a few sentences. 

But if you’re struggling to put pen to paper, don’t stress. You may want to consider using journal prompt exercises to help you get your musings flowing. 

What Are Journal Prompts For Beginners?

Journal prompts give you a clear idea and intention on what to write. They spark your imagination to get the words flowing.

Sometimes you pick up your pad and pen and expect the words to pour out effortlessly. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case!

Journaling prompts are there for when you want to write but just don’t know what to write about. And they’re especially helpful for those who are new to their journaling practice. 

Here are some of our favorite journal prompts:

What are ten things you love about yourself?

How would your friends and family describe you?

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Who do you look up to the most and why?

What is one thing you love about your appearance? 

If you could talk to your future self, what would you say?

What are your core values?

If you could talk to your 10-year-old self, what would you say?

Write a letter to someone who has treated you poorly and express forgiveness. 

What Do I Write IN?

Technically, all you need to get started with your journaling practice is a pen and paper! But if you choose to write in any old notebook or piece of scrap paper, will you really be compelled to journal every day? I doubt it.

We recommend purchasing a super cute notebook especially reserved for your journaling practice. You’ll be much more inclined to put pen to paper when you’ve got a pretty journal waiting for you to fill its pages.

Tip: Be Consistent and Revisit Your Old Journal Entries

Some days, the last thing you feel like doing is picking up your journal and writing about your feelings. But try to push yourself to write daily. It doesn’t have to be a long entry. A minute out of your day for a one-sentence summary is perfectly enough. 

By making a habit of writing daily, you can revisit your old entries to see how far you’ve come with personal growth or healing. Plus, you can use your daily entries to track and review your progress with your aspirations. Your future self will thank you for your daily writings, so try to be consistent. 

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to journal, so continue to practice finding what works best for you.

For more on the benefits of journaling, join our newsletter below.