A guide to Journaling

“My keyboard is my journal – Pharrell Williams

In today’s hectic world where we can communicate with people around the world in a matter of seconds, and can order food and have it delivered to our homes 24/7. Where we are in local lockdown restrictions, away from our loved ones. Where we are constantly bombarded with scary and sensationalist media headlines leading to anxiety and stress. Where we just don’t know what the future holds. With all of these things affecting our lives there needs to be an outlet for us to clear our minds of the day to day clutter in a positive, fulfilling and life-affirming way… enter stage right JOURNALING!

The benefits of getting in the scribbling habit allows you to clarify your thoughts and feelings by putting them down on paper. I say paper, because if you use your table, pc or phone or other device that also receives emails and messages etc. you can easily become very distracting, taking your attention away from what you’re doing.

Journaling is sooo simple and an incredibly effective way of downloading the junk from the day and unclutter your mind; leaving you feeling lighter, more positive and able to sleep!

Decide on a journal that you want to write in – and crucially is within your budget – together with a pen you like to write with.
Allow yourself time to scribble – make sure you have time uninterrupted to write in your journal.
Try journaling at the end of the day before you retire to bed. This will help you download the thoughts of the day to help you sleeping better. (100% recommend this as I journal in the evening before I go to sleep. I always make sure that I have the bedroom to myself, some low lighting on and just a quiet space in which to write. The main benefit I find is that it helps me sleep!).
Don’t worry if your thoughts are just ramblings – automatic writing if you like – it’s only you that is going to read it. So whether it’s what you really think of your boss or how you would have handled a situation differently, the key is to write it off your chest.
Eventually you can you your scribblings to set goals and challenges for yourself; as well as for the things that you’re grateful for.

Journaling can be a really liberating feeling, so much so in fact that I have created a printable 21 Uplift Journal. I created this Journal as a deliberate and intimate conversation with yourself, and included a few uplifting activities in it as well. Give journaling a go… what’s the worst that could happen? Just remember to always keep it safe and away from prying eyes!