Keeping a journal can keep stress away
Many of us have kept journals at some stage in our lives, and for good reason. Whether you write daily or occasionally, pouring your thoughts into a private diary is a great way to record significant life events, your innermost feelings and emotions, frustrations, dreams and goals. It may also help relieve stress. Follow these suggestions for successful journaling:
- Set aside the time. Designate a regular time and place to write — for example, during your morning commute on the train to work, in the kitchen after the kids are asleep or in bed at the end of the day.
- Treat yourself to a beautiful book. You can use any type of notebook, as long as it is used only as a journal, and nothing else. Choose one that inspires you to pick it up and write. Make sure you like the size, paper style (texture, lined/plain) and the cover. Keep a pen clipped to the front for convenience.
- It’s okay to be flexible. Aim to write in your journal regularly, but don’t be hard on yourself when you can’t find the time. Writing in your journal should feel like a pleasure, not another job.
- Be yourself. Remind yourself that the journal is for your eyes only. It doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece. Write in your own voice, and don’t worry about spelling or grammar. The goal is simply to capture your thoughts honestly, as they pour out. Use point form if you want to, or your own shorthand codes to help capture thoughts quickly.
- Have a focus. Some people become overwhelmed by the prospect of journaling: Where to start? What to capture? What to leave out? It may help to focus on one area, such as career, exercise, a new undertaking, a relationship or dreams.
- Write about what stresses you. If your stress level is your biggest challenge, try keeping a stress journal. Each day, record causes of stress and how you coped. After a few weeks, look for patterns. The perspective can help you improve your coping mechanisms.