While keeping a diary has been something people do for hundreds of years, the concept of journaling has soared into popularity more recently. There are no rules to journaling, you can make it as simple or as creative as you like, all you need to buy is a journal and a pen. It’s a hobby that has so many benefits so here are 5 reasons you should start journaling in 2023.
To help you understand yourself better
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be extremely therapeutic. Sometimes, your mind can be busy and it’s difficult to make sense of it all. Writing it down and journaling helps you to understand yourself and how you’re feeling better.
There are so many prompts on Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram that can help you dive deep into those emotions. For example, “What’s your proudest achievement?” and “What are you most afraid of?” These are questions that you wouldn’t normally think about and by investing the time into journaling you will really get to know yourself better.
To plan and set goals
Journaling doesn’t always have to be a messy outpouring of thoughts. It can help you structure your life in a way that works for you. Keeping a notepad on you at all times for whatever you need is helpful, from shopping lists to an idea that pops into your mind, you have it all in front of you. It can also be used for holding yourself accountable for goals and habit tracking. Being able to tick those goals off no matter how big or small can make you feel really accomplished and remind you to do it.
See also: How Are Mental And Physical Health Interlinked?
Release negativity and de-stress
Journaling can be great for your mental health and wellbeing. It’s great to release any negative emotions by putting them on paper. This article by the University of Rochester, says the mental health benefits of journaling include:
- Helping you prioritise problems, fears, and concerns
- Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
- Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviours
Improve your writing skills and be creative
Even though it’s most likely something you’re doing for yourself and no one else will be reading it, you’re still building up a writing skill by doing it every day. Starting journaling in 2023 means you can be as creative as you like; whether that’s writing creative poetry or simple scrapbooking in photos and drawings. You can make it entirely yours.
Gain self confidence
An amazing thing that comes with understanding yourself better and being in tune with your emotions is gaining self confidence. If you know yourself well, you’re confident in everything that you do. You will know your strengths and weaknesses well and can work on yourself just by writing every day.
Read next: How To Prepare For Your Second Term At Uni