What is Journaling?

Journaling or putting your feelings out there, is a very important part of understanding our feelings. Journaling can help reduce anxiety, lessen feelings of distress, and increase well-being.1 It's not just a simple technique; it's an enjoyable one as well.

There are many ways to journal and few limitations on who can benefit. Remember, this is YOUR time, so you decide the right way for you.

One way journaling can relieve stress is by helping you work through anxious feelings. Left unchecked, anxiety can lead to stress and rumination. Some of the roots of your anxiety can be minimised through a bit of focused examination.

Journaling allows us to examine and shift thoughts from anxious and ruminative to empowered and action-oriented.

How to Journal

1. Set a timer. Choose a time limit that works for you (and if you're unsure, try writing for 15 to 20 minutes).
2. Write everything that comes to mind. Avoid the temptation to edit yourself. Write down precisely what you're thinking, regardless of how strange or silly it seems to you—and write it quickly so you don't have a chance to censor yourself.
3. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. Don't interrupt yourself to correct mistakes; just keep writing.
4. Write until your time is up. If you've run out of things to write about, write about that feeling, or keep writing a repeated phrase until something new comes to mind.

Reread your entry afterward

As you do, look for opportunities to gain insight from yourself. You may even write down a few sentences at the end of your entry recording the things you found compelling or surprising.

Journal Prompts

Here are some journal prompts for you to try!