Journaling is one of the oldest practices in the world. It dates back to the 10th century and has only grown in popularity over time. Today, millions of people use the practice to help improve their lives.

So, why is journaling so popular? Here, you’ll discover what is driving the journaling craze and the reasons you may want to consider taking it up yourself, if you don't already, or be more consistent with the practice.

Journaling relieves stress.

Did you know that journaling is a great tool for relieving stress? Getting your thoughts and emotions down onto paper can help to clear them from the mind. This automatically leaves you feeling calmer and more relaxed.

Journaling can also be used to work through your challenges. Writing out the issues you are facing allows you to become more open and receptive to the guidance that can bring forth solutions. Also, the act of writing itself can help you to feel more in control. This helps to reduce your stress, allowing you to feel happier and more relaxed.

It boosts mental health.

Journaling is scientifically proven to benefit your mental health. It can be used to relieve the symptoms of depression, reduce anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing.

It’s easy to get lost inside your own head. We all have an inner critic, but for some of us, that inner critic can prove to be overwhelming. If you have trouble switching off your inner critic, journaling can help. You’ll be able to release your negative thoughts and decide to choose a more positive mindset.

The longer you journal, the more benefits you’ll experience. After just a month of journaling, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your mood.

Journaling provides surprising health benefits.

In addition to helping to boost your mental health, journaling can be great for your physical health too. There have been numerous studies which have shown that journaling on a regular basis can:

  • Boost your immune system.

  • Improve your memory.

  • Help you process your trauma.

  • Improve cardiovascular health.

The health benefits are largely due to a decrease in stress and negativity. You might just be surprised how much a positive outlook can improve your physical health.

So, if you are looking to become healthier both mentally and physically, keeping a daily journal can help.

Helping to improve every aspect of your life.

Journaling truly can benefit every aspect of your life. Want to lose weight? A food journal can help you as you track what you eat, when you eat, and why you eat. As you use this journal for tracking, you are more able to identify the reasons you may be eating, ie) nourishment, feeling lonely, etc. Once you understand the emotional component, you are able to make better choices that empower you.

Want to feel more connected to Spirit? Try journaling with Spirit. It's kind of like an interview where you write out your question and then listen for the answer, writing it down when you hear it without censoring. Some call this Autowriting.

You can use daily journaling to improve your relationships, get better sleep, become healthier , you name it. There really is no limit to what journaling can help you to achieve.

These are some of the main reasons why journaling is so popular. While it used to only consist of writing down your thoughts, these days there are lots of different types of journaling that you can practice. Research the different types and feel into what is right for you.

 

Call to Action

 

My mentor's request is to feel into this and if it makes sense for you, start a journaling practice. For me, I know I am more relaxed, positive, connected, and balanced when I write. To be fully transparent, I don't journal as often as I would like so this article is as much for me as for all of you. The important thing here is to not beat yourself up if you don't journal every day. Just make the commitment to be more consistent – and YOU get to determine what consistent is for YOU! For some, it's every day. For others it could be every other day, every three days, once per week, you get the idea. This is a practice that you want to feel good to you so don't turn it into a chore.

As always, I would love to hear what this practice holds for you should you feel drawn to it or become more consistent with it!

 

 

Until Next Time...