Journaling involves writing down thoughts, feelings & experiences in a personal diary, but can journaling for mental health really help? Chloe Weaver explains her personal experience
As I was navigating the murky waters of my journalism masters degree during the chaos of lockdown 2020, my professor dropped a bombshell on me – start journaling for mental health. At first I thought, "Aren’t I writing enough already?" But little did I know, this seemingly simple advice would become my lifeline during the unprecedented days that followed.
Picture this: me, hunched over my desk, surrounded by a mountain of academic papers, and the world outside my window looking like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. That's when I decided to give journaling a shot. Not the kind where professors wield red pens like weapons of mass destruction, but the type where I could spill my thoughts onto paper with no fear of critique or judgment.
Fast forward to 2023, and here I am, still scribbling away. My journal has become a time capsule of my mental and personal growth – a habit tracker, if you will. It's my safe space, my therapist, and my confidante, all rolled into one.
What did I learn from journaling for mental health?
1. It helped me with my anxious thoughts
Let's talk about my anxious feelings. Oh, the sweet companion that decided to ramp up its game during the pandemic. Journaling became my secret weapon against the daily worries. Five minutes a day was all I needed to reflect, release, and occasionally rant about the absurdity of it all. It turns out, reading your own anxious ramblings can be surprisingly therapeutic. Who knew?
As someone with an anxious attachment style, I have a Ph.D. in Worst-Case Scenario Imagining. But, as I peruse my journal entries, I've come to realise that maybe, just maybe, I tend to overreact a tad. Reflecting on past worries has become my reality check, a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and laugh at my own melodrama.
2. I’ve learnt not to be so hard on myself
One lesson that stands out in bold in my journaling journey is the art of self-compassion. Turns out, I don't have to be a flawless, perfect human being. Reflecting on both the good and the bad days taught me that it's okay not to have it all figured out. I give myself a mental high-five for surviving the rollercoaster that is life.
3. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders
There's something magical about putting pen to paper. It's like unloading the weight of the world from your shoulders. It's not just a metaphor; it's a literal shoulder massage for your soul.
4. I’m actually doing well
One surprising revelation from my journaling escapades is the undeniable fact that I'm doing well. It's like having a progress report for my mental health. Flip back a few pages, and there I was, drowning in self-doubt. Today, I'm riding the waves of improvement, both mentally and in the eloquence of my writing.
My 3 top journaling tips for beginners
Now, journaling isn't everyone's cup of tea. I get it. I've enthusiastically recommended it to friends and family, only to receive mixed reactions. Some embraced it with open arms, while others recoiled at the thought of adding one more thing to their to-do list. And you know what? That's perfectly fine.
Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way for those willing to give journaling a shot:
Romanticise it
Treat yourself to a beautiful journal, a pen that feels like an extension of your thoughts, light a soothing candle, pop on a face or hair mask and sip a hot chocolate—make it a ritual. Your five minutes of journaling can be a daily oasis in the chaos.
Find your style
If traditional writing isn't your thing, explore alternative avenues. Grab your phone, hit record, and let your thoughts flow in an audio journal. Keep it, delete it—whatever feels right for you.
Set realistic goals
On tough days, the last thing you want is to commit to a lengthy essay. Be kind to yourself. Summarize your feelings in a sentence or jot down three things you've learned from the day. It's about progress, not perfection.
Your journaling starter pack
So, here's to pen, paper, and the therapeutic magic that happens when the two collide in the world of journaling for mental health. Whether you're seeking self-discovery, or just looking for a moment of reflection, journaling might just be the unexpected friend you never knew you needed. Happy journaling for mental health, fellow soul-searchers!
