Journaling is an important practice with many benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. I have kept a diary or journal for many years. Every day, I record actions, events, thoughts, and feelings, as well as whatever is on my mind. As I get older, my journal can also act as a reminder of what I have to do. Sometimes, I find an old journal and check back. For example, a few years ago, I visited Vietnam. My journal contained beautiful memories, and I could relive and experience what I saw, experienced and felt. So, what are the benefits?
Stress reduction: Writing about my thoughts and feelings provides an outlet to process and manage my emotions, which in turn leads me to manage my emotional regulation. Journaling also encourages self-reflection and introspection, giving me insight into thoughts and behaviours.
Personal Growth: Journaling is an excellent tool for setting and tracking my goals, meaning I can track personal progress and be more accountable. I think that by exploring your feelings and experiences, you can develop greater empathy and understanding for others.
Creativity: I feel that over the years, journaling has helped me with my creativity, both with my creative expression and idea generation. If I have a thought, I jot it down… at that moment and can quickly return to it later. I create a ‘safe space’ for myself.
Cognitive positives: I feel that by jotting down my thoughts, my memory improves, I am less likely to forget, and depending on my writing style, my thoughts can be consolidated and clarified.
Emotional benefits: Journaling provides me with a safe space to express emotions and release anxious or stressful feelings. Over time, journaling has allowed me to be aware of my gratitude and increase my feelings of happiness.
Physical benefits: I have to be careful and not exaggerate the benefits of journaling, but I feel that by journaling, especially before bed, my mind can be settled, and sleep becomes easier. If you reduce your stress levels, then that can only be good for your overall health.
How can journaling help my children? Keeping a journal or diary can reinforce what you have learned and help consolidate information, making it easier to remember. Also, journaling can encourage critical thinking and allow students to engage with topics by questioning, analysing and achieving insight. Journaling, even if it is in note form, can provide constant writing practice and improve skills, style, and imagination. Journaling can help our students work through problems and the challenges they encounter in their studies and life experiences.
Academic Research: In my own doctorate research personal journey, journaling was used to document processes, observations, and reflections. I was able to explore ideas in my own ‘safe space’. I can read back through my journals to chart my academic and emotional development.
Reflective Learning: For many students, and in life generally, self-reflection is valued within education and self-development. Journaling can promote metacognitive skills, allowing us to understand the learning process and devise strategies for improvement. Journaling assists in setting academic goals, planning and tracking progress, and managing our time more effectively.
Writing is therapeutic… sometimes it can be challenging to put our feelings into words, especially when we are sad, angry or anxious. It can be a wonderful way to express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Start today… can you find 5 minutes?
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