The benefits of journaling: why it might be your best new habit
I’m convinced that if you make it to the end of this article, you too will recognize the benefits of journaling and believe it might become your next best habit, I’m telling you! And listen, I know this isn't exactly groundbreaking, but hear me out: I’m truly convinced it's actually one of the best things you can do for yourself.
And no, you don’t have to be a “writer” and write coherently, or have a leather-bound notebook with perfect handwriting to reap the benefits. You don’t have to be perfect at it and journal every single day of your life either. Figuring this out is what actually made me enjoy journaling more and what allowed me to be consistent in the long run.
Anyway, if you are one of the skeptical ones, you are probably wondering: how could something as simple as writing a few thoughts on paper be so good for you? Does it actually help? Read on to discover what I found to be the benefits in my experience, and maybe, why not, give journaling a try (if you haven’t already, of course).
Benefit #1: journaling to organize your thoughts
I’m pretty sure you know that feeling when your brain feels like a tangled ball of yarn. Too many thoughts, ideas, to-do lists, and worries swirling around? When you keep obsessing over and over on the same issues but you can’t seem to resolve any of them? When I find myself in that state, nothing seems to help half as much as journaling does. It genuinely feels like taking that mess and neatly rolling it into something manageable.
When you write things down, it’s like giving your brain permission to stop spinning its wheels and to actually process your thoughts so they can be written down into somewhat coherent sentences. By writing your thoughts down, it’s like you allow yourself to “store” them somewhere else, or at least that’s how it feels to me. You can process what’s important, what’s just noise, and even figure out solutions to problems. Sometimes I’ll write about what’s stressing me out, and halfway through, I’ll realize, Oh, this isn’t such a big deal after all.
Benefit #2: journaling to spend time offline
I don’t know about you, but I'm constantly looking for activities and hobbies that keep me away from my phone. It shocks me how easily I reach for my phone and start doom-scrolling. Sometimes I don’t even notice it until I’m a few minutes in useless, click-batey, brain-rot content.
So when I feel like I’m deep in a doom-scrolling session, I try to consciously decide to put my phone away and start journaling. And it doesn’t matter if I have nothing to write about. I can still write whatever, look for a prompt online, doodle. There are literally no rules. It truly feels like stepping out of the chaos for a few minutes to connect with yourself.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Benefit #3: journaling to unlock your creativity
I never really considered myself to be a “creative person”, but I’m convinced that is because I never really allowed myself a space to explore whatever idea my mind produces, without being afraid of making mistakes or creating something “ugly”.
I found that journaling can really awaken that spark in you. Your journal, your rules or even better, no rules at all. It can become a place to brainstorm ideas, write down random thoughts, or write a morning routine from the POV of your coffee machine (I highly recommend this one lol). And the best part? It doesn’t have to be “good” in any way, shape or form. Your journal is just for you, so let your imagination run wild without any judgment.
Benefit #4: journaling to romanticize your life
Yeah, I know, I know. “Romanticizing your life” , it’s a concept that’s been a trend for a while now. Is it actually still a thing? I’m not even sure anymore. But here’s the thing: it’s one of the few trends I can actually stand behind. After all, why shouldn’t we appreciate the beauty in the little things and fully appreciate each moment of our life? It feels like a no brainer, really.
Well, journaling makes it a reality. When you take time to write about the little things, maybe by the light of a candle, listening to your favorite playlist and sipping a warm tea, it truly shifts your perspective. Suddenly, your everyday life feels a little more magical. You start noticing and appreciating the beauty in the mundane.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Benefit #5: journaling to appreciate change
Last but not least, my favorite one. Journaling to learn how to appreciate change and time passing by.
Every once in a while I look back at old entries, and no matter what I wrote, it’s always empowering. Being able to have a peak into the brain of your past self allows you to see how much you’ve grown, how far you’ve come, and what you’ve overcome. You can see that everything is in constant evolution, the good and the bad, and that no matter what you will always figure it out.
Will you actually take on journaling this time?
Did I convince you? I hope so. Now go find that empty notebook — you know the one, the one you bought with good intentions and never opened. If you have none, a notes app or a word document works just as well, I promise. Write down your first entry and come back to let me know what you think. And if you've been journaling for a while already, tell me in the comments: did I miss anything?
