Thanks to the many benefits of journaling, this tool has become a staple in therapy, yoga, mindfulness, meditation and many other self care strategies. There’s a good reason that journaling is considered to be an excellent tool for self reflection and healing. Writing down our thoughts can be a great way to reflect on a deeper level. Often, it is only once we start to write that we really start to unpack what is going on in our often busy brains.
As a teen, you very likely journaled… even if it was in a somewhat different way. You may have poured your heart out on paper, about boys (or girls), friend issues, family issues and anything else you were dealing with at the time. There is a good chance it made you feel better. In a sense, journaling is a little bit like therapy. It is cathartic to release things we have locked inside our thoughts. As for the benefits of journaling, they go far beyond freeing up your headspace for fresh ideas and thoughts.
The Top Benefits of Journaling
How exactly does journaling help in the greater area of self care? Here are some of the biggest benefits of journaling to show you just how much it helps.
Clear out all those thoughts.
One of the primary ways that journaling helps is its ability to help you clear out all those thoughts taking up room inside your mind (and heart). We carry so much at any given time. Old pain, new pain, fears, losses, stress, anxiety, sadness, joy, uncertainty. Being able to put all of that onto paper can be liberating on so many levels.
Process thoughts that are ruminating.
At the same time, when you write out all of those thoughts, it’s often easier to start processing things in order to deal with your emotions and thoughts. Letting things build up rather than putting them onto paper to look at rationally is never a good idea. Dealing with things and looking at not just what you are feeling but also WHY you are feeling is the best way to move forward.
Reflect on things you have learned.
You will also be able to reflect on how you have grown. Go back a few weeks or months and you will see how much you have overcome, how much you have learned and how much you continue to grow. Reflection is vital for self awareness. It’s also vital for a healthy mind that is not carrying excess baggage. Instead, you are actually learning and growing.
Gain insight into your thoughts and feelings.
All of those learning and growing gives you far deeper insight into your thoughts and feelings than you may realise. Journaling helps you not only notice patterns but also get a deeper insight into why you do/feel/think certain things. Combined with therapy, this can be hugely helpful on so many levels.
Lessen the load you are carrying inside.
Finally, another one of the biggest benefits of journaling is that it helps to lessen your load. Whether you see a therapist or not, carrying any type of emotional load is never good for your physical, mental or emotional health. You have to find some way of letting it out and journaling is one of the best ways to do this safely.
Once you start putting your thoughts onto paper, you will soon see the benefits that journaling offers for yourself. Don’t forget to download your free journaling prompts worksheet that will help you get even more benefits of journaling!
