Journaling for Wellbeing

​Journaling:

Our psychological well-being is highly related to the well-being of our immune system, so stressful situations, like divorce, job loss, loneliness, financial instability, or a death in the family can lead to sickness and health problems. Similar to the effect of psychotherapy, keeping a personal journal or diary can greatly impact the immune system in a positive way and help the body ward off illness and disease. It has been proven that simply writing about important experiences for as little as 15 minutes a day can reduce anxiety and stress. By expressing yourself through writing, you can experience immediate life improvements.

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In fact, the very act of writing, drawing or making a vision board is taking your thoughts and crystallizing them. This is why journaling is a powerful tool to help you apply the power of your mind in your life. By seeing the words on paper, they become more concrete to you and your mind. Just be sure to be specific in your journaling and visualization, so that nothing is left to chance.

All you need to start journaling is a blank journal or spiral notebook. I like mine with a leather binder since it lasts longer. Then set aside time each morning (or any time of the day for that matter) and start dreaming. Write down whatever comes to mind in your journal. It doesn’t matter what it is. Try writing about things that you would like to do and have, or things that would be fun to create and enjoy. Or jot down places you would like to go such as the spas in this book, and experiences you dream about having. This will begin to move your energy and start getting you in touch with your passions. It will also help you realize possibilities by exposing your mind to its subconscious thoughts. Another direction is to journal about problems and then find solutions through your writing.

Here’s a fun technique to try. Once you have identified what you want and committed to achieving it by a certain date, write out a detailed plan about how you will achieve your goal. But here’s the twist: imagine that you have already achieved the goal; then work backward from that point in time. Ask yourself step-by-step how you got there, until you get back to where you are now.
An excellent book I highly recommend is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a great place to start journaling. Cameron’s technique urges you to write “morning pages,” basically three pages of longhand stream-of consciousness, written first thing in the morning. I’ve practiced this technique for many years and it has helped me to overcome obstacles keeping me from being my most creative self. Not only does it force you to create something every single day, but it gets you past all the self-defeating ideas about why you think you aren’t a creative person. Morning pages are a form of meditation that will help you rediscover your creativity. Check out my book Nature’s Beauty Secrets and journal books under the SHOP header on my blog.  It will make a great Holiday gift.

Remember: Keeping a personal journal or diary is proven to be highly beneficial for our health and is recommended by therapists!

With love,
Dawn