Do I really have to journal every day?
The way to ensure that journaling works for you is to do it long term. Long-term journaling gives you more insight into your life because you’ll be able to look to the past, present and even the future (sort of) to get answers in your life.
But first, you have to do it. And you need to do it daily to make it into a habit. Let’s review a few tips for making journaling part of your daily routine.
Make It Easy
Don’t make journaling a huge deal, and it’ll be simpler to get it done. For most people it’s easier to use a notebook and paper than a computer. You can keep the journal in your bag or on your bedside table or wherever you’re likely to write in it.
Choose a Time That Works
The best times to do it are first thing in the morning when you wake up, or the last thing before going to bed. However, that might not work for everyone. If you know a better time for you, use it. For example, some people like journaling in the park while on a lunch break from work. It’s up to you.
Combine It with Something Else You Enjoy Doing
If you enjoy cleaning the house, then reading in your clean house with the windows open and the breeze flowing through, why not journal at that moment? If it’s a daily thing, add journaling to it and it’ll create a habit fast.
Create a Comfortable Space
It’s easier to get into your thoughts if you’re comfortable and not thinking about how bad your tailbone hurts or your sore wrist. Some people like to write at a desk, some prefer a comfy easy chair, others their bed.
Get a Drink and Eat a Snack
You don’t want to have any excuses or extraneous thoughts while you’re writing in your journal. Make sure you’re fed and hydrated.
Add Some Relaxing Music to Set the Mood
Some people prefer silence while they’re journaling, and that’s fine if you do. But consider trying some relaxing music that doesn’t have words to help you gather your thoughts and stay calm and focused.
Use a Particular Type of Journal
For some people, using a a particular journal style like a bullet journal, prayer journal, project journal or other styles, works better since it defines some rules for your journal entries.
Consider Using Journaling Prompts
If you sometimes need a suggestion to spark your writing, you can find collections of journaling prompts (digital or printed) indexed by topic.
Reward Yourself
When you’ve been diligent about writing in your journal for a month, take some time to read what you wrote, then reward yourself for doing it. You might buy some colored pens or scrapbooking materials so you can add some variety and interest to your journal. Buy yourself a special treat that you only eat when you reach a journaling milestone.
To experience the full benefits of journaling, it needs to be done regularly, which is why you need to find a way to incorporate journaling into your everyday life. The best way to accomplish this is to make it easy and turn it into a habit.
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Tags: habit, journaling, tips, writing