Have you ever thought about writing things down as a way of relieving your stress?
If you journal as a way of relieving stress, you’ve done just that very thing.
Stress is something most of us deal with daily. And it’s very important to manage your stress before your stress manages you.
Journaling not only helps you get in touch with your inner self, it also helps with lowering your stress levels. Here are some tips to follow when you want to keep a journal to help with your stress.
Be Grateful - Start A Gratitude Journal
There’s a reason why gratitude journaling is hot, hot, hot. Especially, now when we continue to be in the midst of a global pandemic, it can be really easy to feel sad or disconnected.
Keeping a gratitude journal helps to reinforce the idea that even in times of struggle, there is often a silver lining or a light in times of darkness.
Now when you journal for gratitude, you’re not expressing all of your feelings about everything that’s going on in your life. Instead, you use it to focus only on the good things in your life. What you’re happy about, who you love and who loves you, the things that give you pleasure and joy.
It’s important to write in it every day and focus on only what you are grateful for. Even on the worst days, there’s something you can be grateful for.
For example, maybe you had a horrible day because your car broke down, you forgot your lunch, then it was even worse when you got to work. But then you got to go home and see your family, and that was the bright part of your day. That’s what you want to write down in your gratitude journal.
Write About Your Day
Now if gratitude journaling isn’t for you (even though it should be 😊) You can go in the other direction and write about everything that’s happened during your day.
Many people like journaling like this for stress management because they are able to get their feelings out and aren’t bottling everything up inside. This kind of journaling where you let it all out can feel freeing because you’re able get out all the tension, anger, and frustration you feel each day.
As with gratitude journaling, when you’re writing about all your feelings it’s important to be consistent and write daily. It can be once at the end of the day, or throughout the day whenever you’re experiencing something difficult.
Bring The Journal Everywhere With You
The easiest way to develop a journaling habit? Carrying your journal with you. You can either choose a smaller journal that fits in your purse or pocket or use a journaling app on your phone. That way whenever the urge to write strikes, you have what you need.
For example, maybe you’re at work and have a disagreement with your boss or co-worker, and you need to write about it. Or you’re at the doctor or dentist’s office waiting for your appointment (which is enough to make anyone nervous), and you want to write down some of your thoughts before you head in.
So there you have it, a few ways that you can use journaling to help ease your stress. It may take a bit to get used to, but soon you’ll be journaling often. It’s all about Making Time.
Let’s talk. What type of journaling do you do or intend to do to relieve your stress? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a facilitator, stress management coach and author of “Yes I’m Grateful,” a gratitude journal. She believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn