The Powerful Practice of Journaling

One Harvard study showed that participants who journaled at the end of each day were nearly 23 percent more productive than those who didn’t -Dr. Gia Marson

Journaling is one of the most effective self help techniques that I have ever done. It’s simple and requires nothing more than a pen and paper and yet beginning a practice like this is not always easy. There have been studies that have proven it’s effectiveness is helping people process emotions, live healthier and happier lives, improves productivity, and increases creativity!

Studies have shown that the benefits of journaling include:

• reduced stress and anxiety

• Enhance your unique intuitive strengths

• Improve your sense of well-being

• Lower blood pressure and the risk for inflammatory illnesses

• Relieve anxiety, stress, fatigue, and general mood and sleep disturbances for people who suffer from cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, thus improving their quality of life

• Reduce common menopausal symptoms

• Improve symptoms of anxiety (Marson)

In the book “The Artist’s Way,” author Julia Cameron begins her book emphasizing the powerful practice of “Morning Pages,” which in essence is this. She has worked with people all over the world who have tried this morning journaling practice and radically shifted their lives. She tells of true stories from people who began journaling every morning and found that when they got all of the junk out from their subconscious mind that was holding them back, and then anchored into gratitude lists and creative journaling, that they began to heal from life long perpetual issues like addiction. These people then go on to be incredibly successful in a field that they are passionate about, have healthier self-images,  healthier relationships, better sleep, better reasoning, calmer demeanor, and helps them live more positivity centered lives.

I love these holistic self-care practices. They are simple and require nothing more than a pen and paper. Why not do something that is proven by studies to increase happiness, health, and overall well-being?

Here are some Journaling Prompts to get you started:

 

1. What are you grateful for today and why?

 

2. Reflecting on people who have inspired you in your lifetime, what about them do you feel grateful for?

 

3. What is something I can commit to today that my future self will thank me for?

 

4. Write a letter to your past self from 5 years ago from your now self, look how far you’ve come, what would you say?

 

5. Write a letter to your past self from 10 years ago from your now self, look how far you’ve come, what would you say?

 

Author: Alana Roach, Explorations of Self LLC

International Mindfulness Teacher, Alana Roach is the founder of Explorations of Self, a community of spiritual seekers who advocate for holistic lifestyles and education, conscious relationships and parenting, sustainability and working with the Earth for preservation, and emphasizes the importance of living you Divine LIFE PURPOSE. In Alana’s free time she loves spending time in the outdoors with her 4 beautiful children and life partner, Brad.

To learn more about Zoom 1 on 1, Small Group, or Corporate Mindfulness and Wellness Coaching, email ExplorationsofSelf@gmail.com or set up your 15 minute consultation here.

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/

The Many Benefits of Journaling