How Does Journaling Help Mental Health
Most of us have done journaling at least once in some phase of our lives. In fact, it’s said that at least one in six people journal regularly. Journaling for mental health is a popular therapy that many psychologists recommend for organising thoughts and emotions. In this article, we discuss the benefits of journaling for mental health and how you can start with it.
Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health
Wondering, "How does journaling help mental health?" Well, each person experiences positivity in a unique way, depending on why and how regularly they make it a part of their routine. Here are a few benefits of journaling for mental health:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety and stress are common mental issues, especially in adults. During these times, your mind might feel crowded with worries, making it hard for you to focus or relax. Journaling is an easy way to release these thoughts and bring a sense of relief.
You might be thinking, does journaling help with anxiety? Many people find that writing things down does help them feel calmer.
A study examined the effectiveness of journaling for mental health through a meta-analysis. The findings revealed that journaling led to a 5% overall improvement in mental health symptoms. It was especially beneficial for anxiety as those symptoms were reduced by 9% compared to the other symptoms in the group.
Helps Cope with Depression
When you're struggling with depression, expressing your feelings can become quite difficult, especially for loved ones. Journaling for mental health gives you a way to let these emotions out instead of carrying them around in your mind. And it doesn't just have to be writing. You can sketch, add stickers, or decorate your pages in a way that feels right for you.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way to journal. What matters most is that you create a space where you can be completely honest with yourself and pour everything you feel into the pages. Once you get regular journaling, you will eventually find moments of clarity, even on your hardest days, and you will be able to sort out all negative thoughts.
Increases Self-awareness
We don't always stop thinking about why we are stressed, anxious, or happy. Journaling can give you a chance to slow down and notice your thoughts and emotions. When you start writing regularly, you might see patterns of what makes you feel overwhelmed, what helps you feel better, and how your mood shifts after some time.
Understanding yourself is an important part of mental health; the more you write, the more you learn about yourself. Journaling for mental health will give you self-awareness that can break your negative thoughts and help you take control of all your mental stress.
Boosts Mood and Positivity
Journaling can be a great way to improve your mood and bring more positivity to your life. When you write about good moments and things you are grateful for, you will shift your focus away from negativity. Once you make this a habit, you will feel much lighter and more optimistic, which will surely improve your mental health as well.
You can make your journal a space that feels uplifting by decorating it with washi tape or enamel pins. Adding colours, doodles, or even little reminders of happy moments will make you happy and help relieve your stress.
Improves Clarity and Problem Solving
Journaling for mental health will also enhance your problem-solving skills. Suppose you write in your journal for 30 days, recording your thoughts and challenges and whether or not a problem has been solved. Each time you face a difficult situation, you take a moment to write down what happened and how you feel about it.
When you look back at your journal, you will notice how you have handled your past problems, and this will eventually give you an idea of how to boost your problem-solving ability.
How to Start Your Journaling Journey
Starting a journaling journey is pretty simple, but it is still best to decide on a few important things before you begin journaling for mental health. Having a clear idea of what and how you will be journaling can make it much more pleasurable and effective. Here are some things you can do:
Choose Your Journaling Style
There is no special way you should journal. Some prefer writing long reflections, while others just note short points. You can try bullet journaling, drawing, or even long paragraphs, and do whatever you feel is more natural for you. This way, you will build a journaling style and get used to doing it daily.
Set A Routine
Journaling is much more helpful when it becomes a habit, but that does not mean that you have to write every day. The best thing to do is find a time that works for you when you have complete freedom and peace to journal. Start with just a few minutes and just set the time according to your own needs. Your goal should be to stay consistent, not become perfect.
Make it Enjoyable
Journaling should be a relaxing activity. You should make it as enjoyable as you want. Use coloured pencils, stickers, or even sticky notes; it is up to you how you want to move forward with your journaling routine. Take it to such an extent that whenever you journal, you do it because you enjoy it.
Affordable Journaling Accessories
Journaling accessories like stickers, bookmarks, memo pads, washi tapes, and art prints will make your journaling experience much more fun and personal. If you want to enjoy journaling even more, Toastedink is the perfect place for you to find everything you need.
We offer a wide range of cute and affordable options, all designed to bring positivity into your journaling routine. These adorable accessories cannot only make your journal look great but also liven your mood. Check out our collection and start making your journal even more special!
