Reasons That'll Make You Start A Journaling Practice

If you've read any of my other personal growth and wellbeing posts here on vocal, you would probably have noticed that I often talk to you about keeping a journal and how beneficial it is.

But I also imagine that some people do not know where to start or how to do it. Or whether it's even worth it. Especially since in today's world, there are so many other choices: courses, apps, challenges...

This article will therefore enlighten you on the subject!

I could make you skip this entire article actually by making a big claim: keeping a journal made me happy. It made me at peace with who I was. It made me self-aware and confident. And above all fulfilled.

There was a time in my life when I was journaling regularly then...I stopped. At the worst time possible. The conflicting and messy 20s.

So I think I'm in a very good place to tell you how journaling can be such a crucial tool in improving and maintaining both your life and person on a positive and healthy track.

A journal is rarely used as a therapeutic tool. However, it has many benefits for those who spontaneously decide to use it. It allows you to confide, to have a space for yourself, and empty your "heavy load". It almost has “a function of a waste basket, a dustbin where you can put everything you can’t or don’t want to tell others”.

It can feel like a dear but neutral friend always there to support you.

Or even like a daily intimate date with yourself.

Here are seven reasons that should make you want to start journaling immediately!

1. Getting to know yourself

How often do we get surprised by our own reactions to certain situations? How many times do we ask ourselves “Why am I doing this? ". Writing down your feelings, and your thoughts will allow you, by rereading it, to better understand your reactions, your flaws, and your reasons.

Regularly noting your thoughts or your daily life is very useful for taking stock, and being aware of your progress or blockages. It also allows you to distance yourself from events, look at the full picture, play down the drama, and sometimes relieve the pressure.

2. Having better health (both physical & mental)

Talking about pressure, some studies have actually shown that writing about your emotions or feelings can reduce stress and improve our well-being, and even our health.

3. Looking on the bright side of life

If you put on paper the little pleasures of your daily lives, these will be more ingrained in you with time. You will find it easier to remember this positive part of your life or even life in general especially when you need it the most. You'll stop focusing on the negative and become a more optimistic person!

4. Developing gratitude

As mentioned before, journaling allows you to distance yourself from events and put them into perspective. In this sense, it also, makes it easier for you to see the positive and good things instead of only focusing on the negative. By seeing the good, you find it easy to be grateful.

According to psychologist Shawn Achor, making a list of 3 gratitudes, no matter how trivial, makes you happier.

5. Finding a job

I know this sound like a bold claim but it's true. According to James Pennebaker, writing down your thoughts and reflections would help you find a job quickly. Indeed, people who journal know their qualities and their exploits. They can thus put them to use in a better way to improve their career prospects.

6. Sleeping better

Journaling allows you to release what you have experienced in your day. This will prevent you from ruminating before sleep, and thus, having a night of disturbed sleep.

7. Achieving your goals

If you regularly write down your goals, dreams, desires, and wishes for the future, you will step by step do what it takes to achieve them. You're less likely to forget about what you really want from life.

Admit it, all these benefits make you want to get started, no?! What's stopping you? Forget all the excuses your mind might conjure: you don't have time, don't know how to write... Launch yourself into a journaling challenge and adventure for 30 days and then take stock of all the benefits you reaped!