different ways you can bring journaling to your life

When I was a child I kept a diary and I found it really therapeutic to pour my heart out about what had happened that day and how I was feeling. Then I stopped as a teenager and didn't start regularly again until about four years ago, around the time I started Yoga Teacher Training.

One Yogic philosophy principle is Self Study-Svadhyaya, and journaling helps me understand myself and uncover what is really going on within.

Journaling has been shown by research to help relieve anxiety, become self aware, and uses both sides of your brain. It may help you process your emotions as you are able to release them through your words.

It can be a great self care activity and also an empowering one as you can find solutions to problems and set goals.

It doesn't have to be long- just a few words may be enough for you or you can write pages if you wish. You may want to create a regular ritual for it, reinforcing the habit by selecting a set time each day or just when you have free time. You can buy guided journals with prompts in independent shops or online, or just use the notes section on your phone if you are caught out without a pen and paper.

I have tried many different types of journaling which I will share below.

Gratitude Journaling

This was the first type I tried as an adult. I would write down three things I was grateful for at the end of each day. This is great for seeing all the positives in your life.

Free Journaling

This practice is inspired by Julia Cameron in her book The Artists Way. You just put pen to paper and write whatever comes out of your mind whether it makes sense or not. It can feel random and scattered but a great way to release mental clutter and to feel clear headed afterwords.You can even just write”I don’t know what to write” and usually after a while something comes up.

Junk Journaling

I find this a very inspiring way to journal.It’s like combining a vision board with writing. Find some magazines, card decoupage elements, things in nature such as feathers, photos printed, craft stamps and ink, pens, pencils, anything visual that you are drawn to. Buy a plain notebook and add your elements in a collage style, writing about why you chose them, what they mean to you, and how you are feeling right now. This can be a springboard for creativity as well as a mindfulness activity.

Moon journaling

Working with the phases of the moon I set intentions on the New Moon and write them in my journal. When the Moon is Waxing, I write about how I am working on my goals.

At Full moon I write about how far I have come. At Waxing Moon I look at what is causing me an obstacle and what I want to let go off. This is a great way to work with nature and for self growth.

Tarot Journaling

When doing a daily card pull, taking 5-10 minutes to journal on the card is a fabulous way of connecting with your cards. Just write what comes up. How you feel looking at the card, what ideas you have, any small details on the cards you notice, you can use as inspiration for writing. As well as being creative, you get to really understand what message the card has for you.

Journal Prompts

If you haven't got a guided journal you can write in your notebook  from a prompt which works like a spark to get things going. These are available by searching on the Internet but here are some below as an example:

What has been challenging this week and  what have I learned from it?

When does it feel like time stops still and I am completely in the flow?

How can I create more joy in my life?

What do I want less of in my life right now?

What am I secretly avoiding that needs addressing?

Some people prefer to journal in the morning, but for me I like to do it in the evening as I do my exercise in the morning and I like to feel unhurried with my journaling.

Unless I am junk journaling where I need a table ,my favourite way is to get into my pyjamas, make a decaf or herbal tea and get into bed so I am warm and cosy. 

You can add a candle, incense, a playlist,anything that will make the experience enjoyable for you. 

I hope if you journal today you will find it helpful.Let me  know how you prefer to journal and how it makes you feel.