Journaling is a great habit to incorporate into your daily routine. We all have a few extra minutes if we plan accordingly, and the health benefits of journaling are proven.
Three reasons you should try to journal for a few minutes each day:
- Journaling reduces stress - Our minds are full of things to do and the fear of not remembering to do them. When you take pen to paper, you declutter your brain and eliminate the stress of remembering so much.
- Journaling will boost your mood - Try writing down 3 things you are grateful for everyday. This serves as a helpful reminder that we have a lot to be thankful for, and when you think about the positive things happening in your life, the rest won’t seem so bad.
- Journaling helps keep your memory sharp - Science shows that our physical motor activity is tied to our cognitive function. When you write something down, you are more likely to remember it.
If you’ve tried to ‘journal’ but it wasn’t your thing, it’s likely because you didn’t give it a fair chance.
We’ve been there, too.
Like so many things in life, you don’t see the benefits until after the habit has been formed.
For the next 21 days, we encourage you to crack open a journal and commit a few minutes each day to your mental health. Studies show that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so we’ve curated 21 prompts for you to explore and keep you entertained.
Kick-Start your Journaling Journey:
- If I had the courage I would…
- Write about an activity, place or practice that makes you feel alive.
- Write about something you need to let go.
- Create a mental health bucket list.
- Make a plan to get rid of your fears.
- What advice would you give to the person you were last year?
- Write about your best day so far this month!
- What do you need to get off your mind?
- What is something or someone you need to detox from your life?
- How well do you manage your time?
- Talk about a movie or book that had a positive impact on your life. How did it change you?
- What is your self care routine?
- Describe 5 nice things that happened to you in the past week. Then, list 5 nice things you will do for others next week.
- Describe your perfect job, and be honest. (Assume you’re set for life financially, so ‘no job’ is an option)
- Write a letter to someone who has always been there for you.
- Describe a mistake you made recently, big or small. How did you deal with it?
- When you are in a bad mood, what can you do to turn your day around?
- Create a bucket list.
- What are your core values?
- Try some free-association! Use one or more of the following words: thunder, dream, silence, peace, deadline. Write down whatever comes to mind.
- What would a perfect day look like for you?
We’ll be following along and completing these with you. If you feel inspired to share what you create, let us know!
- Pooja Patel
Co-Founder, The Scribes