Journaling For Mental Calm and Clarity
Life gets overwhelming and emotions run high especially when we are dealing with a life change. It can seem like we are stuck trying to solve a problem that feels unsolvable. One of the most-used tools of therapists or consultants is journaling. Today we talk about journaling for calm and clarity.
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to create clarity and calm out of chaos and confusion.
How Journaling Helps to Gain Clarity
Let’s look at how journaling can create more clarity in your life:
Gives a Voice to Your Feelings
Journaling is a judgement free activity that doesn’t talk back. It is not there to give advice nor confuse you further. Journals are there to receive your information. Unlike your best friend or mom in law a journal is there to listen and not offer unsolicited advice. It simple creates a safe space for you to write your thoughts so you can process them.
Whether good, bad, or socially inappropriate, a journal is an excellent way to free yourself from your burdens and reduce chaos.
A Way to Help Solve Problems
Studies prove that our minds are designed to solve problems. Our psyche wants to figure out how to do whatever needs to be done. This is how innovation and technology have changed the world. By solving problems. The best way to solve a problem is to work it.
Sort of like a Rubik’s cube, imagine your mind twisting and turning those colors until you get the pattern that unlocks the door and fixes the dilemma.
Helps Define The Next Steps
As you journal and express yourself and work the issues at hand, your mind experiences the release of dopamine and starts to feel calm and competent. Ideas start to form as to what your next steps are and all of a sudden you have an epiphany that changes the game. Your sleep improves, your confidence improves and you are focused.
There is something magical about releasing your chaos and confusion into a journal and discovering that there is calm and clarity available to you. Allow yourself to work through your issues by journaling and experience the satisfaction of solving your problems.
Journaling Helps to Keep Track Of Progress When Gaining Calm and Clarity
Not all journals are designed to capture emotional issues. Some journals are designed for very practical applications. Journals that track progress or growth are an excellent way to support you on journey’s such as:
- Dealing with stress and anxiety
- Making better nutritional choices
- Simplifying your life
- Practising better self care
- Dealing with tough emotions
- Starting a new normal
Journals that track the specific journey on the way to a designated outcome are easy to create and deliver immediate feedback as well as long-term insight into the success or failure of the goal. They are a great tool for measurement and motivating individuals and teams.
The journal may be used as motivation to keep at it or to prove that things are working and you just need to stay the course. The journal may be an excellent tool for your care provider to see your actions when they are unable to be with you day-to-day.
Here are some great ways to keep your journal front and center while you charge after your goal:
Post the info in a prominent place
Your bathroom mirror or your staff break room may be a great place to keep your journal front and center while you are tracking your progress.
Share on social media
Some people love tracking their progress and sharing it with their tribe. There are apps available for more personal journeys that make it fun and easy to share with your tribe.
Keep things portable
Sometimes it’s best to keep things top of mind wherever you are. Your smartphone, a notebook in your purse or briefcase or in your car are great ways to always have your tracking info handy.
Tracking information for progress can really show you just how far you have come in a short amount of time. Reflecting back on the journey is a wonderful motivator.
Here are some unconventional ways you can track your progress:
- Do a daily video journal
- Make a collage style journal
- Create a graph to fill in overtime
- Start a blog journal
- Start a spreadsheet
- Download an app
Concluding Journaling for Clarity and Calm
Journaling for progress and growth is a satisfying way to see results quickly and to use those results to motivate and empower yourself or your team.
