The Many Benefits of Journaling

Journaling can help you see the connections between the big picture and the everyday. (AnemStyle/Shutterstock)

A simple notebook and pen are all you need to begin exploring the many benefits of journaling. A journal is not just a tool for recording episodes of teenage angst. It is an excellent place to jot down ideas, think something through, make a list, make a plan, remember a special (or ordinary) moment, or simply doodle for fun. The more you use a journal, the more apparent its benefits will become.

Clarity

How many thoughts run through your head each day? When you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, muddle-headed, or just aimless—putting pen to paper and jotting down those thoughts that run through your head can provide you with the clarity you yearn for.

As you write, do it your way. This is not going to be published in the newspaper or read by anyone else. This is your personal journal and you can be silly, be real, or be what you need to be in your own words and your style of writing. There’s something about getting ideas out of your head and onto the page that makes whatever you’re working through immensely less overwhelming and confusing.

The type of clarity that comes from a regular habit of doing this can allow you to take your life to the next level.

Calm

Journaling can also allow you to experience a sense of calm and peace. Much like therapy, you’re discussing your thoughts and feelings with yourself. You can learn more about yourself, look at the things you love and the things you want to change, and kindly guide yourself through whatever you’re writing about. It’s a quiet, slow practice done in leisure that can help you to work through your thoughts and ideas.

Productivity

What’s more, you can use your journal to strategize and plan your life ... or your afternoon. Your life goals can live on the same page as your grocery list and it all makes sense.

You’ll start to see connections between the big picture and the everyday, the short-term and the long-term. You’ll think of actions and systems that allow you to increase your productivity and do more of what you know you should do.

Inspiration

As you develop a habit of journaling regularly, you’ll find you’re enticed to think and dream. What do you want to do? Who could you be?

You’ll inspire yourself to do more and be more.

Organization

You’ll find yourself jotting down the details of life and staying more on top of things. Lists, calendars, reminders—they may all find their way into your journal. Reviewing details on a regular basis is how details get taken care of.

Contentment

One of the best practices to incorporate into your journaling, and a great way to start, is to list each day a few things you’re grateful for. Alternatively, at the end of the day, you might record your favorite parts of that day. Both will provide a sense of contentment in life and gratitude for all of the blessings you enjoy.