i have an insufferable babbling mind. the thoughts can be positive where you feel super high on life and you feel everything is going to be just fine. and then there are those overwhelming negative thoughts that just don't shut up, and you feel like everything is literally going wrong.
my solution? journaling and writing everything down, whether it makes complete sense or not.
i make the effort to journal every single day because it is something that has truly been a gem for my mental health. I have found that:
- I feel I am alot less stressed.
like I said, I write about anything and everything. From how my day went down into every detail, to something as simple as a sentence or a word, I am writing something down. And all of that adds up over time as life experiences recorded. I used to have a structure, but I find myself letting the thoughts flow since it feels more natural that way. I zero myself in on the paper and the pen, with the chaos being "siphoned" out of my brain. It's both relieving and calming to know that
- it keeps me creative, and establishes order.
with a mind that thinks about a whole lot of things throughout the day, I find that journaling is a sort of creative outlet for me. It's telling a mini story everyday, where no events of the day are ever the same as the previous, or the next. it also puts your own writing skills into practice. this skill doesn't come easy for everyone, over time, you develop your own voice, or many voices you can use throughout your personal, school, work, or adulting life.
i most often journal a morning affirmation of good intentions and manifestations, followed by whatever events that occurred in the day, and then an evening confirmation reflecting on what can be improved. when a sort of order is put in place for your thoughts, it "resets" your mind for the coming days. and the overhwhelming thoughts of anxiety, pessimism, and fear gradually get smaller and smaller everyday.
- and finally, it is a space of true expression.
i get to 100% be myself when i journal. no one else is seeing what i write and what i am thinking. and no else is there to read, assume, and judge who i am or what is going on. it's my business, and quite frankly, no one elses more often than not. the most raw, and unapologetic side of myself tends to come out in journaling sessions, and this is the biggest reasons why i feel my mental health is the best it's ever been.
in essence, when you are able to physically write your thoughts down, it's like downloading pictures from your phone into another space; icloud, external hard drive, an sd card, etc. the same benefits come from journaling as they do from photo albums: you'll be able to look back and better reflect on all the ups and downs you have been through. it is evidence you have endured, survived, and thrived in all kinds of situations life has thrown your way; which were absolutely necessary in order for you to further grow as a person.
if you ever get the chance or find the time to, try journaling.
it is one of the greatest assets you can add in leveling up your life.