Do you journal daily?
The answer could be yes, no, can’t or don’t do daily, or tried but gave up.
If you have been maintaining your streak and journaling daily, kudos to you!
Even if you have been doing so, I recommend reading this article.
We’ll explore how your phone can be turned into your journaling partner.
The fact is, journaling is a global practice that has been performed for not decades but centuries.
But why did our ancestors start this practice?
Journaling offers numerous benefits that can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being.
Journaling helps us release pent-up feelings, gain clarity on emotions, deal with or process difficult experiences, and, most importantly, find habitual patterns. It can be a problem-solving practice in your life, and your notebook (physical or digital) is your friend!
Who should journal? Everyone!
One of my friends had difficulties with his communication skills, so he started using Google Keep to organize his thoughts and words daily. He installed Grammarly to proofread his writing. In 6 to 7 months, to his surprise, his English writing skills improved noticeably. Each day, he wrote down his thoughts and proofread his writing. This daily ritual helped him tremendously in honing his writing skills.
I assume he is still journaling, and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts writing blog posts or becomes a content writer!
Here are some strategies to help you remember daily journaling:
Make it a Habit:
Set a Specific Time: Choose a time that works for you, like first thing in the morning or before bed. Consistency is key to forming a habit.
-
Link it to an Existing Routine: Journal after brushing your teeth at night or grabbing your morning coffee. Tying it to an established routine makes it easier to remember.
-
Short Bursts: Start with just 5 minutes of journaling. Even a small effort is better than nothing, and you might find yourself writing for longer as you get used to it.
Use Reminders and Cues:
-
Phone Alarms: Set a daily alarm on your phone as a reminder to journal.
-
Calendar Events: Schedule a recurring daily calendar event titled "Journal" or similar. This can serve as a notification and a reminder to carve out journaling time.
-
Keep Your Journal Visible: Leave your journal on your nightstand, desk, or in your bag. Seeing it daily will serve as a prompt.
-
Habit Tracker Apps: Explore third-party habit tracker apps that allow you to set reminders and track your journaling streak.
Make it Enjoyable:
-
Experiment with Formats: Don't feel confined to writing; on the contrary ‘feel free’ to write! Try bullet points, mind maps, or even doodles and sketches.
-
Use Different Tools: Explore digital journaling apps or voice recording for a change.
-
Focus on the Positive: End your entries with something you're grateful for or a positive aspect of your day.
Additional Tips:
-
Join a Journaling Challenge: Participating in a journaling challenge can provide motivation and accountability.
-
Reward Yourself: Set small rewards to maintain your journaling streak.
-
Track Your Progress: Monitor your journaling consistency and celebrate milestones.
Remember, the key is to find what works best for you. Don't be discouraged if you miss a day; just pick yourself up and get back on track. Consistency is more important than perfection.
Happy journaling!
