Do you Journal?
Can Journaling Solve All Your Problems?
Nowadays, journaling is a popular topic that enters many conversations. People are
learning the benefits of journaling, how to create journaling habits, and the
different ways they can use them. But it is also easy to assume journaling will solve all your problems, and this isn't the case, but it can help you in many ways.
Benefits of journaling
While
journaling might not be able to solve all your problems, but it does help a
lot. There are a multitude of benefits, including:
Reducing
stress and anxiety – If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, just writing
about your feelings and what is bothering you can tremendously affect
your life. It allows you to get those emotions out and figure out what
is triggering your stress or worsening your anxiety.
Helping
to set and achieve goals – Journaling can also be used to figure out your biggest goals, define them, and start working to achieve them.
Finding
the clarity in your life – If you feel lost or confused and aren't really
sure why you feel stuck or what to do next, you might need a little clarity.
This is one of the best benefits of journaling.
Making
a big decision – Another way journaling can benefit you is by helping to make a
big decision. Writing out your feelings about a new job or new home in
another state can help guide you in the right direction.
Venting and releasing frustration – Sometimes, you need to vent without involving another person. Your journal is a safe, sacred place where you can vent about anything that is currently bothering you, then move on from it.
Writing favorite verses from the bible and then focusing on their deeper meaning can bring peace, calm, reassurance, and hope.
It Should Not Replace Professional Help
Remember that while journaling can be used to complement professional help, it should not replace it if needed. Therapists often recommend writing in a journal in addition to seeing them. It is often used in addition to medical and mental help treatments, from using the journal to write down triggers for your gut issues to writing out how you feel when your anxiety or depression is getting worse.
Journaling
can help caregivers stay focused and put things into perspective. Behaviors
noted in a journal can be a valuable tool for your medical professional as well.
Once trends are identified, solutions can be more readily found.
While journals can help us sort our thoughts and feelings and identify patterns, it is still essential to seek help from a medical professional or trained clergy member when dealing with something involving your mental health.
What are your thoughts? Journal or no journal?
Debbie Compton
I am an author, speaker, caregiver, and Grammy. The latter is by far the most fun! Having been a primary caregiver 3x, I realized so many lessons were learned too late to benefit my Dad who passed of Parkinson's Disease. I resolved to write a book to make life easier and safer for other caregivers that would get them ideas, inspiration, and lessons learned. It's called "Caregiving: How To Hold On While Letting Go" available on Amazon. I am a Certified Caregiver Consultant and Advocate as well as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Assoc. and Founder of The PurpleVine LLC
