18 Oct The Power Of Journaling As An Act Of Refection

Can you believe that October is almost over and by the time you read this only 74 days left until 2022? It’s the time of the year when everything is steadily coming to a close, projects are rounding up, people are looking out for December and we’re looking back at all the things we did (and perhaps didn’t do). The last few months of the year can bring with it reflection and looking back at the things that worked, what you still have time to work on and what needs to be re-evaluated. Self-reflection can help you identify what areas of your life improved, what still needs work and how you could hopefully map the way forward. 

Writing can be very therapeutic and through these last few years, it’s been key in helping me see my thoughts, move through my days and map a way forward. Journaling has been recommended by mental health professionals as a means of working through feelings and helping you get a sense of direction. Now, journaling doesn’t have to be done in a fancy notebook (it can) nor do you have to use a special format, journaling is simply dedicating a space for you to write your thoughts and feelings, so you may understand them more clearly. 

The benefits of journaling are well-documented and include:

• Managing stress and anxiety
• Helping to clear your mind
• Building confidence
• Helping work through fears, problems and concerns
• Improving self-talk and thought patterns

Journaling isn’t going to fix all your life problems but when used in conjunction with other self-care behaviour, it can be instrumental in improving your mental health and how you navigate through life. 

Work out a schedule that works for you

When I started journaling or I need to get back into it, I like to schedule just 5 minutes a day to get into it. You can do almost anything for 5 minutes, so setting aside this time first thing in the morning or just before bed, can help you get into the habit of writing regularly. 

Have a pen and book handy

It’s great to have a book and pen handy for when the writing mood strikes or you need to get something off your chest. If you don’t have these handy, then your phone’s notes app works great too or even recording yourself. 

There are many ways to journal. You could take the simple writing route or if you want to be more creative you could do doodles or an art journal. Do what works for you. 

Self-reflection journal prompts

1. How would you describe this year so far?
2. What moments were most significant to you and why?
3. What did you enjoy working on this year and why?
4. What goals have you achieved this year and how did they make you feel?
5. What goals have you not achieved yet and why not?
6. How have you engaged your curiosity this year?
7. How do you plan to engage your curiosity in the coming year?
8. What are some of your goals for the coming year and how do you plan to hold yourself accountable?

Do you journal? Or is it something you’d like to add to your habits for next year? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.