La vida es extraña. The moments that come and go have the potential to impact our growth. And often, we could go for years and years without dissecting the good or bad that those moments have evoked in our lives.
This instant in time is a great example. As we propel through this pandemic, we start to realize the influence “staying at home” has on our mindset. No se tu but, I’ve been feeling restrained and uneasy about the orders + future. I’ve found it affecting my daily routine. More than ever, it is necessitated that we implement a deed that allows us to ground ourselves. For me, that’s journaling.
The act of gratitude and journaling is an efficient measure for digesting such experiences. For context, gratitude is a feeling of appreciation. Often tied to it is journaling, which is a practice that traces meaningful changes. Taking the time to record and reflect on your sentiments can heal el alma. In doing this, your mental well-being will undergo various changes such as…
Mood Booster
An increase in positivity! As we endure acute situations, genuine people or things remain — it doesn’t vanish. In a state of anguish, it is encouraged that you recognize and appreciate those goods. According to Teen Vogue, research has proven that “expressing gratitude” can enhance your outlook toward a circumstance. This response method permits you to absorb and process your surroundings and can further help heighten memory. In my experience, dispensing gratitude has introduced endless joy and positivity within myself and space. My concentration no longer was approaching the wrong, and building such a mentality is much needed during this time.
Better Management
In this pandemic, you have no control over what comes out of it but you do have control over yourself. Entonces, try journaling. As you dedicate 15-20 minutes to expressive writing, you learn to take better charge of your responses and comprehension of events. In the end, prompting you to go about tensions in communication/relationships with ease. If journaling is fulfilled before bedtime, bedtime worry and stress reduces, sleep time increases, and sleep quality improves. In point, research has shown that journaling every day for 4 consecutive months is enough to lower blood pressure. With that, transcribing gratitude and experiences can also improve your immunity and overall health…
Improves Immunity
Did you know that journaling can lessen symptoms of asthma, improve liver/lung function, combat certain diseases, and heal the wounded faster? I know, I know, sounds unconventional pero es la verdad! Mind you, these are long-term benefits from journaling daily. When you journal, you grow resilience and learn to release tension that could have an impact on how you function. If you’re still having a hard time accepting this information, I don’t blame you! I was just as amazed when I found out. You can read more about it here.
Getting Started
Now you want to start journaling, but you wonder…como empiezo? Well, that’s the thing. Don’t think about it, just do it! Thinking will only hinder the process — your focus will be too much on the right or wrong, how, or what. Write about what you feel and keep writing until it becomes natural.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid overthinking:
- Allot time for gratitude + journaling. It is much recommended to write before bedtime but of course, you can choose any time you prefer.
- Choose a platform. You can write via phone notes, apps (Universum, Momento, DayOne), or an actual journal. Here are a few to choose from:
- The Five-Minute Journal
- Anthropologie Journal
- Start Today Journal
- Some journaling prompts to try:
- Make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for.
- Identify the things that are making you feel overwhelmed.
- What’s something you wish more people knew about you?
- Write about a cherished moment with a childhood pet.
- Create a list of what inspires you — music, people, books, websites, etc.
- How to practice gratitude. It can be done in many ways! With a simple post on social media, a review/purchase, volunteering, or through a personal exchange.
It’s as easy as that. Now you’re more than ready to go. Best of luck on your journaling adventure, mija! May it bring you good health and relations.
