What is journaling and why should I do it?

Writing how you feel about your life can help identify stressors and negative thought patterns, which can then be addressed with more focus. By being more in touch with your emotions, there’s a better chance you can handle relationships and situations more confidently in the future – or at least be aware of them. Journaling can additionally provide alternative perspectives on life events and help to make sense of your responses to them.

Journaling is more purposeful writing than just scribbling down what happened that day, whether that’s uncovering what’s making you anxious or sad, or gratefully reflecting on some positive outcomes or happenings, be that a blissful walk in nature or a new relationship. 

If you feel daunted by jotting down your thoughts (and many people do for various reasons), just think of writing a process. The end result is getting to know yourself better and reframing your personal narrative so you’re not defined by certain events, or bad experiences, in your life.