Benefits of Journaling
Benefits of journaling. When I was a kid, my teachers would give journals to all the students at the end of the school year. We were supposed to write our summer adventures, thoughts and feelings.
Most of the kids hated this summer homework, but I loved it. (Not that I could tell any of my friends that ’cause hello, middle school drama!)
Now that I’m an adult, I SWEAR by the benefits of journaling…
It’s not just for the ‘granola crowd’ or intuitive people; it’s wonderful for everyone (even “macho” guys like my husband!)
Plus, it’s easy to get started… and serious journalers know that there are benefits that can help you emotionally and spiritually!
Here are some little-known journaling benefits that will make you want to grab your sparkly pen ASAP:
7 Journaling Benefits
1. Increased Clarity
There’s something about physically writing things down that helps declutter your brain.
Once everything is on paper (or a laptop) it becomes easier to sort through your thoughts and feel more positive about everything.
Some context:
Have you ever opened up a messy closet and thought to yourself, O.M.G., where do I begin?!
So, you decide to take the bull by the horns and pull everything out of the closet to sort through it?
At first, the process seems overwhelming, but as you begin to lay your items out, something magical happens…
You begin to have clarity.
You realize:
- How much stuff you have (why did I buy so many Beanie babies?)
- What you want to get rid of (Suzanne Somers Thighmaster… need I say more?)
- What you want to keep (Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack from 1987 — keep FOREVER!)
Journaling is like cleaning the closet of your mind and spirit.
It can help you find clarity on ANY issue: relationship, job-related, past trauma, decision-making — anything. Cue deep sigh of relief!
2. Personal Understanding
I have been journaling for a long time, so I’m able to look back at certain time periods of my life.
This helped me recognize the patterns I go through when things aren’t going my way and anticipate them.
By seeing where I’ve been mentally, I can better anticipate how I’ll respond to things.
- 3/6/2017: “I didn’t get my dream position, and I feel like I’ve worked hard for nothing.”
- 3/8/2017: “I got a job offer from another company and they’re amazing. I’m so thankful that my hard work is paying off. I don’t know why I was worried. Time to celebrate!”
By being able to look back, I realized I tend to overreact to things without trying to find the blessing in disguise… because there is almost always one (like an even better job offer waiting in the wings).
3. Mental Dexterity
Chances are you communicate in writing a lot: emails, texts, Facebook posts etc. but journaling is a whole new level.
It causes you to be introspective and reflect on what’s going on.
It increases:
- Sharpness of mind
- Creative thinking
- Expression
I attest that I feel super-focused when I’m journaling. That’s because it engages a different part of the brain.
Plus, unlike social media, no one is judging your journaling entries, which means you get to be your true and authentic self.
4. Solitary Outlet
Think of another outlet you have that no one else has access to… you can’t? I couldn’t either.
Even working out (a popular outlet) has turned social. People want to go to the gym together, run together, or play a sport together.
Of course there is nothing wrong with a little togetherness (or a lot if you’re an extrovert), but, don’t underestimate the power of your alone time.
Journaling provides a completely private outlet for your emotions that you don’t have to share with anyone.
5. Increases Your Intuition
One of the most fun benefits of journaling is that it increases your intuition. We are all born with intuition, but a lot of us question it and don’t really know how to tap into, and trust it.
Well, journaling solves that problem.
When you journal, you connect with your Higher Self.
Of course, since your Higher Self is the spiritual, all-knowing part of you, it will guide you in the right direction, and never steer you wrong.
After a few months of journaling, you’ll notice that:
- You become more aware and mindful.
- That “little voice” inside begins to guide you.
- Life becomes more joyful as you start accessing intuitive guidance.
- You feel more in tune with the people and places around you.
- Your authentic self begins to shine through as you uncover who you are on a higher level.
Here’s a post that explains where intuition comes from.
6. Record Keeping
I’m notorious for forgetting important dates.
I thought it was just something I’d have to make peace with, but journaling is here to save the day again.
Actually, this is something that my mother-in-law taught me. She journaled everything, and now that she’s no longer with us, we cherish her journals… which is just another benefit, but I digress…
I’ve started to look back at old entries and see when important things happened.
“Hey Jane, do you know a year ago today was the first time we had coffee? Now you’re my best friend!” Jane feels special and you feel like a memory Queen (or King).
7. Reviewing Your Life
One day, I was looking through a bunch of my old papers (I’m talking about YEARS worth of stuff).
As I flipped through my journals, I was reading about the hopes and dreams that I had years ago — like when I started this blog and what I wanted it to become.
I realized that, in the last few years, the dreams that I had have come true.
Without even realizing it, I manifested the life I had been dreaming about, which gave me such a sense of peace and joy. Now, I make it a ritual to flip through my old writings once a year to see where I was, and how far I’ve come.
I can’t put into words how powerful this benefit of journaling is!
Okay, so you’re sold on journaling, right? If not, reread the benefits and then give it a try — because I promise it’s worth a shot.
Next read: How to Manifest Abundance Through Journaling