Top 5 Benefits of Journaling – Happier, Healthier YOU!)

Have you ever wondered why so many people extoll the benefits of journaling? Well, read on to understand why journaling will help you be the happiest healthiest version of you.

Did you watch the Emmys this weekend? I loved Michelle Williams’ powerful acceptance speech (click here to watch).  While the subject was pay inequality, something she said struck a chord with me in an additional way.

“The next time a woman tells you what she needs in order to do her job, listen to her, believe her.”

This sentence made me think of all the things we as women need to be happy, to do our job, to feel safe, to feel heard — but we have a hard time expressing those things. Maybe we feel we can’t, or shouldn’t, or we’re afraid to be vulnerable and ask for what we need or that no one will care.

 

If we can’t articulate these needs to ourselves, how can expect to ask for them from others?

This week, I want to offer the first step. I’ve spoken before about how journaling is a powerful self-care tool, but it’s more than that. There are so many benefits of journaling — it can help you heal from trauma, feel happier and stronger, and help you crystalize a true vision for your life.

Here are my Top 5 Benefits of Journaling – and why it is good for your mind, body, and soul!

1) Phone Tossing Prohibited

When you’re upset, resist the urge to slam doors and throw your iPhone across the room — your journal is here to help!  Journaling helps you funnel your emotions out of your body in a non-destructive way. This is not only beneficial for your mind but your physical body, releasing tension, stress and tears  — and yes, crying is an essential release for your body, so you can do that too!

2) Sort Out Some Serious S#IT! 

Sometimes, you just need a sounding board, and one that won’t talk back, to process events. 😉 Journaling is a self-contained process that you control, so you can take as much or as little time as you need. Plus, unlike a late-night binge session on the phone with your best pal, you can go back and review what you wrote when  you are more clear headed to get a better or different perspective. 

3) Get Those Goals!!

Journaling can help you achieve your goals!  With introspection comes a better idea of what you really want — and more importantly, what you don’t. This knowledge can help you set more specific goals (and boundaries), and you are more likely to consistently work towards accomplishing those goals when they align with your priorities and your core values. 

4) Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy

You can journal anywhere, anytime. Done and done. That is all. 

5) Journaling Sparks Your Creativity

You’re using a different part of your brain when you tell a story (even a true one) than having a conversation. And a journal doesn’t have to just be words. It can be sketches, drawings, poetry, and the very popular bullet journaling. So the experience can not only be cathartic, but colorful and funky too!

Are you already a journaler? Take a snap of your favorite place to take a break and write down your thoughts and tag @ThePlanteLife on Instagram. 

If you’re new to the process, I challenge you to give it a go this week. Try one of these 9 guided journals with writing prompts and exercises, if you need help getting started. Be sure to let me know how the experience felt in the comments below!

LOVE + healthy expression!