Journaling for wellness

Whether it was a nightly ritual, or an occasional place for you to write your thoughts and feelings, chances are, it helped you handle stress, deal with intense feelings and even made memories.

But journaling can actually do a lot more than simply keeping your emotions in control. Katie Dalebout, author of “Let it Out: A Journey Through Journaling”, explains:

Dalebout was a part-time yoga teacher and marketing professional – she lived a healthy life, but was also battling an eating disorder and struggling with low self-esteem. In other words, she felt lost.

“After months of meditating, I finally put my finger on it. How could I clear my mind of thoughts when I didn’t know what all the thoughts in my mind were?”

The answer was journaling. “I wrote down all the things I was thinking but never saying. By putting these intense thoughts and fears to paper, I acknowledged their presence – and was one step closer to releasing them,” says Dalebout. Through this path of discovery, she learnt that journaling could be utilised to help in all aspects of life – from keeping her home organised to meal-prepping and feeling in control.

One way journaling can improve your life

It boosts well-being and improves your productivity levels.

We all have days where we sleep in and lack motivation, but Dalebout believes writing down your exercise plan, daily schedule and positive things in your life can help put a stop to those pesky “give-up” days and boost your self-esteem.

Step 1 – At the top of the page, write “Things I am loving right now” and list underneath everything that is currently making you happy.

Step 2 – Under your list, write “Things I want to change”. This can be anything from negative thoughts about your body, to the horribly long winter we are experiencing.

Step 3 – Count how many things are on your “want to change” list and for every item on there, add another item to the “things I am loving” list.

Step 4 – Focus on the longer list and take a moment to be grateful for all the things you are loving. Your mood will start to improve and as this happens, write a final list, titled “Three things I will accomplish today”. These aren’t meant to overwhelm you, so be kind. It could simply include scheduling a pamper session after organising your wardrobe, or something similar.