Chapter 1: Journaling

Chapter I: The Importance of Journaling Just a few years ago it seems like having a diary or journal was almost unheard of. We all logged our memories, photos, and emotions on myspace, facebook, twitter, and instagram. If no where else, then it was the notepad on our phones. These days we have everyones thoughts at the tip of our fingers, whether we want them or not. Between influencers, trends, viral topics, and the endless abyss of misinformation that is the internet, how do we differentiate which thoughts are really ours? Thats right, Journaling. Now, you could do the same kind of journaling you used to when you were young. Log your days and wishes and desires and leave it at that. But it would be so much better if you really looked inside yourself, ask yourself the same deep questions you’ve asked others. When you really commit to journaling effectively you start to uncover parts of you which you may not have understood before. According to the University of Rochester , journaling can help you:

• Manage anxiety

• Reduce stress

• Cope with depression

Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:

• Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns

• Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them

• Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors

When you have a problem and you're stressed, keeping a journal can help you identify what’s causing that stress or anxiety. Once you’ve identified your stressors, you can work on a plan to resolve the problems and reduce your stress. Reminders:

• Try to write every day. Set aside a few minutes every day to write. This will help you to write in your journal regularly.

• Make it easy. Keep a pen and paper handy at all times. Then when you want to write down your thoughts, you can. You can also keep a journal in a computer file.

• Write whatever feels right. Your journal doesn't need to follow any certain structure. It's your own private place to discuss whatever you want. Let the words flow freely. Don't worry about spelling mistakes or what other people might think.

• Use your journal as you see fit. You don't have to share your journal with anyone. If you do want to share some of your thoughts with trusted friends and loved ones, you could show them parts of your journal.

Love, Brooklynn