Journaling Your Way to Happiness

When you were little, you probably wrote down your thoughts, dreams and ideas in a small journal. Whether they are used to help keep track of plot points in books or to express heartbreak, journals are excellent ways to boost your personal happiness. Through keeping a journal, I’ve learned these tips and tricks for success. 

 

Tips for Journaling

Almost everyone who is starting a new journal has to answer one critical question—what are they going to write? Here are some simple prompts and tips to get you started:

• What do you want to write about? What is going on in your life?
• How do you feel?
• What do you want?
• Investigate your answers to a prompt as you continue to write and explore why you feel the way that you do.
• Did you run out of steam? Reread what you have written and see if you have more to say.
• At the end of your journaling session, reread everything that you wrote and wrap it up with 1-2 sentences at the bottom listing any steps you should take. 

Things to Avoid

When journaling, there are many things that can get you off track. Always avoid screens when you are curling up with a pen and paper. Put your phone away, turn off the television and hide your laptop. Screen time can decrease your creativity and clutter your thoughts. It’s also important that you avoid feeling bad if you don’t have anything to write or share on a certain day. Journaling is a tool for helping you become more centered and happy, so don’t let it make you anxious and sad instead.

When Is the Best Time to Write in Your Journal?

The best time of day to write in your journal is any time that you can stick to. It is incredibly difficult to stick to a journaling schedule if you are not motivated or picking up a pen when inspiration isn’t there. Keep track of when you are most motivated to journal and set an alarm for that time. Every day, block off 10-30 minutes at that time so that you can jot down your thoughts.

Do you journal for personal happiness? Let me know what your personal journaling life is like in the comments below to share.