Healing Benefits of Journaling

Growing up, keeping a journal was fairly common. Our journals and diaries were an intimate, secret place to document our daily routines, changes in our lives, and our innermost thoughts. In other words, they were an outlet for us to express ourselves and our feelings, perhaps without consciously realizing that was what we were doing. 

As adults, journaling is still a powerful tool for self-care, providing us with a healthy way to recognize and process our feelings, instead of keeping everything bottled up.

Why is journaling essential for mental well-being?

Opening up can be difficult, but journaling can help. One study gave young adults 15 minutes twice a week to journal or draw about a stressful moment or their plans for the day. Those who journaled saw a reduction in feelings of depression, anxiety, and hostility. Another study on students showed the positive impact that journaling has on people dealing with worry and self-doubt. From a group of students preparing to take a test, those who were asked to write about their feelings of worry about the test outperformed the group of students who did not.  

In addition to helping alleviate stress, journaling is a great tool for clearing our minds, getting in touch with our thoughts and feelings, and focusing on the present to help process life experiences. It can also aid in problem-solving as we reflect on what we may be writing out, giving potential to spark solutions. The act can also help with perspective as we acknowledge what we’re feeling, how it may be affecting us, and what steps we want to take next.

What does journaling look like?

There’s no one right way to journal, so the specifics will look different for everyone. You can use it as a diary to track daily events, or as a mood tracker to create a historical log of how you’re feeling to look back on. Whatever your method, the important thing is to make it a habit, as journaling is most effective when done consistently. Find a routine and cadence that works for you and stick to it for maximum health benefits.

If you are looking to start a journaling practice, be sure to make it convenient for yourself. Keep a notebook and a pen on hand so that you’re prepared to journal when the mood strikes. You can also use your phone as a means of journaling, too, by typing into a notes app. Whether you’re creating your structure or following a prompt, curate your space to express yourself in any way that lets the words flow. 

To get into the right mindset for journaling, try using our Focus gummies to support your concentration and cognitive function, allowing you to hone in on the task at hand and center yourself on mindful journaling. If you’re feeling symptoms of stress, our Calm gummies can aid in lowering your cortisol levels to alleviate your stressors and better channel your feelings into self-expression.