How often do you feel that tight, stubborn knot in your chest – the one you just cannot seem to swallow? Between the academic and social pressures of university life, the answer is likely more often than you would care to admit. But what if there was a simple way to help that knot fade away? Enter the ever-reliable practice of “Journaling”.
A recent PDBY Instagram Poll revealed that 52% of respondents do not journal. If you belong to that majority, you might be asking yourself, “Why journal?”.
By writing down every thought and idea, you actively take care of your mental wellbeing in the following two ways:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: When negative thoughts and anxieties start to creep in, the best move is to “stop, drop, and write”. Putting your emotions down on paper releases their hold on you, and you may even gain some perspective, insight, and solutions.
- Boosted self-confidence: Writing down your goals allows you to hold yourself accountable and track your progress. Your journal provides an easy space to brainstorm, find inspiration, and create opportunities for deep self-introspection.
Journaling is not a clear-cut and monotonous chore. It can take many different forms to fit your lifestyle and personality. The standard journaling experience allows you to write down your thoughts and feelings exactly as they come to you. A dream journal lets you take note of your dreams as soon as you wake up. A sketch journal exists to express your thoughts and feelings through drawings and doodles. Even a to-do list is a type of journaling that lets you manage daily chaos, cross off each small or big task, and build your sense of accomplishment. Scrapbooks are there to preserve memories and create moodboards. A gratitude journal helps you start and end the day with something you are thankful for.
If you are ready to give it a try, here is how to ease yourself into the habit:
- Get a journal: The most popular size is an A5 notebook. However, the great thing about journaling is that there is no rulebook. You can use any spare notebook you have lying around.
- Have stationery ready: You can use all the colourful highlighters and stickers to make it fun, but a regular black pen still gets the job done.
- Look up journal prompts: This makes it less intimidating by knowing what to journal about.
- Set aside a time every day: Five to ten minutes is sufficient enough to build a consistent habit.
Journaling is not about writing perfect essays; it is about giving your mind a safe place to land after long days, and let us be honest – every day is a long day.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
