I have tried a couple of things to enjoy a more work-life balance (I am a Libra, we are all about balancing the scales). Journaling is one of them, I cover the basics of journaling for beginners, mediums used and how to make the most of it.
The Secret book had come out some years before and I was hooked on stories on how people had transformed their lives by following the processes outlined in the book one of which is writing down your thoughts aka journaling about your life and what you want it to be. What started as a fun way of learning more about myself turned into so much pressure it seemed like a second job.
I still journal but do so with a better mindset. I have come to enjoy it and see it as a lifelong skill.
Some reasons why people may journal
Pleasure
Most people journal for the pleasure they get out of it. The clearness and peace it brings from putting your thoughts down on paper can have a calming effect on the mind. Being alone in a quiet place and having a journal or a book you love is what works for a lot of people. It can be used to write desires, get stuff off the mind or to keep a diary of the events of the day.
Relieve Stress
Journaling can be a huge stress reliever. It is said that the mind thinks up to 6000 thoughts a day. That is why you could go to work, sit down all day working and get back home exhausted (thinking out loud here). This is because the brain is constantly processing information. For some people, they find out that when their thoughts are transferred on paper they think clearly which in turn may reduce the stress they may be under.
Want something to happen (in the future)
After the launch of The Secret which talks about the Law of Attraction the popularity of journaling increased. I have personally witnessed friends who continue to use this method to achieve what they desire. I have nothing against it. It worked for me a couple of times.
This may even be the most popular reason people take to journaling. The combination of positive feelings and the assurance that what you desire may happen in the future is what makes this reason for journaling popular
Different ways you can journal
Books
By far the most popular way of journaling, books or scraps of paper are easily accessible to people and in my opinion seems to work best. There are so many variations of journals sold in stores to suit every need.
I recommend browsing and picking one that suits your personality. When researching for this article there seem to be a consensus of getting a journal you love as it will motivate you to write frequently.
Laptop
Using a laptop is also a preferred way of journaling and serves its purpose. Some people are more comfortable typing than writing in books. The goal here is to love what you do so it does not become a chore. Get a laptop that is easy to use and portable when traveling to help you journal while on the go. You could use office word or some installed app. Both work well.
Phone
Not a popular way to journal but works nonetheless. Most people use some sort of app in the phone to journal. One reason you may like this method is the ease with which you can journal without breaking a sweat. You can journal practically anywhere if you have a phone.
How to approach journaling without turning it into an epic battle
Take the target off your mind
journaling is a journey, a beautiful one just like meditation. When approached this way it is more enjoyable. Setting a target to journal could put pressure on you. I know it did for me.
Journaling should be done whenever you feel the need to and not trying to meet a quota number of journals per month. In not trying to meet an imaginary target you begin to enjoy the benefit of journaling such as a calm mind and clarity of thought.
Maintain an open mind
There is no set rule on what you need to journal, no time limit. You reap the reward of journaling when your thoughts flow uninhibited. Do not restrict yourself. You could journal about your favorite dish, your hobby, what happened during the day as a starting point. Whatever suits your fancy works best for you.
Don’t limit yourself
The beauty of journaling is that it can be done from anywhere using any medium. People have turned their journals into books of some sorts. The possibilities are endless with what you can do with your journal. Only take action and start.
Do what works for you
I remember when I started journaling I went on YouTube to watch some videos on what people were doing out there and saw how they were achieving so much just by journaling.
When I started journaling and didn’t see immediate and lasting results like others I felt frustrated. With time I realised no two people are the same and we may have different reasons for journaling.
Now I use my journal as a reminder of the good things I have going for me and journal at my own pace.
If you are curious about journaling I encourage you to try it out. It may turn out to be a lifelong habit you will be happy to have.
The Cafe Blog 