JOURNALLING

WHY JOURNAL?

Similar to keeping a diary, the practice of journalling has become an increasingly popular and beneficial way to help people better manage anxiety, stress, and cope with depression. Journalling can be a way of keeping a record of, and tracking, one’s thoughts and feelings, activities through everyday life, and gaining clarity. It is an important tool to support our mental wellness. It helps us make a meaningful connection with ourselves and discover what makes us tick.

Some ways journalling helps with your symptoms and improves your mood:

  • Helping you define and sort out 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; and
  • Determining priorities and solutions to challenges.

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 and overwhelm.

Journalling can also be a very creative and enjoyable exercise which also serves to reduce stress. During MindBody Friday, a variety of journalling techniques will be shared.

VIDEOS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOURNALLING

OTHER RESOURCES

There are many books about a number of journalling, including a number of e-books that are low-cost. A series of journals by Mrorea Seal called “52 Lists” are some of Kelly’s favourites, if you like a journal with prompts provided. If you go on Google or social media, you can search #52 Lists for more information or find the journals in many bookstores.

PAST JOURNAL PROMPTS

  • What benefit(s) might I get from journalling?
  • Write down at least one thing per day for which you are thankful.
  • List the ways that you think someone you love would describe you OR write a letter from them to you OR create a visual representation (draw, paint, collage with pictures/words/stickers, etc.) Ask a person you love to list their favourite elements of who you are and compare it to yours.  Don’t be shy; it will make them happy to tell you why they love you!! 
  • Find one or more quotes, lyrics, lines in books, poems, movies that resonate with you – why does it speak to you?  You may need to journal a bit to figure this out!
  •  A letter to yourself when you were first diagnosed with Fibro (or a comorbidity) sharing some wisdom about coming to terms with it/what you’ve learned about living with it.  (if your diagnosis is at least 2 years old)
  • A letter to another person about what they have meant to you.  (this person can be living or passed on)
  • Mindfully savour moments for which you are thankful e.g. first sip of coffee/tea, taste of something delish, snuggling with a pet or other loved one.  Then write about that experience.  
  • How might you want to use a journal specifically related to your hobby or passion, e.g., if you created a gardening journal?