Journaling Stress: How To Relieve Stress With Your Daily Diary
Think of your diary or personal journal as a cheap but effective way to talk things out with someone whom you love: you!
If you have ever kept a personal journal as a hobby, you may have to get used to using your journal in a slightly new way. Here's how to get started with journaling for stress relief:
Unlike other forms of journaling, stress relief journaling is not so much about writing down an account of your day-to-day activities. It's a whole lot more fluid. It records, in detail, your feelings and thoughts in response to things that are causing you stress.
For me, the most effective journaling comes when I can create a stream of consciousness. I simply keep the pen moving across the page without thinking too hard about what I'm writing. And I keep at it for at least 10 minutes. I find that it's not until about 2 or 3 minutes into a writing session that I really feel that I'm tapping the wisdom and insights of my subconscious.
When you can write this way, you'll find some new perspective. You will begin to see your problems from a third person perspective and your detachment might lead to a solution that had been previously hidden.
If nothing else, it's easier to pick apart a problem when you write it down on paper than when you allow your mind to pace over it in circles, agonizing and getting nowhere.
If you're dealing with a stressful part of your past, writing can also help you overcome the situation. You can analyze how the situation truly affected you and you can really let all your emotions out so you can begin to heal.
Writing can do a lot of things for you, but first you have to become comfortable with the writing process. If you normally don't keep a journal, you may find it difficult to start.
The first thing to remember is that you need not be at all concerned about grammar or spelling. This is your personal journal. It's not an English test and no will read this journal but you.
The best way to get started writing is to simply sit down and do it - right now. Just start writing wherever you are, and don't stop for 10 to 15 minutes. Each time you do a writing session, it will get easier.
If you are still having trouble coming up with a way to stimulate your writing, you can start with a writing prompt. Look for journaling writing prompts online and then use one to start your writing process. Journaling prompts can help get your mind going and overcome any obstacles you have to coming up with something to write about.
The amount of stress relief and self-knowledge that you'll gain from journaling will be well worth the effort it takes each day to start writing. Start a journal today (right now, even). You'll be glad you did.
Note: If you think you suffer from depression or other persistent psychological problem, please don't hesitate to get professional help. Journaling can certainly help with nagging, negative thoughts, but it is not a substitute for therapy.
by: Jamie Jefferson
Minimize Work-related Stress Before It Overwhelms