When you hear the word journaling, you may be fighting back images of your teenage self, scribbling about your latest love interest. In fact, I would say, consider yourself lucky if you started a journaling regimen when you were young! There are so many benefits to gain from journaling that are now coming out in research, many of which I can attest to through my own experience. Let's talk about how journaling can improve productivity, awareness, and self-confidence, shall we?

When there is something weighing on you, writing it down can give you power over it. This is a great process to practice before bed, especially if you have trouble calming your mind before falling asleep. My favorite podcaster and life coach, Brooke Castillo, refers to this process as a thought download. By sitting down and writing whatever comes into your mind, without judgment (that's the hard part), You will begin to see a pattern and be able to hone in on the thing that's really bothering you. Once you've pinpointed the trouble, you can then dissect it by considering the circumstances (the facts), and then the possible solutions. Working through your thoughts like this on a daily basis can give you a mental clarity that will change your life. You'll fall asleep feeling at peace and wake up feeling empowered! 

 2.) Journaling Elicits Creativity

In positive psychology, there's a little term called "flow".  It's essentially a state of being in the zone, being totally focused that your mind flows freely. When in this state of mind you're open to your own creative thinking and not bogged down with outer stimulation. Journaling is a great way to get your mind into flow and let your creativity function freely. This type of journaling is best done in the morning when your mind is refreshed. Try journaling alongside your morning coffee and see what comes to light, get your mind going and write freely! You'll find that your creativity will not be stifled and you can bring original thoughts and innovative ideas out of the shadows of your mind and into the light of day! 

Journaling is especially satisfying when you're detailing an event or experience that you're proud of. Allowing yourself to put pen to paper when it comes to your own accomplishments is one of the first ways I used journaling as a teen (in between love interests). I loved reliving my favorite moments of the day and it always put me in a state of self-appreciation. These journal entries are also some of the more fun ones to look back on. Don't be shy about celebrating your wins in your journaling routine, It will make you feel good and strengthen your self-confidence! 

4. Journaling Can Be A Beneficial Way To Grieve and Heal 

If you haven't read C.S. Lewis's "A Greif Observed", get yourself a copy right now! A Greif Observed is an important piece of literature that details the author's grief after losing his wife. The book is essentially a collection of journal entries that range widely from anger, happiness, deep sadness, and beyond. Journaling to heal yourself from a recent trauma will help you to express your grief and work through it in a natural and empowering way. Journaling gives a sense of purpose to your running thoughts and allows you to examine them in a productive way. 

I personally subscribe to the practice of writing out a very specific daily list. I consider this a journaling practice on a very micro level. Setting small goals within each day that bring you closer to your overall goals is hugely impactful. Writing out your schedule gives you the power to decide where you will focus energy throughout the day and what your expectations for yourself are. Having this on paper allows you to refer to it several times throughout the day and reinforces self-discipline. Self-discipline is often referred to in psychology as a muscle, the more you apply it, the stronger the muscle gets. Making a daily routine of journaling and writing out goals will strengthen that muscle and you will soar to new heights.  

These are just five ways that journaling can ultimately impact your daily productivity. I believe in the practice and know that it can take your life to the next level. I'll leave you with a quote from Brené Brown  

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”