The pandemic has undoubtedly been an unprecedented time that came with numerous lockdown and quarantine restrictions. These restrictions forced us all to remain in our homes and deal with all the anxiety and uncertainty without having access to our entire support and social network. While technology and the internet has definitely afforded us alternative modes of communication, these weren’t always enough to navigate everything with.
The unbearability of dealing with our emotions privately and possibly alone was what prompted many to adopt certain activities and hobbies targeted towards mindfulness and self-care. These ranged from indulging oneself in a much more intricate skincare routine every night to finding a regimented workout routine that restored a sense of structure when everything felt tumultuous.
Another activity that many have taken up is journaling because of the many mental health benefits that it offers. Journaling allows individuals to properly process and reflect on their emotions, as well as moments in their pasts that they may have not fully accepted yet. And while the worst of the pandemic has already passed, there is still some merit in pursuing journaling as a way to stay connected with yourself.
Before you start, here are some things that you should keep in mind as you embark on your own journey of self-reflection!
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Don’t Overcomplicate It
One of the many great things about journaling is that it’s a very powerful and effective tool to get to know yourself better as a person without needing to spend too much on anything. The idea of journaling is associated with having a pen, a notebook and the vibrancy of your own thoughts, and that’s all you really need.
While other influencers and creators online are decorating their journals with stickers, sticky notes, polaroids and colorful markers, these definitely aren’t things that you really need to get what you want out of the activity. Remember, journaling is all about substance rather than the glitz and glamor that you see on social media.
Be Honest With Yourself
The many mental and emotional benefits of journaling can definitely make up an endless list in itself, but you’ll only be able to feel the beauty of these changes when you’re being honest with yourself. While you may feel the need to conceal certain parts of your personality and identity from the world around you, this isn’t something that you’ll need to do when you’re journaling because it’s meant to be your personal and intimate time with yourself.
Express Your Creativity in Your Own Way
There are many different reasons why people choose to get into journaling. Some use it as a mode of self-reflection that leads them to peace and acceptance, while others see it as a time capsule that preserves precious memories and moments that they want to remember in the future. Regardless of your reasons, it’s important to go about your journaling in a way that stays true to who you are as a person.
Some individuals prefer to simply pour out their thoughts and emotions into straight paragraphs spanning several pages, while others like to break it down further into little compilations or lists that they can more easily read through. There are also those people who prefer to express themselves with both words and illustrations.
The bottom line is that anyone interested in pursuing journaling should never feel like they need to align themselves with the different designs or aesthetics that they see online on social media. Above everything else, journaling is a private space for your mind to completely unwind and unload whatever it needs to, which will require your authenticity.
