Here it is Day 9 of this 365-Day Journal Your Story Project and I wanted to discuss reasons to journal. Why journal? Why take the time out of a perfectly good day to journal? What benefits are there?
I need to be frank about something. There are more positives, benefits, and reasons why we should journal than I could ever compress in one day's lesson. Books can be written about each reason, as a matter of fact. I want you to know that I am not exaggerating at all when I make these claims. Journaling, apart from exercise, is the most beneficial thing you can do for your health and well-being.
Now, since admitting books can be written about each of the reasons I will list below, I will keep today's discussion to a summary list. I will expand upon these reasons later.
Also, please note, some fo these may sound like they repeat, but there are differences in them. Trust me. I will expand upon them later, once again.
Another note: I do not think there is any reason more important than the other. Journaling is overall a good thing. That is the summary. So, the list below is not in matter of importance or in priority order.
WHY JOURNAL LIST?:
~ Why not journal?
I list that first, before we ever look beyond this, for a reason. Why not? What could it hurt? What could be gained? What can you lose if you do not? So, why not journal? That is a reason. It is not a question.
~ The reasons to journal are endless.
~ Journaling helps you live the most healthy life you can live: spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally.
~ It helps you to remember your present and live intentionally--so you stop taking it for granted and prevents you from thoughtless living.
~ It is easy to do.
~ It is inexpensive.
~ It is priceless.
~ It is enjoyable.
~ It is versatile.
~ It decreases stress.
~ It decreases depression.
~ Journaling decreases anger.
~ It helps you feel better inside and out.
~ It helps you to remember.
~ It increases happiness.
~ It increases joy.
~ It increases peace.
~ It increases contentment.
~ It helps you to remain aware.
~ It is cheaper than a therapist. (Except if you are suicidal or homicidal--or are dealing with some major stuff. Then, do both!!!)
~ It is a creative outlet.
~ Journaling is fun, enjoyable, and pleasurable.
~ If you are a writer, journaling is a must.
~ It helps decrease anxiety.
~ It helps with PTSD.
~ It strengthens your immune system.
~ It helps with circulation.
~ It helps to lose weight.
~ It helps you plan.
~ It helps you to list your dreams and goals and make them come true.
~ It is a good traveling resource.
~ Journaling is something to do with art.
~ It is good for reflection.
~ It is good to self-analyze.
~ It is good to help capture memories past, present, and future.
~ Helps you deal with change.
~ Journaling helps you bring about change and transformation.
~ Helps you commit to action.
~ Helps you keep track of things.
~ Helps you keep track of prayer and answered prayer.
~ It is the best habit you can ever get into.
~ It helps decrease procrastination.
~ It helps you budget and manage your time.
~ Self-awareness (to get to know self)
~ Journaling helps you to count your blessings (aka gratitude or thanksgiving).
~ Helps you express yourself.
~ Helps you express what you are feeling.
~ Helps you to overcome.
~ Helps you deal with your past so your past does not deal with you.
~ Helps you plan for the future.
~ Helps you get rid of burdens.
~ It brings maturity.
~ It helps you to vent.
~ Journaling helps you to see the big picture, as well as the fine details--and everything in-between.
~ It is fast.
~ Helps with addictions.
~ It is easy.
~ It helps you remember life lessons (lessons learned).
~ Helps decrease pain (helps with pain management).
~ Decreases boredom.
~ It is convenient.
~ It is a way for you to keep your personal history.
~ It helps you to keep track of history and historical events.
~ Journaling helps you to remember your family history and stories.
~ It helps you to remember the stories of others around you.
~ It helps you see in a new way.
~ It helps you to remember your childhood.
~ It helps you to remember your engagement period.
~ It helps you to remember your wedding.
~ It helps you to remember your pregnancy.
~ It helps you to remember your children and their childhood--all the stories and memories thereof.
~ It helps with personal growth and development.
~ Journaling helps with professional growth and development.
~ It helps with spiritual growth and development.
~ It helps with emotional growth and development.
~ It helps with mental/cognitive growth and development.
~ It helps with social growth and development.
~ It offers you solitude.
~ It helps you to be still.
~ It helps you to decrease busyness.
~ It reminds you of what is mot important and what really matters in your life.
~ Journaling helps you to see the cycles in your life.
~ It brings increased clarity.
~ It helps you solve problems (with problem solving; making decisions).
~ It helps you to talk something out.
~ It helps you to see things as they really are. It strips all of the stuff that does not matter and the clutter--and gets to the heart of the issue.
~ It sharpens your writing skills.
~ It sharpens your creativity.
~ It helps you to keep track of things.
~ It helps you remember your to do list.
~ Etc. Etc. Etc.
Check out these reasons as well:
