Journaling for Mood
This past weekend, I took some time to go through a lot of my old files and notebooks, and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the notes and things I had written to myself. Most of them were just little reminders, but others seemed to have a much more sentimental value.
It’s finding those little things that makes me nostalgic and really takes me back to the way I felt at that time. I started to think that one of the ways to recapture my good mood at any given time is to write my feelings down more consistently, so that I can go back and visit them later.
Lo and behold, this process is a lot easier than it sounds, and it is something as simple as journaling that can help you find a way to track your emotions. More importantly is that journaling your mood is a great way to notice trends and shifts in mood over periods of time. Journaling itself can even help you lower stress and save you time. Here are a few steps you can take to establish a good mood journal:
• Ease into Journaling – One of the great things about journaling is the fact that it helps you to understand your own emotions better, so it is really up to you what you write. The process can be as simple as jotting down however you feel, such as “happy,” or “everything is getting under my skin today.” What you choose to divulge is up to you, but don’t get overwhelmed. Start slow by just jotting down a few emotions during the day, and work your way into more in depth thoughts and responses to things that happen during your day.
• Make it Yours – One way you can really make your journal your own is by getting your hands on a journal that represents you. Most bookstores sell blank journals in a variety of sizes and styles. There are simple, leather-bound journals with hundreds of pages to last you through a whole year, and there are more ornate and colorful styles as well. Either way, if it suits you, you can always decorate your journal to make it stand out from the rest. You can add other forms of media to supplement what you write.
• Go with the Flow – Journaling is not a time for editing. Since your journal is for your eyes only, you’ll have a better time with it if you don’t censor yourself. After all, one of the main reasons to be journaling in the first place is to have an accurate representation of your feelings and thoughts, and even though the little editor inside your head will occasionally try to make you censor yourself, this is not the time for it.
• Find your Place – In order to do some focused self-exploration in the form of journaling, you’ll need to find a time and place of your very own. Plan a time in your day, such as right before bed, when you can relax and collect your thoughts. Avoid distraction, though, so turn off the TV and your phone while you write.
• Go Online - If journaling in the traditional sense feels too much like a diary to you, don’t forget that you can always start a blog online. There are a lot of free blogging services on the web such as Blogger or Wordpress. You can set limitations on who can and can’t read your blog, so you can rest assured that your thoughts will remain personal, even on the web.
These are just a few of the things you can do to begin journaling for your mood and your well being in general. You’ll hopefully find that writing down your thoughts and emotions will lead you to tap back into those days and see how your mood fluctuates and changes. This can give you the strength and insight to help you maintain a healthy mood every day. Do you journal? What tips or advice can you give to someone who is new to journaling?
Comments
Pat Sunday, March 15, 2009
I think this method of helping you get ahold of your moods and your well being, is an excellent one! I recently started reading the bible and a variety of other books. Whenever I read a psalm, a verse or even a quote, I like to write it down. That way I can always go back to my journal and read something to inspire me whenever I feel the need.