Did you receive a new Paperblanks journal for Christmas? Lucky you!
If you have an unused notebook and you’re not sure where to begin, or if you’re looking to kick your regular journalling habit up a notch, here are four compelling reasons to go offline and start writing.
Journalling helps to regulate and clarify emotion. Writing down how you are feeling, and the experience that triggered that feeling, can help you notice patterns in your life. Whether there are certain interactions causing you anxiety, or a complicated feeling you need to work through, writing it out in a safe space like your journal can help give you the separation you need to see things more clearly.
You’ll get a better night’s sleep and feel more accomplished in the morning. A study by researchers at Baylor University showed that participants who spent time before bed writing down their to-do list for the next day, fell asleep an average of 9 minutes earlier than participants who only wrote their accomplishments from the day before. While gratitude journalling before bed can be a huge mood boost, adding a to-do list for tomorrow can help settle your mind for sleep. You will rest easy knowing you’ll be ready to tackle your goals in the morning.
It holds you accountable to yourself. When you tell someone you are going to do something, you want to keep your word – this holds you accountable and therefore more likely to follow through. When you want to accomplish something more personal, though, that doesn’t involve keeping a promise made to another person, it’s much easier to “forget” about it or let it slide if something else comes up. Writing down your intentions in your journal helps make you accountable to yourself. Once you’ve set down your goal on paper, you are one step closer to making it a reality.
Your journal is a conduit to creativity. Journalling isn’t just about writing and reflecting – it’s a way to explore your creative side as well. Bring out your markers, stickers or glue stick and create a visual accounting of your day, or let your creativity loose by spontaneously doodling whatever comes to mind, and you may discover a whole other side to self-expression.
Still not sure if journalling is right for you? Check out our previous posts on the benefits of keeping a personal diary.
