The way to ensure that journaling works for you is to do it long term. Long-term journaling gives you more insight into your life because youíll be able to look to the past, present, and even the future (sort of) to get answers in your life. But first, you have to do it. And you need to do it daily to make it a habit. Letís review a few tips for making journaling part of your daily routine.
Make It Easy
Donít make it a huge deal, and itíll be simpler to get done. For example, itís easier to use a notebook and paper than a computer for most people. You can have the book in your bag or on your bedside table or wherever you plan to write in it.
Choose a Time That Works
The best times to do it are early morning, first thing, or the last thing before you go to bed. However, that might not work for some people. If you know a better time, do it. For example, some people like journaling while on lunch at work in the park. Itís up to you.
Get a Drink and Eat a Snack
You donít want to have any excuses or extraneous thoughts while youíre writing in your journal. Make sure youíre fed and hydrated.
Create a Comfortable and Accessible Space
Itís easier to get into your thoughts if youíre comfortable and not thinking about how bad your tailbone hurts or your wrist hurts. Some people like using a desk, some a comfy easy chair, others their bed.
Combine It with Something Else You Enjoy Doing
If you enjoy cleaning the house, then reading in your clean house with the windows open and the breeze flowing in, why not journal at that moment? If itís a daily thing, add journaling to it, and itíll create a habit fast.
Add Some Relaxing Music to Set the Mood
Now it’s true that some people prefer silence, so thatís fine if you do. But consider trying some music that doesnít have words and that is relaxing, to help you gather your thoughts and say calm and focused.
Use a Particular Type of Journal
For some people, using a style of journaling like bullet journaling, prayer journaling, project journaling, and more, works better since it defines some rules for entry.
Consider Using Journaling Prompts
You can also find journaling prompts online for any type of journal you want to use.
Reward Yourself
When you have been diligent for a month writing in your journal, take some time to read what you wrote, then reward yourself for doing it. You might buy some colored pens or some scrapbooking materials so you can add some definition and interest to your journal.
To truly experience the full benefits of journaling, it needs to be done most days, which is why you need to find a way to incorporate journaling into your everyday life. The best way to accomplish this is to make it easy and turn it into a habit.