Why keeping a journal is so good for your mental health.

by Mamamia Team January 30, 2016

Image: iStock

Keeping and writing a journal certainly isn’t one of the top things that come to mind when thinking about mental health.

However, the very act of writing what’s happening and what you’re feeling forces you to be honest with yourself and increases your awareness about your thoughts, feelings and actions.

The daily practice of writing a journal improves your mood, memory, ability to regulate emotions and leads to overall greater psychological well-being. By exploring your thoughts and feelings on a daily basis, integrates your experiences in the mind and the body and can help keep you on an even keel mentally and emotionally.

Journal styles

There are a number of ways to journal. Here are some examples of different styles you might consider.

1. Stream-of-consciousness journal.

Without making any attempt at editing yourself, simply sit down for a specified amount of time every day and write down whatever comes into your head.

2. Diary journal.

Write down all of the day’s most important events and how you felt about them.

Here are 14 good habits to implement into your mornings. (Post continues after video.)

3. Gratitude journal.

Count your blessings and what you have gratitude for each day.

4. Spiritual journal.

Track your spiritual development and your spiritual connectivity.

5. Exercise/health journal.

This journal could include tracking what you eat and sleep and stress levels, as well as the symptoms for any chronic health conditions you may be managing.

Keep track of your health by writing. (Image via iStock.)

Making the habit stick

Here are eight simple tips to committing yourself to the practice of journal writing.

1. Write every day.

Be consistent with your writing.

2. Write freely and openly.

Don’t edit your thoughts or feelings. Don’t correct your grammar.

Don't edit your feelings. (Image via iStock.)

3. Be creative.

Know that keeping a journal does not need only involve words and writing, but that it can also include expressions of emotions and feelings through art, drawings or images in addition to writing.

4. Write with your other hand.

On occasion try to use your non-dominant hand as a way of accessing the other side of your brain.

5. Practice gratitude.

Ask yourself what you are grateful for today? Be grateful and practice logging what you are grateful for. Keeping a list of what you are grateful for is a fantastic way to process feelings and appreciate the gifts in your life. (Post continues after gallery.)