{"id":48674,"date":"2023-01-10T11:27:10","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T11:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=48674"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"mental-health-journaling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Mental Health Journaling Matters (And How To Start Yourself)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Get_your_personalized\" >Get your personalized<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#What_Exactly_Is_Mental_Health_Journaling\" >What Exactly Is Mental Health Journaling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Is_There_Proof_That_Mental_Health_Journaling_Works\" >Is There Proof That Mental Health Journaling Works?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#How_Do_You_Start_Mental_Health_Journaling\" >How Do You Start Mental Health Journaling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Who_Can_Benefit_from_Mental_Health_Journaling\" >Who Can Benefit from Mental Health Journaling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#What_Should_I_Write_About_In_My_Journal\" >What Should I Write About In My Journal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#When_Should_I_Journal\" >When Should I Journal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Where_Should_I_Journal\" >Where Should I Journal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Where_Can_I_Find_A_Good_Mental_Health_Journal\" >Where Can I Find A Good Mental Health Journal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#Why_Is_Journaling_Not_Working_For_Me\" >Why Is Journaling Not Working For Me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#How_Do_I_Stay_Motivated_With_Journaling\" >How Do I Stay Motivated With Journaling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health conversations have become more commonplace, and there is growing awareness of how one\u2019s mental health affects their overall well-being. We now have some insights into how mental health can affect our physical health and ability to perform in various areas of your life (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0924977X19318693?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to take charge of your mental health is through journaling. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, tracking moods and behaviors, and understanding your thought patterns. It is a process of self-inquiry that can help us gain insight into how we are feeling, relieve stress and anxiety, and even provide clarity on why we experience certain emotions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3830620\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When done regularly and with intentionality, journaling can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. We&#8217;ve prepared a comprehensive guide on the importance of mental health journaling and how to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <section class=\"ad-single-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"ad-single-text ad-title-wrapper\">\n            <h3 class=\"ad-single-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_your_personalized\"><\/span>Get your personalized<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n            <span class=\"ad-single-sub-title color-green\">\n                <svg class=\"icon-sparkle\" width=\"36\" height=\"21\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 21\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                          d=\"M34.6837 0.515943C34.8247 0.835947 34.9421 1.16291 34.9891 1.48987C35.1417 2.64466 35.3179 6.51949 35.2592 7.29863C35.2592 7.53515 35.1887 7.7995 35.0243 8.01516C34.7307 8.39777 33.9791 8.4256 33.5681 8.07081C33.4154 7.94559 33.3215 7.77863 33.2745 7.61863C33.1453 7.15254 33.0396 6.68645 32.9809 6.22035C32.8165 4.81512 32.6638 3.40293 32.5581 1.9977C32.5229 1.53161 32.6051 1.05856 32.6991 0.592466C32.7695 0.244637 33.251 -0.0197144 33.6973 0.00115537C34.2257 0.0289818 34.5546 0.230723 34.6837 0.515943ZM18.6184 9.78225C18.5734 9.67557 18.5344 9.57528 18.4971 9.47956C18.4178 9.27568 18.3465 9.09257 18.2426 8.91267C16.7159 6.24133 14.2615 3.86217 11.4665 1.60128C11.1377 1.33693 10.7267 1.08649 10.2687 0.919531C10.0221 0.829095 9.52885 0.843009 9.247 0.933445C9.03562 1.00301 8.88295 1.27432 8.92992 1.42736C9.01213 1.71954 9.18828 2.01868 9.4349 2.28303C11.0555 4.02913 12.6879 5.76829 14.3437 7.50048C14.8308 8.0068 15.3395 8.50887 15.8473 9.01L15.8473 9.01001C15.9883 9.14921 16.1293 9.28833 16.2697 9.42746C16.4811 9.64311 16.7159 9.85181 16.9626 10.0466C17.2327 10.2692 17.6437 10.4014 18.0547 10.2553C18.0691 10.2501 18.0836 10.245 18.0981 10.2399C18.1097 10.2358 18.1213 10.2318 18.1329 10.2278C18.3785 10.1424 18.6184 10.0589 18.6184 9.78225ZM1.98942 20.1407C2.17783 20.1221 2.37674 20.105 2.58175 20.0875C2.99012 20.0525 3.42272 20.0154 3.84492 19.9598C6.34632 19.6259 8.84771 19.292 11.3374 18.9442C11.8776 18.8676 12.406 18.7355 12.8875 18.5824C13.5334 18.3807 13.7566 18.0954 13.6509 17.7824C13.5452 17.4694 13.1224 17.2746 12.3826 17.2676C11.8776 17.2607 11.3374 17.2676 10.8559 17.3372C7.69683 17.8102 4.5378 18.2972 1.3905 18.7911C1.03819 18.8468 0.674137 18.9442 0.404034 19.0833C-0.2771 19.4242 -0.065712 19.9598 0.803314 20.092C1.01858 20.1228 1.25262 20.1258 1.51135 20.1291C1.66195 20.131 1.82092 20.133 1.98942 20.1407Z\"\n                          fill=\"#17B991\"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n               meal plan!\n            <\/span>\n        <\/div>\n    \n        <div class=\"ad-single-text ad-desc-wrapper\">\n            <p class=\"ad-single-desc\">What's your main health goal?<\/p>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\">Lose weight<\/a>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\">Feel great<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <img class=\"ad-single-img\" alt=\"health-food\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"395\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/themes\/gridlove-child\/assets\/img\/ad\/health-food.webp\">\n    <\/section>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Exactly_Is_Mental_Health_Journaling\"><\/span><strong>What Exactly Is Mental Health Journaling?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word journaling may conjure up images of teenage diaries and personal reflections. Or perhaps you think of a book filled with inspirational quotes and <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-and-sports\/\">thoughts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health journaling is slightly different, although it shares similarities to both. It\u2019s a form of expression that involves writing down your thoughts and feelings in order to gain clarity and understanding of yourself, as well as your relationships with others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health journaling isn\u2019t just about recording what you\u2019re feeling, it also provides the opportunity for self-reflection and an opportunity to work through emotional or psychological issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling can be used as a therapeutic tool that helps you identify patterns of behavior in order to move forward with your life in a healthier way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few qualities of this exercise make it beneficial for your mental health:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps to clarify thoughts and feelings. Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful way to process them and make sense of what you\u2019re feeling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It provides an avenue for <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/fall-health-tips\/\">self-expression<\/a>. Mental health journaling allows you to express yourself in a safe, non-judgmental way.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It increases self-awareness. Writing down your thoughts can help you become more aware of how you feel and what triggers certain emotions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It provides an opportunity for problem solving. Journaling can be a useful tool in helping to work through difficult situations or come up with solutions to problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It encourages positive thinking. Writing down affirmations or positive thoughts can help to boost your self-esteem and outlook on life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be done anywhere and at any time. You don\u2019t need special equipment or materials to do it &#8211; just a pen and paper.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/benefits-of-art-therapy\/\"><i>The Benefits Of Art Therapy For Mental Health<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47353 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801-1024x576.png\" alt=\"mental health journaling\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207801.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_Proof_That_Mental_Health_Journaling_Works\"><\/span><strong>Is There Proof That Mental Health Journaling Works?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes! There is growing evidence that journaling helps to improve mental health. Studies have found a variety of psychological benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved mood, better sleep quality, and greater self-esteem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a 2006 study published in the Journal Arts in Psychotherapy, researchers found that expressive writing (which is similar to journaling) about a stressful experience was linked to a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in positive feelings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In another study, writing in a journal was found to be just as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy in helping to reduce depression (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0005796706001781?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These findings suggest that regular journaling can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. It can be used to help cope with difficult emotions and situations, as well as gain insight into personal thoughts and behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s not all, there are physical benefits of this practice, too!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research shows that journaling can help to reduce physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2929823\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is thought to be because writing down our thoughts can help us to identify and process our emotions in a healthy way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boosting immunity, improving skin health, and reducing blood pressure are just a few of the physical benefits associated with journaling (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment\/article\/emotional-and-physical-health-benefits-of-expressive-writing\/ED2976A61F5DE56B46F07A1CE9EA9F9F#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Start_Mental_Health_Journaling\"><\/span><strong>How Do You Start Mental Health Journaling?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling is a very <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-fitness\/\">personal experience<\/a> and there is no \u201cright\u201d or \u201cwrong\u201d way to do it. However, this guide will help you get started by answering the 5 Ws and 1H of mental health journaling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47358 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806-1024x576.png\" alt=\"mental health journaling\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207806.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Can_Benefit_from_Mental_Health_Journaling\"><\/span><strong>Who Can Benefit from Mental Health Journaling?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you get started, knowing whether you&#8217;re a good candidate for journaling is essential as it may not be suitable for certain situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can benefit from journaling if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are struggling to manage difficult emotions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to increase self-awareness and understanding\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are feeling overwhelmed or anxious\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have experienced a traumatic event\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need help processing thoughts and feelings\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to practice positive thinking and set goals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, journaling may not be effective or <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/social-media-and-physical-health\/\">beneficial<\/a>. You might need to consult a professional before starting a journaling practice if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are in the midst of a mental health crisis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience suicidal thoughts or feelings\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find that your thoughts are impacting your daily life\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are seeking treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the cases listed above, a mental health professional can provide you with tailored advice and guidance. They may recommend journaling as part of a wider treatment plan. Alternatively, they may suggest other methods of managing mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you wish to free yourself from all the extra pounds that have been weighting you down for way too long, <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\">start using the BetterMe app<\/a> and overhaul your entire life!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47301 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756-1024x576.png\" alt=\"mental health journaling\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207756.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_I_Write_About_In_My_Journal\"><\/span><strong>What Should I Write About In My Journal?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s completely up to you what you choose to write about in <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-preparation-for-weight-loss\/\">your journal<\/a>. The most important thing is that it should be an outlet for whatever thoughts or feelings come up in the moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some topics that you can journal about include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your daily experiences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotions and how you\u2019re feeling\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goals and aspirations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gratitude for what\u2019s going well in your life<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your worries and fears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thoughts on personal relationships\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like with most things, having a structured plan in place can be helpful. You&#8217;re more likely to get the full emotional benefit if you&#8217;ve set out with a clear intention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to do this is to choose a set of journaling prompts \u2014 either from an online resource or your own ideas \u2014 and set aside time each day to answer them. This can help you focus your thoughts and ensure that you keep up with your practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the blank page a little too daunting? Don&#8217;t worry \u2014 it&#8217;s normal, especially to begin with. Find comfort in the fact that you don&#8217;t need lengthy pages of prose to make this practice effective. Sometimes, just jotting down a few thoughts can be enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, a study conducted by researchers from the University of California Davis noted that even a few sentences of writing can produce positive mental health benefits. In the study, participants were encouraged to write in a single sentence, five things they were grateful for each week. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.co.ke\/books?id=tGCcH2l4jUUC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on these findings, you can use a technique called &#8220;minimum effective dose&#8221; (MED) to get the most out of your practice. This means that you should focus on achieving the desired result in the least amount of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same principle applies to journaling \u2014 you don&#8217;t need to fill page upon page of your notebook in order for it to be effective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Read More: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/dance-for-mental-health\/\"><i>7 Reasons Why Dancing Is Good For Your Mental Health<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47303 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754-1024x576.png\" alt=\"BetterMe\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207754.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Should_I_Journal\"><\/span><strong>When Should I Journal?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The great thing about journaling is that it can be done anytime and anywhere. You just need to find a time that works for you. For some, this may be the morning before starting their day or in the evening before bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others may find that they need to take a break during the day and spend some time writing down their feelings or thoughts. Whatever the case, it&#8217;s important to be consistent and set aside a regular time each day or week to practice this habit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&#8217;s conflicting research as to which time of day is best for creativity, productivity, and mood. However, it&#8217;s proven that consistently practicing a habit \u2014 whatever the time \u2014 is much more effective than sporadically trying it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, if you find that journaling in the morning energizes you and sets up a positive day, make sure to keep doing it in the morning!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Should_I_Journal\"><\/span><strong>Where Should I Journal?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where you journal from only matters in so far as it should be comfortable for you. It doesn&#8217;t have to be a certain place \u2014 your bedroom, living room, or even the work bathroom can be as good a place to journal as any!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re having a hard time concentrating in an area, try setting up a dedicated journaling place. This could be anything from a cozy nook in your home to your favorite cafe. Provided it&#8217;s free of distractions and helps you focus, it can be a great spot to practice journaling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Can_I_Find_A_Good_Mental_Health_Journal\"><\/span><strong>Where Can I Find A Good Mental Health Journal?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re a beginner or an experienced at journaling, finding the right notebook is important. There are so many journals available in the market and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few things you should look out for when choosing a mental health journal:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medium: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do you prefer a physical notebook or an app?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Layout: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what are the prompts and writing pages like? Do they help with your practice?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Size: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will this journal fit in your handbag or backpack?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Style: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">does the design appeal to you and make you feel inspired to write?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re looking for a guided journal with prompts, an unstructured blank book, or an app, there are plenty of options out there. The goal is to find one that works for you and your practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47304 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753-1024x576.png\" alt=\"mental health journaling\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753-1635x920.png 1635w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207753.png 1729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_Journaling_Not_Working_For_Me\"><\/span><strong>Why Is Journaling Not Working For Me?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel like journaling isn&#8217;t working for you, don&#8217;t be discouraged. Here are a few possible challenges and solutions you can try:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re trying too hard:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reduce the pressure and take your time with journaling. Try to write whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn&#8217;t make sense.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re not setting aside dedicated journaling time: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">try to be consistent and set aside a specific time each day or week for journaling.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re not using the right medium: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if you don&#8217;t prefer physical notebooks, try an app or online journal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re needing a change of pace: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">try different types of journaling such as expressive writing, gratitude journals, or bullet journals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re struggling with writer&#8217;s block: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">try writing in a stream of consciousness or freewriting. Alternatively, use an app to help with prompts and ideas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You&#8217;re overwhelmed by the feelings triggered by journaling: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when you start digging deep into your thoughts and feelings, it can be difficult to process everything at once. Don&#8217;t be afraid to take breaks or write in short bursts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embracing all the emotions that come with journaling can help you better understand yourself and provide clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yanking yourself back in shape has never been so easy with our game-changing fitness app! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\">Start transforming your life with BetterMe<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-47292 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740-1024x577.png\" alt=\"mental health journaling\" width=\"770\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740-1634x920.png 1634w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Frame-207740.png 1728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_I_Stay_Motivated_With_Journaling\"><\/span><strong>How Do I Stay Motivated With Journaling?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling can be a difficult practice to stick with. Here are some tips that might help you <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/30-day-health-challenges\/\">stay motivated<\/a>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Set yourself a goal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it could be anything from writing for 5 minutes every day to having a certain number of entries in your journal by the end of the month.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Find a writing buddy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">having a friend or family member who journals can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Make it fun:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use your journal for more than just reflective writing. Draw, doodle, make lists or even write a story if that&#8217;s what works for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reward yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this could be something small like a cup of tea or a piece of chocolate after you&#8217;ve completed a writing task.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Work with a professional:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a therapist or counselor can help provide guidance and support when it comes to journaling.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health journaling can be a powerful tool for self-acceptance, reflection and growth. Whether you&#8217;re looking to keep track of your moods or express your emotions, journaling can provide an outlet and a way to connect with yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to find the right medium, practice consistently, and stay motivated. With patience and dedication, you can create a practice that works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Why_Mental_Health_Journaling_Matters\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental health conversations have become more commonplace, and there is growing awareness of how one\u2019s mental health affects their overall well-being. We now have some insights into how mental health can affect our physical health and ability to perform in various areas of your life (7). One way to take charge of your mental health [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48676,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[132],"tags":[],"coauthors":[123],"class_list":["post-48674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why Mental Health Journaling Matters (And How To Start Yourself) - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We answer your questions about \u2605 MENTAL HEALTH JOURNALING \u27a4, from why it&#039;s not working for you to staying motivated. Plus, tips on finding the right medium and setting goals.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Mental Health Journaling Matters (And How To Start Yourself)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We answer your questions about \u2605 MENTAL HEALTH JOURNALING \u27a4, from why it&#039;s not working for you to staying motivated. Plus, tips on finding the right medium and setting goals.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_1207974295-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1706\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nderitu Munuhe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f17673def6e76d2649ffa32b13f712e3\"},\"headline\":\"Why Mental Health Journaling Matters (And How To Start Yourself)\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\"},\"wordCount\":2133,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_1207974295-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Mental Health\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Mental health conversations have become more commonplace, and there is growing awareness of how one\u2019s mental health affects their overall well-being. We now have some insights into how mental health can affect our physical health and ability to perform in various areas of your life (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0924977X19318693?via%3Dihub\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). <\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">One way to take charge of your mental health is through journaling. <\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, tracking moods and behaviors, and understanding your thought patterns. It is a process of self-inquiry that can help us gain insight into how we are feeling, relieve stress and anxiety, and even provide clarity on why we experience certain emotions (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3830620\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). <\/span><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">When done regularly and with intentionality, journaling can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. We've prepared a comprehensive guide on the importance of mental health journaling and how to get started.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>What Exactly Is Mental Health Journaling?<\/strong><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The word journaling may conjure up images of teenage diaries and personal reflections. Or perhaps you think of a book filled with inspirational quotes and <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-and-sports\/\\\">thoughts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Mental health journaling is slightly different, although it shares similarities to both. It\u2019s a form of expression that involves writing down your thoughts and feelings in order to gain clarity and understanding of yourself, as well ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/\",\"name\":\"Why Mental Health Journaling Matters (And How To Start Yourself) - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-journaling\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_1207974295-scaled.jpg\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"We answer your questions about \u2605 MENTAL HEALTH JOURNALING \u27a4, from why it's not working for you to staying motivated. 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We now have some insights into how mental health can affect our physical health and ability to perform in various areas of your life (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0924977X19318693?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to take charge of your mental health is through journaling. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, tracking moods and behaviors, and understanding your thought patterns. It is a process of self-inquiry that can help us gain insight into how we are feeling, relieve stress and anxiety, and even provide clarity on why we experience certain emotions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3830620\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When done regularly and with intentionality, journaling can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. We've prepared a comprehensive guide on the importance of mental health journaling and how to get started.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What Exactly Is Mental Health Journaling?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word journaling may conjure up images of teenage diaries and personal reflections. Or perhaps you think of a book filled with inspirational quotes and <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health-and-sports\/\">thoughts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health journaling is slightly different, although it shares similarities to both. 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