Hey there! If you're reading this, you know how beneficial journaling can be for your mental health and personal growth.
But let's face it - making a consistent habit (of anything - not just journalling!) can be challenging.
So, today I wanted to share some strategies and tips for incorporating our CBT guided journals into your daily routine.
Making journalling a "non-negotiable"
First off, let me tell you about my own experience with journaling. I used to be a sporadic journaler, meaning I'd journal every day for a week and then forget about it for a month.
Sound familiar?
Well, one day I decided to make journaling a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.
I decided to journal every morning while I had my coffee, and it really helped me stick to my habit.
Now, I don't need to actively decide when to journal, or even push myself to find the motivation to journal. It's now an engrained part of my day. Just as I reach for the coffee machine every morning, I reach for my Self-Love Journal too.
This has been a huge factor in helping me keep the habit of journalling!
Using reminders
Another strategy that has worked for me is setting a reminder or cue. I've tried setting alarms on my phone, but I found that placing my journal next to my coffee mug was more effective.
Initially, when I saw the journal in the same area as my coffee machine, it reminded me to also take a few minutes to complete a prompt.
However, now, it's just easy to have it right where I need and use it, and reaching for my journal has become second nature.
How do you find the motivation?
I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to write long, detailed entries every day. But that's just not realistic, especially if you're just starting out.
Instead, I started with a few sentences or bullet points, and gradually worked my way up to longer entries. It's important to make journaling feel achievable, not overwhelming.
Unlike journalling that relies on the user to come up with ideas and find inspiration, guided journalling can be a great alternative to 1) create the habit of journalling and 2) create a situation in which diving deep into unsettling feelings or experiences is easier.
With a journal like the Self-Love Journal, there isn't much room at all to list out you day's events. Instead, it is more geared towards unpacking feelings, thoughts, emotions, and even previous experiences.
For this reason, working with a journalling buddy (or community) can be especially valuable for those of us using guided journals.
Not only does it help you stay on track, but it can also help limit any feelings of loneliness in your journey.
Working through trauma and difficult experiences can feel very isolating - so if you have a trusted friend working with you, it can be a massive help!
Is guided journalling better than regular journalling?
All forms of journalling can be beneficial in their own ways. Whether guided journaling is better than regular journaling ultimately depends on personal preference and individual needs.
Regular journaling (with a blank notebook) allows for complete freedom of expression and exploration of your thoughts and emotions. You have the flexibility to write about whatever comes to mind, without any specific prompts or guidance. This can be helpful for unpacking immediate daily experiences, but does require effort to uncover deeper insights that you may not be aware of.
On the other hand, guided journaling provides a structured and focused approach to journaling. It offers specific prompts and exercises to help you explore your thoughts and emotions in a more targeted way.
This can be especially helpful if you're looking to work on a specific issue or goal, such as managing anxiety or increasing self-confidence.
Guided journaling can be useful for those who are new to journaling or struggle with getting started, as it provides a clear starting point and direction (making it easier to dive in and start journaling).
Need structure & guidance?
Making it a consistent habit can be challenging, but the benefits of journalling can hugely impact your mental health and day-to-day motivation.
By incorporating some of these strategies and tips into your routine, you can make journaling a daily habit that supports your wellbeing.
And with our CBT guided journals, you have the structure and guidance you need to make the most of your daily reflections.
So, why not give it a try? Your future self will thank you.
