Want to Bring More Goodness in? Try Positive Journalling!

Positive journaling is a popular practice for those seeking a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. It involves writing about positive experiences in your life, your emotions, and your goals. This type of journaling helps you focus on the good in your life, which can lead to a happier and more fulfilled lifestyle.

Studies show positive journaling improves your mental wellbeing and allows you to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and identify any negative patterns or behaviours that may be affecting your mental health. By writing about positive experiences, you build a positive mindset that helps you navigate difficult times. Research has shown that journaling can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In addition to improving mental wellbeing, positive journaling also has physical health benefits (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005). Studies have found that it lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. When you write positively about your life, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote an overall sense of wellbeing.

Moreover, positive journaling helps you set and achieve goals. By writing about your aspirations, you are more likely to achieve them. Journaling allows you to record progress towards your goals, which can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. This leads to an increase in motivation, which makes it easier to persevere through challenges.

Positive journaling also promotes gratitude, which is an important trait for happiness (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). By writing about what you are grateful for, you train your mind to focus on the good in your life. This helps you appreciate the simple things in life and develop a more positive outlook on life. Gratitude journaling has been linked to increased happiness, optimism, and resilience.

To get started with positive journaling, choose a notebook or use a journaling app. Write down three positive things that happened during the day, along with your thoughts and feelings about them. This can include things like a compliment from a friend, a good grade on a test, or a beautiful sunset. Over time, you will see how many positive things happen in your life, and this can help shift your mindset towards positivity.

In conclusion, positive journaling is a valuable tool for improving mental and physical health, setting and achieving goals, promoting gratitude, and developing a positive outlook on life. By taking a few minutes each day to reflect on your positive experiences, you will feel an increase in happiness, confidence, and motivation. So, grab a notebook or download a journaling app and start your positive journaling journey today!

Madelaine Vallin, 2023. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES

Baikie, K., & Wilhelm, K. (2005). Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 11(5), 338-346. doi:10.1192/apt.11.5.338

Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.

University of Rochester Medical Centre. (n.d). Journalling for mental health. Health Encyclopaedia. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1