What is journaling?
The web MD definition of Journaling is “Journaling is the act of keeping a record of your personal thoughts, feelings, insights, and more. It can be written, drawn, or typed. It can be on paper or on your computer. It’s a simple, low-cost way of improving your mental health. “
Why should I journal?
From the University of Rochester Health Encyclopedia, journaling benefits include
- Managing anxiety
- Reduces stress
- Coping with depression
Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:
- Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns
- Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
- Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors
What should I write about?
If you are stuck for ideas on what to journal about, below are several prompts to start with.
- What’s something I’m really proud of myself for this week?
- List five good things about today.
- What are the things that make you feel relaxed and at peace?
- What have you done lately just for you?
- What is one thing you can do today to reduce stress in your life?
Where should I journal?
And while any notebook, blog or word document will work for journaling, below are a few journals made specific for nurses that can help you on your journal journey.
Overtime Journal, daily pages and prompts to help nurses
Self-Care Journal for Nurses: A Journal with Prompts to Relieve Stress, Prevent Burnout, and Practice Mindful Thinking Daily
Nurses Journal for Effective Reflective Writing – with Prompt: Reflection Journal Notebook
