So, you want to gain mental balance and consider trying to make journaling your self-help practice. It is a good choice because journaling is pretty easy and intuitive, and if you make it a habit, it can consistently stay a part of your routine for many years.
To make the journaling experience even smoother, you can go for ready journaling prompts like the ones listed in this article. And if you are open to even more techniques, check out our list of seven steps towards mental balance!
1. Begin with observation, not analysis
To make the start of your journaling self-discovery journey as smooth as possible, don’t overthink it! That’s the main idea of the whole concept.
Begin by describing what is happening around you at the moment of writing, or put down some idea that popped into your head. Or maybe there is some feeling that you are experiencing that made you want to put it into words? Take notes!
You will have the ability to better interpret and judge it all later when you feel freer in how you express yourself.
Self-discovery apps help best with this. For instance, Liven app reviews claim that you can start using a journal anytime, but then use AI to help you uncover the hidden meanings and reasons behind feelings and thoughts.
2. Use visual journaling when words feel hard
Not everyone thinks of themselves as good writers. And although there surely can be no judgment, sometimes writing simply doesn’t work. What do you do in such cases?
Try to get creative and sketch. There is no need to make it a complete picture and expose it as a piece of art; just doodle, draw some maps or schemes if it feels more natural and clear to you.
Journaling does not limit you to words only; it is simply a tool for expressing what is inside you. So, if you understand that words are not enough in some situations, get your pencil and let creativity speak for you!
3. Choose simple prompts
For those who find it hard to decide on what to journal, there are some prompts—ready-to-answer questions on different topics. You can use them to reflect on, thinking your life through, and uncover some unexpected truths about yourself.
Prompts are your go-to choice if you like to be precise; then, your journal will look like a clear consequence of questions and answers.
Try easy ones, like “How am I feeling right now?” or “What made me smile today?”.
Later on, you will be able to probe deeper into more complicated topics and get that emotional clarity.
4. Focus on feelings, not perfect writing
Remember that the only person you keep your journal for is yourself. So, no need to worry over grammar or try to make up some fancy paragraphs. Focus on staying honest. Express your emotions freely, use the wordings that you like best. If you make mistakes or want to cross out some part of your text, it is okay, too!
The time of perfect-looking copybooks is long gone, and you have the right to use any tools and methods as long as they help you to keep your mental balance!
5. Set a gentle purpose for your journal
You don’t have to make it strict and write it at the top of the first page of your journal. But deciding on the direction of your thoughts in the journal will help you stay more organized. What do you need to work on? Maybe you seek stress relief, or want to discover new things about yourself, or simply seek clarity?
Pick a goal that will make your journaling practice less chaotic and more meaningful. This way, you will see your progress more clearly and have less decision fatigue when starting your entries.
6. Connect your insights to your emotional needs
No journal entry is pointless, even if it might seem so at the start. When you open your heart and express yourself, some emotional need always lies behind it.
You can crave rest, connection, support, or boundaries without even realising it. So, it is a good self-discovery practice to re-read your entries later and try to get some insights. The more you do it, the easier you understand yourself. And so your self-awareness rises.
7. End with one small intention for tomorrow
Finishing your journal entry correctly is important, too. Of course, there are no strict rules, and you can do it however you like, but there is an idea you might find useful.
So, try to finish each of your entries with a gentle intention. Think of something simple, like “drink water,” “rest more,” or “be kinder to myself.”
These short notes can connect your reflection to mindful action.
Final word
Journaling can be an easy but effective practice for self-development, and a good way to know yourself better. If you are only a beginner at journaling, consider taking these seven steps to start writing your entries and make them mindful!
Use different techniques and rely on the prompts the internet can offer you. You don’t need to be intentional about every single entry you write, but you can surely try to define what you expect from this practice in general.
Listen to your emotional needs and be gentle with yourself—after all, journaling is a way of self-support, too!
