Do You Have A Daily Journaling Routine?
I don't keep a traditional journal but I do find that writing things down helps me to remember, probably because I'm taking the time to think about the words and the reason for writing them. Your journaling can take many forms such as setting out a list of personal goals, writing out a favourite quote or affirmation, tracking your daily tasks or writing an account of your day in a traditional diary format.
Recently, I've been introduced to the #LoveYourLife campaign from stationery company, Pen Heaven. This campaign is to encourage the importance of making time for yourself, starting with just a few minutes each day using the theory that it only takes 21 days to make something a habit.
Your journal should be your creative outlet. There are many videos on YouTube showing pretty journals with all manner of trackers (I've spend hour upon hour watching these) but ultimately, your journal is a place to dream without restraint; it is to help you realise what you want. You can practice gratitude and give thanks but, ultimately, it should be a place of self-expression.
Writing keeps the brain active so Pen Heaven sent me their top tips to ensure you get the most from your new daily journaling routine.
- Bring your heart into your writing, not just your mind, to help your words hold more substance
- To achieve a zen-like state, completely immerse yourself in your writing – that means taking yourself away from any distractions, such as your phone, tablet, internet…
- Allow your mind and text full freedom without restriction
- Relax, collect your thoughts, then write them all down in a personal manner that is easy to remember and refer to at a later stage
- Make a to-do list every morning and every evening tick completed tasks, whilst prioritising new ones for the following day – this will help you sleep better
- Take at least 10 minutes EVERY day to write down your thoughts
If you want to start a bullet journal then I have two blog posts to help you out. I have three top tips to help you start a bullet journal and another five tips which should help you personalise your bullet journal.
If you're new to journaling, why not treat yourself with the Green Palmi Grained Leather Journal priced at £22. This leather notebook is green to represent mental health awareness and is embossed with the mental health awareness ribbon. 10% of all sales of this notebook will go to the Mental Health Foundation and the campaign has been launched in November to coincide with Men's Mental Health month.
Disclaimer : I've worked with Pen Heaven on a number of occasions to review items of stationery so I'm really pleased they approached me with information about this campaign. They sent me a Green Palmi Grained Leather Journal as a gift for getting involved. You can find more information about my collaborations in my disclosure policy.