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The Journaling Journey

Journals, mood diaries, gratitude journals, 5-minute journals, journals of happiness, journals for self-exploration, guided journals, anxiety journals, journal prompts–phew! 

More and more people are taking the time to journal their inner thoughts daily, but if you are just starting out on your journaling journey it can all seem quite daunting! Let us guide you through the what, why, and how of journaling to help you get started.

What is Journaling?


“Keeping a diary or journal as a means of self-exploration, stress reduction, or enlightenment.” Medical Dictionary

“But how is this different from just keeping a diary?”, we hear you ask. Some say the terms can be used interchangeably. Others see journaling as being less about recording daily events and more about encouraging mindfulness, self-reflection, and personal development – journaling might put more emphasis on why you do it, how you do it, and even where you do it.

Keeping a diary or journal is by no means a new phenomenon. It goes back at least 2,000 years to the respected Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius – or even earlier, to the Han Dynasty in China. Then we have England’s 17th-century diarist, the celebrated Samuel Pepys. Why even Albert Einstein kept a diary! And let’s not forget The Diary of Anne Frank – perhaps the most famous of them all.

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Journaling today is just part of an ongoing evolution of diary keeping. With its focus on reducing stress, increasing self-awareness, and solving problems, the simple practice of expressing yourself on paper is transformed into an act of self-care that promotes wellbeing.

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Why Should I Journal?

It’s a deeply personal exercise – so there are any number of reasons that might motivate someone
to keep a journal. Here are just a few:
  •  To clear your mind – when you’re overwhelmed by a multitude of possibly conflicting
    thoughts and ideas, writing them down can help to structure your thinking
  • To improve your mood – journaling increases levels of emotional wellbeing
  • To track emotions, feelings or health symptoms over time
  • As a way to record and monitor your diet, movement, sleep and other lifestyle habits
  • To identify any negative thoughts that might be holding you back from happiness,
    achieving your goals, or whatever
  • As a form of catharsis to help you work through and deal with traumatic events or
    relationships, either ongoing or in the past
  • To aid in your personal journey of self-discovery
  •  As a way of taking frequent and regular spells of time out for yourself
  • For the simple satisfaction of recording your memories

How do I start journaling?

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First, think about why you want to get into journaling – it might be one of the reasons listed above, or something else completely. Interestingly, there’s something special about actually hand-writing your journal, rather than keeping an e-journal. The physical act of writing being slower, you tend to connect more deeply to your words and emotions; you can add drawings, or stick in mementos. But hey, e-journaling is eminently portable, and it can be a much quicker way of getting your thoughts down.

It’s your journal, so do what suits you best!

 

1) Start by choosing the right journal for you – anything from a book with blank pages to something more structured, or even an online option. See our Top 5 picks below.

2) Set a time – 10 minutes may be enough for you – ideally every day, or at least on a regular basis. Consistency is key to journaling. 

3) You might choose the start of the day to set your intentions, or the end of the day to record the day’s events and express gratitude. Gratitude is powerful self-therapy.

4) What should you write? It’s really up to you. If you feel time-stressed, try setting out 3, 5, or 10 goals for the day. If you’re struggling with your diet, write out a meal plan and your fitness intentions for the day, week, or month ahead. If you’re feeling depressed, jot down three or more people, places, or things to be thankful for.

5) Beyond that, don’t overthink the process. Let your brain spill onto the paper, writing as lucidly as you can.

6) It’s a good idea to keep your journal in a generally positive space. Aim to balance any negative thoughts with constructiveness and gratitude.

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Our Top 5 Journal Picks

1. The Well Journal, US$28 

The well journal

This one emphasises diet and sleep. By wellness coach Mia Rigden, The Well Journal  helps you

understand where your lifestyle habits fit into your broader wellbeing – from diet, sleep and

exercise to mindfulness and gratitude.

BUY NOW

 

2. Becoming: A Guided Journal, Michelle Obama, US$8.38

 

obama journal

 “I hope you’ll use this journal to write down your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, in all their

imperfections, and without judgment… We don’t have to remember everything. But everything

we remember has value.”

BUY NOW

 

3. Diaroapp, free for the basic function; US$5.99 a year  for the Pro version
diaro

An online app journal, this is designed to keep your life moments and ideas always with you. It’s

great for those who travel frequently and don’t want to carry a physical journal around.

Being online means you can add photos and tag and categorise your entries. 

BUY NOW

 

4. Leaf Journal, US$18 

Screenshot 2021-07-14 at 08.33.35

Leaf leather is a plant-based non-leather alternative. This Tree Tribe Leaf Leather journal is

ethically made from teak leaves and is vegan-friendly.  Tree Tribe is a nature-inspired lifestyle

brand.

BUY NOW 

 

5. Self Journal by Best Self, US$31.99

self journal

This one comes with an un-dated 13-week planner, productivity, and positivity system for

maximal goal achievement and personal success. Use it to track your goals, habits, and gratitude,

both daily and weekly.

BUY NOW

 

So, get journaling now, and start enjoying the benefits straight away! If you’d like some help getting started, our new wellbeing package, Journey to Calm, includes a lucid-writing session to help you unmask inner truths, together with a one-hour coaching conversation to co-create an action plan. 

Journey to Calm is a US$500 supplement to a three-night stay. It can be booked at the time of your reservation.

 


Start Your Journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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