THE BALANCE METHOD: JOURNALING WITH JENNY
One of the things I am continuing into 2021 is a Journalling habit. There are many ways to journal and it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to know where to start, especially when staring at a blank page. Personally, for me, journalling has always been a way to encourage positive thoughts, infusing my days with a gratitude journal in the morning. And to be honest I’ve kept it super simple. Just noting 3 things that that I feel grateful for each morning I wake up. The smallest thing can give me a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness. In these times of uncertainty, finding gratitude has allowed me to stay present and connected.
Of course, gratitude journalling isn’t the only way to go about journalling yourself. Maybe you want to go on a little more of a self discovery journey, write down your aspirations or goals, or achievements each day or maybe even journal about your yoga practise as a little bit of self study. You can try all the above and see what you feel works best for you. Here’s my top tips on journalling, how to get started and why i think 2021 should be the year we all pick up a pen and a notebook.
So why should you Journal?
Scientific studies have proven that it can improve your mental and physical health
It can help reduce feelings of anxiety, help your relationships deepen and face challenges more graciously. In these uncertain times, anything which helps with the above is surely of benefit
It can take just a few minutes and will serve to benefit you in so many ways
It can help strengthen your self discipline. Forming a habit!
It can help provide you with direction and allow you to focus. Taking a break to meditate in writing and journaling each day will sharpen your mental faculties.
Ways to Journal (this is not exhaustive! You can journal about pretty much anything!)
Gratitude Journalling :
There are lots of ways you can do it and it can take as little as five minutes if you are pressed for time. You can simply list three things you are grateful for at this moment. They can be simple or general things. Other people find it easier to write about their day focussing on what went well or what they were grateful for during the day. Make your gratitude journal a habit. Decide when is the best time for you. Try it before bed to see if it helps you sleep better. Some people prefer writing first thing in the morning to infuse their day with feelings of gratitude.
If you’re feeling really stuck, you might want to use some prompts to get started. You can write about the things that made you smile, or how about three people you want to thank from your past or present who have had a big influence on you: you can write about why you’re grateful.
Once you get started, the options are endless. You can write about the place you live, the food you enjoy, the people and animals you share your life with. Why not tell us what topics you find helpful in your gratitude practice.
Journalling for Self Discovery :
You can discover alot about yourself through journalling. Another way to use a journal is for a little bit of self discovery. Discoving what drives you, what energises you, perhaps what is holding you back. If you have a blank page in front of you maybe start with these short questions. Come back to it at the end of the day and see whats changed.
I am most energised when…
A negative belief holding me back is …
My 3 top values are…
I feel my happiest when…
I wish I could give myself more…
Give it a go and see how you get on.
Balance + Glo Journalling Worksheet :
This worksheet is something we have shared previously with retreat guests and is a good place to start espeically coming into a new year. We hope it will help support you in making changes, viewing things differently and helping you through these uncertain times.
More help from a few fab sources:
Maybe a blank notebook doesn’t do it for you - there are SO many brilliant journalling books , guides and notepads out there at the moment, I’ve chosen 3 below that could support you on your way:
My Wellness Journal - From Papier £24.99
This year’s been a little different to say the least – make time for yourself with this daily wellness journal. Start and end your day with a fresh mindset, set intentions and take note of the things that make you feel good. There are 12-weeks of pages for reflecting on your mindful goals, habits, meals, water intake, sleep and the things you’re grateful for.
Life Balance - A Journal of Self Discovery - From WHSmith £10.99
With writing prompts, inspirational quotes, and “balancing act” exercises, Life Balance gives readers the chance to stop, take a breath, and evaluate emotions or situational anxieties that inevitably surface in everyday life.
Morning Rituals For Wellness, Piece and Purpose - From Amazon £10.51
Not just about journalling, this inspirational guide, Linnea Dunne, shows how building a life-affirming ritual into your morning routine is an act of self-care that can benefit both your physical and mental health, enhance your productivity and positively influence your day.