Many busy moms – working and stay-at-home – barely have time for themselves in a week, let alone each day. Sitting down with a hot cup of fragrant herbal tea to journal their thoughts is a luxury most moms don’t take. But they should.
The Tools
One of the best ways you can encourage yourself to journal is to buy yourself something pretty. Much like a new dress inspires a night out on the town or at least dinner, an attractive journal can lure you into putting pen on paper.
Even the quickest internet search reveals a stunning selection of journals. Most retail for around $30. Perhaps this is expensive for a book of empty pages, but maybe the price tag will guilt even the most reluctant writer into filling them.
You’ll quickly discover there’s no shortage of beautiful journals for every taste. If you secretly think of yourself as a princess, find a journal that speaks to your inner tiara. If you’re a secret (or no-so-secret) hippy, think swirling designs and mystical art. Or, go “eco” with earth tones, animal figures and 100 per cent recycled material.
However, a special journal is not required. Even the most basic notebook from an office supply store becomes a work of art when graced with original ink. It’s simply a matter of making the time. But how?
The Time
Between work, kids and that special someone in your life, there’s precious few moments available for you – just you. That said, even the most hectic schedules can make room for a daily journal entry.
First, make it a ritual. Whether it’s immediately after the kids are tucked in at night, or first thing in the morning before they wake up, set aside 15 minutes to journal. Yes, that’s all it takes! Dedicating the same time each day helps establish journaling as a habit.
If you’re not a creature of habit, adding enticements can turn journaling into something to look forward to. Incorporating a cup of tea, burning incense or crawling into a favourite arm chair will turn it into a ritual. It won’t be long until journaling transforms from habit to ritual to need.
Second, it’s easy to make time for this supposed indulgence once you recognize the benefits – for both your well-being and your family’s. And what exactly are they?
The Result
Journaling has the potential to greatly reduce a busy mom’s stress. Think of journaling as your release valve, or steam vent. The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends expressing yourself in a journal to “gain perspective (and) release tension.”
In fact, Dr. James W. Pennebaker, a researcher at the University of Texas, says journaling can dissipate anger, ease depression, facilitate problem solving – even prevent illness.
Although more studies need to be done to determine exactly how journaling helps maintain mental wellness, do you really care about the science if it works? Many women may feel 15 minutes away from work is selfish; or stolen time from family togetherness. But if you find journaling reduces stress in your life, making you healthier and happier, that’s good for everyone.
Besides, you may also find your journal pays off in unexpected ways.
A journal doesn’t necessarily have to be a venue to vent or pour out one’s deepest darkest emotions like a lovesick teenager. It can also be used to record family history or document children’s milestones as they blossom and grow.
A picture of your son’s first steps or a video of your daughter’s first words may be worth a thousand more. Journal entries about these emotional moments are like a letter to yourself in the future – and a delight when your children are older.
Your own words not only capture the moment, but also your hopes and dreams.
Journaling Prompts
Writer’s block? Try these prompts.
For health benefits, Dr. Pennebaker suggests writing about something you:
– are thinking or worrying about too much - are dreaming about - feel is affecting your life in an unhealthy way - have been avoiding for days, weeks, or years
And just for fun, write about:
-your favorite pair of shoes
-your daughter’s hilarious “from-the-mouth-of-babes” one-liner at the dinner table
-the blueberry pancakes you completely botched
-your perfect vacation
Recommended Reads: Books on Journaling
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal by Julia Cameron
Journal to the Self by Kathleen Adams
5 Comments
I love this post and my journals are so precious to me especially the older ones. One thing I did not start doing until recently though was to save a few pages in the front to create a sort of table of contents of favorite entries, because some are just so much more inspired than others. Try it!
Also, in the beginning I felt more liberated using a lovely 1/2 size 3 ring binder for a journal, Knowing I could add, remove and re-arrange pages later seemed to keep me from being afraid of making a “mistake” in an expensive book. (you know, that darned perfectionism thinking of posterity and all.)
Nice post!
I have journaled for years – some beautiful books, some basic 9-1/2×6 in. spiral notebooks so I don't lose loose pages. I number all pages before I start & then build my Table of Contents starting w/the last page and working forward — when my journaling meets my TofC the book is full and ready to be archived!
Thank you for the tip, Gina! I also suffer from the fear of mucking up pretty books!
That's a great system! I'm definitely going to get back on the daily journaling!
Don't forget JOURNALUTION! Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life & Manifest Your Dreams (New World Library, 2005): 47 journaling prompts to get your writing flowing when you're staring at the blank page. No rules-Just Write!
xoxoxo
Sandy