From Burnout to Breakthroughs: How to Start a Journaling Practice
Okay, ladies - how many of us have made a New Year's resolution to start journaling, only to give up after, like, two weeks? That was totally me last year. 2023 hit me hard with burnout, mental exhaustion, and general "is this it?" feelings. Keeping a journal was the last thing on my mind. But then one Friday in January, everything came crashing down at work and in my personal life. I was at my wits' end and needed an escape from the chaos in my brain. So you know what I did? I pulled out a notebook and pen, and just started pouring it all onto those pages. No organization, just a pure brain dump. And oh my gosh, it felt SO cathartic (there may have been a good cry in there too!
As someone who overthinks constantly, I knew I needed to make this brain dumping thing a regular practice. But we've all been there - trying to start a habit and failing after a week or two. Not this time, though; I was determined to make journaling a habit. Here are the steps that helped me turn it into a daily ritual:
Consistency Is Key
For the first month, I made sure to write every single day, no excuses. Past failures taught me that building a real habit takes commitment and repetition.
Start Small
Every day, I'd set a 15-minute timer (pick whatever works for you) and just let it all out on the pages. Sometimes it was exploring my feelings in-depth, other times just random thoughts. But starting small made it manageable.
Get Cozy
Setting the right vibe was a game changer! I'd light a candle, pull up a fireplace video, play some relaxing spa music - I went all in on creating a cozy journaling environment that worked for me.
Find Your Medium
I'm definitely a pen and paper person, but you do you! Laptop, notes app, voice memos - whatever helps you get those thoughts and feelings out.
Follow Your Own Rules
Yes, consistency is important for building a habit, but at the end of the day, this is your journaling practice. Brain dump, use prompts, make lists, doodle - whatever feels right for you. If every day is too much, no worries, aim for every other day or just weekends.
Reflect
I won’t lie to you, I'm still working on this part. But every now and then, I'll go back and re-read some old entries. It's a great way to feel proud of how far you've come and remind yourself of the journey ahead.
So there you have it, my journaling glow-up! It's been such a game-changer for my mental health. If you've been thinking about giving it a try, just start small and make it your own. Your future self will thank you!