The Power of Journals

Journals encompass a wide range of topics, from note taking, workbooks, keeping track or acting as an aid in some way. They have become immensely popular and no wonder.

Keeping a journal is a way of organizing life, as well as an invaluable tool on so many levels for all manner of purposes.

In prior times, it was common to maintain a diary, but now we have access to a variety of ways to review the day, month and year, progress goals, explore feelings, remember dates and much much more.

In this age of the digital, having an actual book to hand can be a transformative experience. Try it, if you are not in the habit of doing so.

Scheduling time to journal on a daily basis is an opportunity to find time and space from everyday stressors. Why is this?

Well, rather than being a passive vehicle for the usual digital input, you will give your brain a chance to actively engage in thought and reflections. This involves the whole brain and is a form of exercise, just as important as physical activity.

Keeping a journal allows you to gain new insights and perspectives which pop up seemingly from ‘out of the blue’ and yet, these mental revisions are powerful beyond belief. No amount of artificial intelligence can match the extraordinary power of our minds. Journaling is an activity which activates mental acuity and intuitive processes far beyond the limitations of machine led technology.

Reduce Anxiety and Solve Problems

Writing, doodling or drawing all engage the part of the brain that uses creative instincts. This means that we become absorbed in the task to hand, with the ability to shut out external influences.

I know that some of you may wonder how this is different to being engrossed in the little screen held in so many hands nowadays.

It is very different though.  The actual physical engagement that brings together hand and mind is unique, allowing the brain to both rest and function at the same time. By reducing reliance on external input and noise, anxieties are calmed and a quiet focus brings forward answers, guidance and solutions.

Journaling is a route to relaxation allowing an escape from the endless immersion of information scattering and fragmenting the brain.

The only information that is drawn upon is now within a manageable remit. Sighs of relief all round as body and mind can begin the process of coherence.

It is something that is felt. All of a sudden, the ability to focus with clarity becomes a better reality than the exhaustion of being a receptor for all and sundry.

Keeping a journal can be a truly transformative experience as somehow, objectivity replaces subjectivity. By broadening and expanding thought processes, any unhelpful mental defenses causing fears and worry can diminish, allowing a more optimistic outlook to appear.

The realms of a wiser reality claim common ground and offer new beckoning horizons. As humans, it is in the very nature of us to grow. When this is inhibited, it can hit hard and stunt fulfillment. Yet the remnants of dreams lay dormant for discovery always.

What are the Benefits of Keeping a Journal?

It is widely reported that keeping a journal can bring about a great many benefits. Amongst these are the following to consider.

Start Your Journal

You may feel daunted at the thought of starting a journal. Perhaps the idea of writing presents an obstacle. But don’t let this prevent you from getting started because there are many ways to begin and progress. You may prefer to scribble, doodle, sketch or draw or just fill in lists or take notes.

Journaling is not limited in any way. These days you can find a journal for anything and a good way to start is to get a themed journal that will provide a framework for you to follow.

Take a look at The Lift Your Spirits Series below for inspiration:

Lift Your Spirits

Each of the journals in the Lift Your Spirits Series have a different theme with special pages that are designed specifically to reflect the concept being presented. The series as a whole offers a course of direction that is presented in such a way that the layouts complement each other. Practical and beautiful, they fulfill an opportunity to elevate life on a personal level.