19 Dec 2023
I believe in the power of journaling and have used it in a variety of forms throughout my life. I am rarely in the mood to write pages and pages about my thoughts and feelings, rather I use it to focus and clear my mind.
I find that writing a few sentences each morning works a treat and sets me up for the day ahead. I am an avid micro-journaling fan
Good for: Getting focused. Capturing and recording thoughts and feelings quickly.
Best completed by: You
Micro journaling is the practice of writing down very brief descriptions of events that have happened during the day. It can also be used to focus your day and get clear about what you desire to achieve.
My entries are typically just a few sentences long, and often focus on specific things or sometimes I answer questions, to guide my thoughts. For some, the goal of micro journaling is to capture as many details as possible about everyday life, so that it can be looked back on and remembered later.
Some people find it helpful to keep a micro journal in conjunction with a regular diary, while others prefer to keep their entries completely separate. There is no right or wrong way to do it – just find what works best for you.
Here are some of the benefits I have experienced.
Helps to lessen stress: One of the benefits of micro-journaling is that it can help to lessen stress. When you take the time to write down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a better understanding of what is causing you stress and how to deal with it. Additionally, the act of writing can itself be therapeutic and can help to reduce stress levels.
Improves mental health: Micro-journaling has also been shown to improve mental health. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that people who engaged in micro-journaling had lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who did not. The study also found that micro-journaling helped to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Helps to achieve goals: Another benefit of micro-journaling is that it can help you to achieve your goals. By taking the time to write down your goals, you can make them more concrete and increase your motivation to achieve them. Additionally, micro-journaling can help you to track your progress and see how far you have come.
Increases self-awareness: Micro-journaling can also help to increase self-awareness. By regularly writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your behaviour patterns. This self-awareness can be helpful in making changes in your life that will lead to a more positive future.
Improves memory: Micro-journaling has also been shown to improve memory. A study published in the journal Memory found that people who engaged in micro-journaling had better recall of past events than those who did not. The study showed that micro-journaling helps to improve both short-term and long-term memory.
Fosters creativity: Another benefit of micro-journaling is that it can foster creativity. When you take the time to write down your thoughts, you may come up with ideas that you would not have otherwise had. Additionally, micro-journaling can help to break through creative blocks by providing a space for new ideas to flow freely.
To develop a daily journaling habit...
Set a regular time for journaling - One of the best ways to develop a daily journaling habit is to set a regular time for it. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or during your lunch break, setting aside a specific time for journaling will help to make it a regular part of your routine.
Keep it simple - When it comes to journaling, there are no rules. Just write whatever comes to mind, whether it’s a stream of consciousness or a list of things you’re grateful for. The important thing is to just get started and keep it simple.
Make it enjoyable - Another way to develop a daily journaling habit is to make it enjoyable. If you find the act of writing itself to be tedious, try using a different medium such as audio or video. You can also try using prompts or setting yourself challenges to help make the process more fun.
Micro journaling can be a fun and easy way to document your life, and it’s a great way to get in the habit of writing regularly. Give it a try and see how it goes!
Thank you for reading
Dionne
PS. Check out Reevew, the Personal Growth toolkit, dedicated to helping you master yourself, by answering thought-provoking questions to know and grow yourself. https://reevew.co
You get a 14-day free trial and you can cancel anytime.
