Life can get hectic, and finding time for self-care activities like journaling can feel like a chore. So, how do you make time for self-care?
However, taking the time to write in a journal can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health and well-being. If you feel like you don’t have enough time for writing, here are some tips to help you build a writing habit and prioritise self-care in your busy life.
Set realistic goals
Start small and set achievable goals for your journaling practice. Instead of aiming to write for an hour every day, start with just a few minutes each day or a few times a week. Pick a set day or time for writing and gradually build up to writing more often. It’s important to be realistic with your expectations and not to overwhelm yourself with an unattainable goal. As you build your writing habit, you can gradually increase the time you spend journaling without it feeling like a chore. Remember there will always be exceptions and not writing isn’t a failure.
Make it a routine
Incorporate journaling into your daily routine. Sounds easy, right? In reality, building a daily habit can be difficult. There’s a science to setting up new habitual tasks that we’ve delved into in a previous blog. Try to find a time that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning before starting your day, during a lunch break, or before bed. Create a consistent schedule and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or exercising. By making it a habit, it will become easier to prioritise and find the time for journaling.
Find your preferred method
Experiment with different methods of journaling and find what works best for you. Some people prefer traditio0nal pen-and-paper journals, while others may find it easier to type on a computer or use a digital journaling app. You can also try voice recordings or even drawing or doodling as a form of journaling. If you’re on the go, writing on your phone can be a quick and easy method to get your thoughts down in an effortless way. Find a method that resonates with you and makes it enjoyable and convenient to incorporate into your routine.
Be flexible
Life is unpredictable. There may be days when you simply can’t find the time to journal. Where the thought of writing is just too overwhelming or there simply isn’t enough time in the day. Be kind to yourself and don’t stress about it. Remember that self-care is not about perfection.It’s about making an effort to prioritise your wellbeing. So what if you miss a day or two. Don’t give up. Just pick up where you left off and continue with your writing when you can.
Use prompts
If you’re struggling with what to write about, using prompts can be helpful. Prompts are prompts or questions that can inspire your writing and help you to explore your thoughts and emotions. You can find journaling prompts on our blog, in our WriteWell Community, on social media or create your own. Prompts can be as simple as “Today, I am grateful for…” or “Three things I’d like to do this week…”. They can spark your creativity and make it easier to get started.
Make it personal
Remember that your journal is your private space to express yourself freely without judgment. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making it perfect. It’s not about creating a polished piece of writing, but about expressing your thoughts and emotions authentically. Let go of any self-imposed expectations and allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest in your writing.
Use journaling as self-care
Viewing journaling as an act of self-care can help you prioritise it in your busy life. Recognise that taking the time to write in your journal is an investment in your mental health and wellbeing. It’s a space for you to process your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and to take care of yourself. Treat journaling as an act of self-love and make it a priority in your life.
Journaling is a valuable tool for self-reflection, emotional processing, and mental health. With some planning, flexibility, and self-compassion, you can build a journaling habit even if you feel like you don’t have time.
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