One of the top recommendations for practicing self care on a routine basis is to start a journal. This is so helpful, easy to do, and won’t cost you a lot of money. It is convenient and can be brought with you everywhere, so even in the middle of a busy day, you can grab the journal and write in it for a few minutes. Or before bed once the kiddos are asleep.

You Can Express Yourself in a Healthy Way

When you are dealing with a lot of stress, it can make it hard to focus on anything. However, you may not want to express yourself in a frustrated or angry way, especially with your friends and loved ones. In order to practice self care with journaling but also express yourself, you may want to have a journal that is kept private and confidential. Whenever you need to unload your thoughts or feelings, you can do it with the journal.

It Helps you to Find the Root of Your Issues

Also consider what is causing you stress or anxiety. Do you know why you have so much emotional stress? Are you sure you know the reason behind your frequent panic attacks? If you don’t, a journal can be very helpful. As you write in the daily entries, try to include information about your mood and how you’re feelings. When you feel a high amount of stress, frustration, anxiety, or depression, make a note of it. Then you can look back and see if things like caffeine or diet, work, relationships, or other aspects of your life are becoming triggers for you.

Journaling Provides a Good Distraction

In some cases, your stress causes you to constantly think about what is stressing you out, which can be very overwhelming. If you just want something to take your mind off it, journaling is a great option. While you are writing in your journal, you aren’t thinking about anything else but what you are journaling about. It is a really good distraction from the different issues you are dealing with that lead to your stress.

It Helps You Find Your Next Actions

Perhaps you are stressed because you’re not sure about the direction of your life, from what career path to choose, how to parent, what the next step is, etc. Journaling can help you express yourself and find the next step that might be right for you. If you ever need to chat with someone about this, please schedule a chat. It’s what I do as a coach. We can come up with a plan and navigate your stress in a healthy way. Be sure to grab my free guide on how to love yourself with daily affirmations and habits here.