Back when my journey with health and wellness first began, I read that journaling would be one of the most helpful tools to support my daily and long-term goals. Before that, I’d never really been much of a journaler, but I decided to give it a go. I bought a blank journal and I thought the words would just come to me . . . but they didn’t. Once I discovered journals with prompts, the words began to flow, and the process really did help keep me focused on the bigger picture to meet my goals. Later, I battled issues with chronic stress and that’s when I truly learned the value of journaling. This is how I learned how to reduce stress through journaling.
Journal in a Calming Environment
Personally, I’m very blessed to have a special room in my home that is just for me to read, exercise, journal and meditate. It’s the most perfect room, decorated with inspirational signs and with great, big windows looking out at our yard and our woods.
Before buying our home though, I used to make a point of setting up a peaceful environment to journal in. Sometimes, this would just be lighting a scented a candle in the living room while I wrote in my journal. Do what you can to avoid looking at clutter or chores that need to be done while you are journaling. This is going to help you focus.
Set Aside a Special Time of Day
For years I’ve been talking about the Miracle Morning. I absolutely love journaling in the morning with my coffee in a nice, quiet house. That’s not everyone’s jam though. If you prefer evenings, do it then! Or, maybe your only peace and quiet during the day is on your lunch break. So, take a few minutes then to jot a few things down in your journal.
No matter when you do it, be sure you have a dedicated time to focus and enjoy the moment.
Be Grateful
Gratitude is one of the most important elements of a stress-reduction journaling habit. I find that when I take the time to notice the big and little things in my life that I’m grateful for, even if just for that tiny moment, my stress begins to melt away. It’s a great idea to write down three things each day that you are grateful for.
When it feels like the world is pressing in around you, writing out your gratitude can give you the perspective you need. When I’m feeling pressure to do well at work, maintain a perfectly clean home and keep up with my social life and all of that gets to be too much, taking that moment to remember how lucky I am to have a job, to have a warm home to come to each night and to have loving family and friends calms me.
Toot Your Own Horn
Your journal is also a wonderful place to celebrate! I like to celebrate the little things like getting my laundry put away on the same day I wash it. And, I like to celebrate the big things like meeting my 40-pound weight loss goal. This is your space to record all your best moments to look back on for years to come. Own it, enjoy it, revel in the moment.
Reduce Stress with the Healthy Motivated Life Journal
That’s right! The Healthy Motivated Life Journal is finally here!! For years I’ve been searching for the perfect journal, but none I could find ever had the exact combination of elements I was looking for. So, I made it myself.
The Healthy Motivated Life Journal includes space to record the daily weather, something good that happened, gratitude, positive affirmations, goal progress and plenty of space for additional notes and tidbits about the day. Each daily spread includes a motivational quote to further inspire you.
Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and one as a gift, too!
You Too Can Learn How to Reduce Stress
Over the past couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time researching and asking people how to reduce stress. What I didn’t realize was that one of the very best tools for stress reduction was already in my home. Journaling is not only great for supporting health and wellness goals and keeping you focused. A journal with the right prompts can help to reduce stress too.
The Healthy Motivated Life Journal is available now. It’s the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one who may be dealing with issues brought on by stress.
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