Reasons why you should get a journal
I know why I use a journal.
It helps me sort out my thoughts and express myself easier. I live in my head. I don't always communicate whats going on in there. I can have a complete argument with someone, in my head, come to a conclusion, and they don't even know about it. I have a friend who often asks me, "What are you thinking?" We will be chatting and I'll go quiet. I've just shifted the conversation into my head space. I have to remember to speak the words. Sometimes I find it easier to write. It helps me to create a linear flow to a jumbled concept.
I was interested to see some of the reasons that other people have for keeping a journal, and why its so good for you. I found this article pretty much covers all the reasons I could think of.
https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/everyone-keep-journal-7-surprising-benefits gives these reasons:
1. Achieve goals
When you use your journal to write down your goals, you can keep better track of your intentions. This will help you stay accountable and serve as a reminder of what you need to do to accomplish them. Be sure to get specific.
2. Track progress and growth
If you make journaling a regular habit, you can see how much progress or growth you’ve made by revisiting previous entries.
3. Gain self-confidence
Seeing your progress can also give you a serious confidence boost. You can feel proud looking back at the challenges you faced and seeing how far you’ve come.
4. Improve writing and communication skills
Writing, like anything, improves with practice. When you journal every day, you’re practicing the art of writing. And if you use a journal to express your thoughts and ideas, it’ll help improve your overall communication skills.
5. Reduce stress and anxiety
Sometimes negative thoughts and emotions can run on a loop in our heads. This can be stressful when you’re dealing with a challenging situation — it can even make your present situation feel worse. But if you stop and put your emotions down on paper, it can help you release negative thoughts from your mind. As you write, you may even come up with a solution you hadn’t thought of before.
6. Find inspiration
Leonardo da Vinci drew some incredible invention ideas in his journals. Like him, you can also use your journaling time to brainstorm or let your imagination run wild. The inspiration that may pop up while you’re writing or sketching might even surprise you.
7. Strengthen memory
The Journal of Experimental Psychology published research that shows how writing your thoughts down can reduce intrusive thoughts about negative events and improve working memory.* Even the simple act of writing something down lets your brain know you want to remember it. That’s why note-taking is such an effective practice when learning something new.
Whatever your reasons are for journaling, they are special enough to use a beautiful and lovingly handmade book. I would love to be part of your creative process.
(Another link to a few more reasons... https://medium.com/the-mission/10-reasons-to-keep-a-journal-b667d7a8374b)