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Journaling Benefits for Improved Mental Health

The activity of journaling has been around for a long time, but it wasn't until recently that we've learned about the true benefits it can have on the mind.


Journaling allows you to organize and clarify your thoughts, which can lead to reaching solutions to every day problems. It also invites you to take time for yourself each day. In a world that thrives on being constantly busy, we can forget to take a few minutes to check in with ourselves.

There are several styles of journaling, including:

  • Bullet - This journal type encourages creativity. With task lists, coloring pages, habit and mood trackers, fitness plans, meal prep ideas, and more, you can analyze all aspects of your life for continued growth.

  • Stream-of-Consciousness - Simply set a timer and write until the buzzer goes off. This can be challenging at first, but stick with it and you will be surprised by your desire to continue writing long after time ends. Begin with just five minutes for the first week, and increase from there.

  • Gratitude - It is not required to write a lengthy entry whenever you journal. If you only have a minute or two to dedicate to writing, we recommend trying this style. A gratitude log only needs to be a sentence or two to still have a benefit. Simply think of one thing that made your life better that day, and write it down.

  • Wreck - This type of journal is perfect for the creative mind! Each day you will be given a prompt or task to try. Such prompts, could include: pain with coffee, take a photo that illustrates your current mood, draw a triangle every time you see a bird, etc. Escape your fear of the blank page, and get started!

Here at The Other Normal, we enjoy journaling with pen and paper, but you can keep one on your computer as well. There are no rules when it comes to this activity so have some fun with it!


Do you have a favorite journaling style? We'd love to hear your story, so please leave your thoughts in the comments below.


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