Journalling for wellness. A journey to choose and embrace - Not a destination to reach.
Journalling is the practice of regularly writing down your own thoughts, feelings, experiences and reflections in a notebook or digital format. It is a personal and reflective way to process your emotions, gain insight and document your personal journey, and a self-care habit that can be included as a daily exercise. Self-care habits play a major part in one's self esteem, overall well-being, and empowerment.
Life as we know it is constantly fast paced and continuously busy and we must be intentional about our overall wellbeing and moments of peace. Even when we are taking time to rest, relax and wind down, our brains continue working and planning for what needs to happen and lies ahead in the next hour, day, or week.
Journalling is a powerful tool as it forces our brains to be present and acknowledge that this moment is a blessing that won't happen again...
Slowing down with intention, being mindful whilst doing a self-care ritual that has the potential to be incorporated into everyday life and contribute positively to our general wellbeing.
Journalling has a profound impact on the brain, leading to various cognitive, emotional, and mental health benefits. Ten effects of journaling on the brain include:
* Reduced stress and anxiety
* Improved mood
* Enhances self-awareness
* Supports problem-solving
* Strengthens the memory
* Fosters creativity
* Develops mindfulness
* Promotes personal growth
* Enhances cognitive function
* Supports emotional and self-regulation
There are multiple styles of journalling and a good place to start is with a gratitude journal, concentrating on that which is positive and good in your own life or stream of conscious journal, allowing your thoughts to flow freely and writing them down without editing. Journalling is a personal journey and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Other styles of journalling include art, travel, and digital journalling.
In South Africa, Women's Day is celebrated on 9 August every year as a tribute to more than twenty thousand women who marched to the union buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest the extension of pass laws to women... A wonderful reminder to honour ourselves, our strength and our worth as women and dedicate the month of August to all our Queens - past, present and future.
Let us find and protect our inner peace. Journalling outside, surrounded by beautiful nature and fresh air is a wonderful way to connect with oneself- and a tool worth passing on to the next generation.
Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS)
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world.
She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics.
Liza says, 'I believe that journalling allows me to connect, be still and listen to my deep inner voice.
Thankfulness and gratitude provide a firm foundation, for me, through the challenging times and as I learn these lessons I teach them to others. This is part of the legacy I want to leave behind one day.'
Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.
FOOTNOTE by local journalling enthusiast and facilitator - Linda Smallbones of Fresh Hope Play Therapy and Counselling
My journalling journey
I’ve been journalling since I was a teenager. Initially (and maybe appropriately!) I used journalling as my “creative whining platform”! But slowly over the years I have learnt how to use journalling in positive ways to discover more about who I am created to be, dive deeper into topics I am dealing with in my everyday life, and make meaning of my thoughts and feelings. I love how journalling has moved me into action and transformation through reflection and process over time, and I believe it has the power to do the same for everyone.
I love facilitating journalling workshops. If you’re interested or curious to know more, contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
