How to Get Started in Journaling for Self-Love
It can be hard to look inward for many people, especially if we are in emotional and/or physical pain. Afraid of what we’ll find inside, we push ourselves to stay busy, checking off our to-do list until we check out with social media or Netflix. When is the last time you felt refreshed after checking out into digital media? I do love a good movie, but it’s more enjoyable if I’m not avoiding something that needs me internally.
So if you are looking for more ways to unwind, connect, or practice self-care, journaling is a great activity to explore. If you've never journaled before for pleasure or personal growth, I will walk you through some benefits and tips on how to start journaling.
Journaling Benefits
Some of the benefits of journaling are:
Increasing self-awareness and understanding
Processing, holding, and managing emotions
Improving creativity and problem-solving
Allowing greater comprehension of new ideas
Empowering yourself to reach goals and start pursuing dreams
Increasing mindfulness and self-compassion
How to Start Journaling (for Beginners)
Next, let's explore how to start journaling for those of you who have never tried it. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but there's no right or wrong way, just the way that works for you.
Have a pen and/or colored markers/pencils that you enjoy writing with and a journal.
Don't judge what you write, just keep writing.
If words don't come, you can also draw or doodle in response to your writing prompts.
Set aside a time each day to write so it becomes a part of your routine (ex: before you get in the shower or before bed).
Create a space where you like to write that is private and free from distractions like cell phones.
Set the mood for self-reflection and self-care by lighting a candle, snuggling with a warm blanket, or sipping your favorite drink.
Try using writing prompts or self-reflection questions that you ask yourself to bring out your inner knowing and compassionate self.
5 Daily Journal Prompts for Self-Love
Here are some of my favorite writing prompts to reflect on in my daily journal practice for increasing my self-care, self-trust, and/or self-compassion:
What do I need to receive today?
How am I feeling (mind, body, emotions)?
What does my inner wisdom know to be true (about situation/etc.)?
What do I need to say no to or let go of today?
What does my heart (or emotion) need to hear today (or in this situation)?
Journaling isn't for everyone, but it's worth giving a try to see what you think about the practice. For me, it gives me a sacred space to meet myself on the page, whether I’m writing or painting in my journal.
What benefits or struggles have you had with starting a journaling practice?
Marci Payne, MA, LPC
Therapist & Self-Love Coach
If you are looking for more inspiration on using journaling for self-care and/or creating healthy boundaries, check out my courses here.