How often have you purchased a beautiful journal at Chapters or another bookstore, only to have it sit unused in your bedside table for years? Now is the time to start writing in those lined pages.
There's a reason we're drawn to those empty floral bound books at gift shops, bookstores, and retail outlets: our ancestors have practiced the art of journalling for centuries. Even Oscar Wilde once said, "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train."
We recommend keeping two types of journals: one for business and the other for personal. Here's why:
Business
Start a keep-at-your-desk journal. During coffee breaks, instead of scrolling through Instagram, write. Write any ideas you have or anything that have thought about over the last hour or so. Write and then reflect later on. Sometimes, journalling about work makes issues or ideas more clear later on. Plus, if you have something important on your mind, journalling is a way to "voice" it on paper so you can continue working with better focus and fewer internal distractions.
Personal
This is a keep-at-your-bedside-table kind of journal. A more private journal, if you will. Before bed, or first thing in the morning, write about your day. Write about how you feel or don't feel. Draw photos if you cannot think of anything specific to say.
Journalling in this way has been said to help with stress, anxiety, and even depression. By writing or drawing your thoughts, you'll be more effective in solving problems, thinking through disagreements, and rationalizing worries. This process can also be a good tool for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about themselves or get to know who they are a little bit better.
It can be challenging to find time in every day to journal. We're all starving for more time. However, once you start journalling you'll see the benefits greatly outweigh the 15-20 minutes per day you are spending pen in hand.
Do you journal? Why or why not?