Journaling as Self-Care and How You Can Start Today
I’ve been journaling as a form of self-care for 10 years now. Previously, I always kept a journal, but it wasn’t conducive to self-love or healing. Every night, I’d pour my woes onto the page, scribbling stories about heartache and complaining about my relationships and career. I had a poor self-concept and my journal entries reflected that. So did my life.
One day I decided to switch things up and journal as a form of self-care instead.
While packing my things to move to a new town due to my son’s schooling, I found my old diaries. I sat there, skimming pages. I read and read and, suddenly, felt so sad for the woman who wrote in those pages.
Although I am not that woman anymore, I knew then that I did not want to revert back to being a needy and insecure person. I had just ended my 5-year relationship and 3-year engagement with my son’s father. I was ready for a fresh start! Refusing to identify as the old version of myself and relieve an outdated narrative that did not serve me, I shredded my old journals in my shredder.
Journaling as a Form of Self-Care! How To Get Started
I decided to begin a new journaling routine in my new home. Because I’ve always believed that journaling as self-care is essential for my growth.
Benefits of Journaling as Self-Care
If you’re still not convinced you should journal as self-care, here are some benefits to doing so!
- It releases pent-up emotions. Now, we aren’t journaling to dwell. Sometimes we just need to let shit out. Suppressing our feelings can be counterproductive to healing. So write it out and then let it go. Bonus tip: write it, read it back to yourself with as much emotion (and by emotion, I mean badass bitch energy!) as possible, and then rip that page out of your journal (or cross out the page with a pen). Then, let go.
- Gain some clarity. If you’re struggling with making a decision, journaling can help you get there. I love weighing my options when I journal. It’s as if I am creating a pros and cons list. I read it back and always feel much more clear about what I want at that moment. It makes decision-making so much easier!
- Journaling to goal set. Write down your goals and just dream! This is more of a manifestation technique called “scripting,” which I will touch on next.
Journaling as Self-Care When Manifesting
I want to expand on another benefit of journaling: manifesting your desires. In the law of assumption community, journaling to manifest is often called “scripting.” And, yes, there is a slight difference!
Journaling vs. Scripting When Manifesting
Journaling is usually seen as reflective whereas scripting is writing as if you’re living your dream life now. Here are some examples of journaling vs. scripting.
Journaling: I am hoping to get that new job. I really feel like it will be perfect for me. I am waiting to hear but I am hopeful.
Scripting: I love my new job! It is perfect for me. I am so happy that I got this new job.
Journaling: This new guy I am dating makes me feel so happy, but I’m not sure where we stand yet. It’s too new. Let’s wait and see what happens!
Scripting: I am dating a new guy and he is so into me. He wants to be with me. He’s mine.
Journaling: I am working on making more money in my business. I have so many ideas!
Scripting: I make so much more in my business! My ideas are always successful. I am rich!
Practice scripting as a way to manifest your desires! Just remember to write as if you have what you want now. No doubts. No talk of circumstances. You got this!
ALSO READ: How Long Does It Take For My Self-Concept Affirmations to Work?
Sample Journal Prompts for Self-Care
Not sure how to write in your journal as a form of self-care? Here are some sample journal prompts for you to try! Also, I published a self-love journal that you may be interested in. Check it out on Amazon.
- What do you love most about yourself? Get detailed! Boast about yourself.
- How did you take care of yourself today? If you didn’t, write one way you will take care of yourself tomorrow.
- What do you think is holding you back from living your dream life? Write it down. Now, for 21 days, affirm: I am living my dream life. Come back and share what changed internally and externally.
- How can you make your day better tomorrow?
- What makes you the happiest? Try to do that every day.
- What are you most grateful for? Take the time right now to count your blessings. Read this list every time you’re struggling to love and take care of yourself.
Beautiful Journals to Get You Started
I love collecting journals! That’s what happens when you are an avid journaler and scripter. If you want to write in a fancy book every night, check out my favorite journals below, all available on Amazon.
More Self-Love Blogs
These 11 Thoughts Are What Hold You Back from Your Dream Life
How to Choose Joy Daily in 11 Steps
11 Easy Steps to Leveling Up as a Woman with Just Self Concept
