Journaling is a simple and easy way to help improve mental health and overall wellness. The act of writing down issues we’re facing, problems we’re having, and goals we want to achieve, helps us process thoughts and understand our feelings. When we’re stressed, it feels like everything’s out of control, but journaling is a tool that can put things into perspective. The externalization lets us view those issues in an objective way and make the overwhelming seem manageable. Journaling can make you feel more positive and optimistic in as little as 5 minutes a day.
“Boosting your mental wellbeing can be as simple as taking a moment to reflect on your daily wins, big or small”, says Jasmine Eskenzi, Founder and CEO of The Zensory, an app designed to improve focus, creativity, relaxation, and positivity. “At the end of each day, intentionally jot down two or three positive moments — whether in a journal, on a sticky note, or even by saying them out loud. These victories might include achieving important goals or just savoring a pleasant lunch. The idea is to find happiness in the little things, acknowledging your worth, and appreciating the effort you put in.”
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JOY WELLNESS JOURNAL
Start and end each day with a fresh mindset, set intentions and take note of the things that make you feel good.
Stress reduction, self-reflection, improved communication, better sleep, and increased gratitude are a number of other mental health benefits from simply putting thoughts onto paper, adds Therese Masiello-London, the Founder of Mending Time, Mama! Seeing your concerns, questions, and emotions in black and white provides a clearer picture.
Sometimes staring at a notebook of empty pages, journaling can feel like a daunting task, but there are a number of workbook style, and dare we say fun, journals on the market to help get the process started. They feature questions and prompts, with illustrated and fill in the blank forms to help articulate feelings like “What would make today great?”, “Highlights of the day”, and “ 3 Things to be grateful for”. With morning goals to start your day, and evening reflections to finish it, you’ll find your outlook, attitude, and positivity can’t help but improve in just minutes a day.
So if you’re looking to begin journaling, and need help getting started, check out a few of our favorites:
CREATE YOUR OWN CALM
By Meera Lee Patel
Popular artist and author Meera Lee Patel presents a fresh approach to feeling better. With inspiring quotes and engaging journal prompts, these beautifully illustrated journal pages are a safe space for reflection, self-acceptance, more clarity and joy.
MADHAPPY JOURNAL
The Madhappy journal was carefully created to help you learn more about yourself and your emotions. Inside, you’ll find a colorful guide to your fundamental feelings, and a set of daily templates to help you explore and express yourself.
5-MINUTE GRATITUDE JOURNAL
By Sophia Godkin, PhD
Happiness begins with gratitude. Through insightful prompts you’ll feel inspired to notice things, big and small, that you might otherwise take forgranted, and feel grateful instead.
THE FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL
Even on the busiest days, spend just five minutes practicing gratitude to boost positivity, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being. It’s the simplest, science-backed way to a happier you.
30 DAYS TO A NEW YOU JOURNAL
By Char Newell
Do you always have negative thoughts concerning things going on in your life? Your guide to developing self-awareness, developing a positive mindset, and mastering discipline.
