Keep a Journal

Doing things that are fun and creative, like writing, can help you feel better. You don't have to be a famous writer to experience the benefits of writing about your moods, emotions, and daily activities.

Writing, often called journaling, can be a helpful tool for learning about yourself, expressing feelings, healing, and even relaxing. It may also help improve your mood and overall well-being. With journaling, you may find yourself releasing pent-up emotions and even recognizing behaviors you normally don't pay attention to.

To help you get started journaling, consider these suggestions.

Make time. Try to allocate a set amount of time for your writing. This quiet time should be free of interruptions or distractions.

There are no rules. Journaling is the process of writing freely about anything, like your feelings or events of the day. There's no right or wrong way.

Mark the date. Record the date and times you write. Having a timeline will help you review patterns and trends in your life.

For your eyes only. Write your name, address, and phone number at the front of your journal. Include a statement that the journal is private and not to be read by others. Keep your journal in a safe, private place.

Be open. Try to write as openly and honestly as possible. Don't judge yourself or your writing.

Write quickly and naturally. Don't think about what you're writing - just do it. Writing quickly allows you to get past any fear of expression. Try to have fun with your journal and write in a way that feels good to you.

You may also want to use your journal to create helpful lists and affirmations, like a list of activities you enjoy or ways you treated yourself well during the day.

Remember, journaling is only part of the healing process. And writing isn't for everyone. Some people need to work closely with a healthcare provider to tackle tough problems and concerns. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if journaling is an approach that may work for you.

Next: Manage Stress