Writing down our thoughts and feelings, as in keeping a journal or diary, is a proven method to relieve stress and improve well being. The expression achieved through writing in a journal on a regular basis, or during times of high stress, helps to clarify and focus what we are actually feeling and experiencing. Putting down on paper what we are frustrated about, worried and concerned with, helps us to begin to understand in a clearer, more concise manner, what we are going through. That understanding can help us to realize what actions we can then take to work through the stress.
Journaling on a regular basis about daily events, joys, and struggles alike, can actually help us to face our day, and solve our problems with less stress. When we record our days on paper, or on the computer, we are processing our feelings, fears and joys, as we are writing.
To help with the stress in our days we can create a routine and journaling system for ourselves. Ask yourself a daily morning question upon rising. This becomes a check into the day question, and writing the answer down, can be a great way to focus the day. For Example - "What am I going to do today that will support just me?" Or - "What am I going to do today at my work, (or with friends, or family), that is different than I have done before?" Another idea - "What one thing do I want to accomplish today that I have not had time to do?" We can ask the same question each day, or ask a new question.
We can also create a journal to record what we need to keep doing, stop doing, do less of, or more of. For example - "I need to stop playing old broken records from my past that no longer apply and no longer serve me. I am enough. I do not have to live in fear. We can journal on that topic alone, until it feels finished."
Another journaling idea is to define what is causing the stress: Whatever or whomever.
For example - "Bob really bugs me when he misses deadlines." Or - "I never have enough time to fit it all in, family, friends, work, fun." Or - "I am in way over my head on this project."
Next in your journal write about and define the why. "When Bob misses deadlines it makes me look bad. I can't enjoy my weekends when Bob has a project due on Monday, because I keep worrying Bob won't come through."
Then ask why again to those answers, and write them down. "I hate to look bad in front of my peers. It is embarrassing to me. I don't like to be embarrassed. I don't need/deserve that."
Then ask why again. Keep writing, then asking why to those answers. What can be found is the real reason(s) for the stress. After the reason(s) are revealed then processing the root of the stress is easier to address. Then journal about those feelings.
Journaling is something we can all give to ourselves. Find a quiet time in the day, and a quiet place to journal. Set the journal where you will see it every day. Using a notebook, a blank book, a favorite journal, or a computer, any of these all serve as outlets for expression of stress. Through journaling we use that outlet of expression to help us see, process and understand our stress. Through journaling the toll stress takes can be reduced or eliminated.
Copyright Doreene Clement All Rights Reserved
info@the5yearjournal.com
Doreene Clement, a cancer victor and author of The 5 Year Journal, is currently writing a new book, Blessed, about her life and her cancer experience. For more information http://www.the5yearjournal.com 480.423.8095
Copyright 2005 OMDC, LLC All Rights Reserved
Feel free to pass this along to your friends. About Journaling, http://www.the5yearjournal.com
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..Health Impacts of StressStress is a funny concept, try to... Read More
I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety... Read More
1. Acknowledge that requesting support, guidance and partnership is not... Read More
Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music... Read More
Do you attack problems and solve them or do you... Read More
Everywhere I go, I hear the same unpleasant sentence repeated... Read More
One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
What do you think of when you see that word?... Read More
We all have it; we live with it daily: stress.... Read More
10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More
No this is not related to praying, this is how... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
I'm so excited that I have discovered this secret today.... Read More
Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More
1. The Mentor Method: think of your favorite person. Someone... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
It is no secret that stress and related disorders are... Read More
The day wasn't going well already. You know how it... Read More
These days, when people have become so conscious about what... Read More
Elizabeth, 32, cried during anger management class as she told... Read More
Work stress has become a major problem today. The nature... Read More
Are You Too Stressed?Is your stomach all tied up in... Read More
It is an inescapable fact, we live in a stressful... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview .."The great lesson from the true mystics, from the Zen... Read More
Elizabeth, 32, cried during anger management class as she told... Read More
Everyday can be full of stress but we all deserve... Read More
It's no secret that we women, by virtue of our... Read More
"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe,... Read More
We wonder how many of you might recognise this scenario?... Read More
Shit happens. I know this to be a fact, because... Read More
The main problem in a down economy is that workplaces... Read More
Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
Breathing is the vital force of life. It is considered... Read More
If you find symptoms of anxiety disorder in any of... Read More
Imagine driving down the road. You are driving with a... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
1. Take a relaxing bath. Add music, candles and a... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
Who hasn't experienced "worry" at one time or another? Almost... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
The Rule of BalanceThere is more to life than work.... Read More
In our article about Exercise & Stress, we looked at... Read More
On a beautiful summer day years ago, I went water... Read More
Living in our world today can be very stressful. While... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
Stress Management |