How Journaling Can Be a Strategy for Mindfulness

Journaling brings you one-on-one with your negative thoughts and feelings, allows you to feel them and then get rid of them. Believe me, this can help you stay focused and sharp, become more self-aware, achieve a positive mindset and optimistic outlook,

What Are the Benefits of Journaling/Mindfulness?

Helps You be in Good Spirits

Writing down your thoughts and emotions can make your fears and concerns go away. This can elevate your mood and help you be in good spirits.

Strengthens Your Immune System

When you are happy and cheery, your immune system functioning improves. Journaling improves your immune system function by strengthening your immune cells. With a strong immune system, you keep a doctor away.

Makes Your Memory Super Sharp

When you write down your thoughts and feelings, they will likely become your point of focus. Focusing on something makes our brain interpret it as high-priority information. This increases the likelihood of remembering those things in the future.

How Often Should Someone Journal?

As a credentialed therapist, I advise you to commit to journaling for 10 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

What Are the Different Styles of Mindfulness Journals Out There?

 While there are tons of mindfulness journals out there, my favourite is The Mindfulness Journal by Barrie Davenport and S.J Scott. What sets it apart from other mindfulness journals is its daily prompts. Believe me, you will never lack what to write in your mindfulness journal. I also recommend the Insight Editions “Gratitude”: A Day and Night Reflection Journal. This is a 90-day journal that allows you to write down your thoughts upon waking up and before going to bed. It also comes with check boxes and writing exercises to help keep track of your emotions, habits and daily activities. What’s more, it encourages you to be thankful and appreciative in your day-to-day life.

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

MS, Durham University
GP

The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.

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