Today I am super excited to share my favorite ways I journal to ultimately improve my overall mental wellbeing. This is the journal I use and just jam pack it with a bunch of random messiness, but it works for me. With this being said, let’s get into it:

Make Expressing Gratitude A Priority

By writing down 5-10 things you are grateful for every day or maybe even once a week, you can savor your good experiences and remember the blessings in your life. Harvard Health highlights that “gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power” (Harvard Health). By being thankful and writing down some of the positives in your life, you can get out of your head and realize that maybe this isn’t all that bad.

Create To Do Lists

I love to do lists because I clearly outline my days every day, and I can see exactly what I need to accomplish all written in one spot. I include little things in my to do lists, like “move my body” or “do gratitude for today”, to big things like school assignments. To do lists are honestly a great way to know what needs to get done, and who doesn’t love crossing off completed tasks?

Let’s Scrapbook

In my freshman year of college I have LOVED buying disposable cameras and taping my developed photos in the back of the journal. It provides context to who I am writing about and honestly is just a fun way to preserve memories!

Just Write it Down

If you are feeling anxious, flustered, or annoyed, write down those feelings! Between balancing my school and social schedule I find myself often feeling overwhelmed. By sitting down for a few minutes and identifying why I feel the way I do, I immediately feel better.

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Journaling is good for the mind and the soul! If you want to remember things or are feeling stressed, I encourage you to get a journal. Remember you deserve the world!

Stay Smiling,

Ainsley