Lounging can seem like the ultimate go-to to get a little time in for you, but why not add something more to your self-care toolkit? It’s time to grab your favourite pen and notebook, Loungers and practice the art of journaling.
Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings down on paper in a safe and private space that is unique to you. Research has also shown that journaling can also help with sleep, better health and improved emotional wellbeing - basically, all the good stuff!
If you’re new to journaling, we know it can be challenging knowing what to write, when to journal and how often you should be doing it. So, we’ve rounded up our top journaling tips to help you process your thoughts, gain a fresh perspective and experiment in a way that’s right for you.
1. Start small
Our first journaling tip: start small, Loungers. No one’s expecting you to write a novel! It doesn’t matter whether you write three pages a day or a few short lines, what matters is that you’re making it a habit and incorporating it into your daily life.
2. You don’t have to keep a paper journal
Luckily for us, we live in a day and age where getting our thoughts down is achievable on more than just paper. We have laptops, smartphones, pretty much everything! We’ll be the first to admit our Notes app is jam packed with late night thoughts and Lounge wishlists. If you prefer to go paperless and want something with speed, trust your handy keyboard to do all the magic.
3. Go for goals
Part of keeping a journal is all about getting your goals down. Whether you’re aspiring to climb the career ladder, travel the world with your bestie (or solo) or save for something big, get your goals noted down and make sure they’re achievable yet challenging. Dream big!
4. Show yourself some gratitude
Showing yourself some gratitude will lift your spirits and get your thoughts flowing on the days where you might be struggling. Take a moment to reflect: what have you done lately that you’re proud of? What qualities do you admire in yourself? Creating a little book of self love that will always be there to remind you how amazing you are is the perfect way to set the tone for the year and appreciate everything that makes you, you.
5. Try different environments
We’ve all experienced writer’s block at some point in our lives, but sometimes it only takes a change of environment to get your thoughts flowing. If it’s a sunny day, try journaling in your garden or take a trip to your local coffee shop with your go-to order and try there. This small but meaningful change can work wonders to gain a fresh perspective.
6. Be persistent
If you’re new to journaling, you might find that you struggle to be persistent. Don’t worry, we totally get it - it’s new, it requires time and it requires you to think, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You can do anything you put your mind to, Loungers and journaling is one of them. Keeping a journal has huge values and although it might not always be perfect, it’s the persistence to make it work that matters.
And remember girls, journaling shouldn’t be a chore. Think of journaling as an escape. It should be fun, enjoyable and should ultimately lift a huge weight off your shoulders.
7. Invest in a notebook and pens that you like
Love some cute stationery? Who doesn’t?!
Journaling is all the more fun if you have some cute notebooks and pens to go with it. From bright gel pens to bring you back to your school days to luxurious notebooks, keeping a journal is twice as fun when you have the luxuries to go with it.
Journaling can be hard to master in the early days, but these journaling tips will help you fall in love with journaling whilst making it a healthy habit. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect in the beginning, Loungers - you just have to find what works for you.
So, settle down, relax, unwind and let your thoughts do all the talking.