Keeping a journal: A good method to let go of negative emotions

DO YOU remember keeping a personal diary as a child? Remember when you used to write in it, and would then find out that your sibling had read it? You’d get so frustrated to the point that you’d stop writing.  

Journaling is a great way to reflect on your experiences and manage stress. There is no specific age to start keeping one.

How do you cope with negative emotions? Why not try journaling? 

Here are some tips to help you start journaling.

1. Prepare your materials.

Prepare a pen and paper or use digital apps for your journaling, whatever works best for you. 

2. Set an environment.

When you journal, make sure you are calm and your mind is set. Go to a place where you feel less anxious. You can light a scented candle or even play music, whatever you can more easily incorporate into your routine. 

3. Let your emotions flow.

Write in your journal like nobody’s judging you. Allow the discomfort that you are experiencing to leave your head.

Journaling is a good habit to break free from self-destructive thoughts. It’s great for when you can’t express yourself verbally. Try to journal the moment you wake up or before going to bed. This way, you can build good habits and keep track of your day-to-day life. 

It can help you attain clarity, improve your writing skills, gain self-confidence, strengthen your memory, and find inspiration in life. Also, when you look back at your old journal and track your goals, you will realize how far you’ve come as you revisit your old prompts. 

Encouraging yourself to let your emotions flow helps you recognize patterns in your behavior and reactions. All emotions are valid, and it is vital to acknowledge whether they are positive or negative. 

Nothing is permanent in life, especially not the worst feelings you go through.

With reports from Abegail Tongson