Declutter Your Mind With Journaling

One of my favourite quotes is by Anne Frank “Paper is more patient than man”. This is especially true for people who try journaling as a way to declutter the mind. Journaling means picking up paper and a biro, and writing out whatever problem is cluttering up your mind.

Many people find that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them. When the mind is cluttered up, writing out or brain-dumping thoughts on paper helps to gain clarity. This helps us to know ourselves better, reducing stress and solving problems more effectively. Through your writing you’ll discover that your journal is an all-accepting, non-judgmental friend. This may provide the cheapest therapy you will ever get.

There are many different journaling techniques and topics. The technique I use the most is brain-dumping. This means writing out your thoughts as they come to you, forgetting about spelling and punctuation. Nobody is going to see this but you. Many people burn their journaling after so no one can read it. Write quickly, as this frees your brain from “shoulds” and other blocks to successful journaling. The most important rule of all is that there are no rules. Start with the first words to enter your mind – such as I’m tired, or I feel funny writing in a journal! Let your train of thought take you on a journey on paper!

To find out more about journaling, meditation and yoga classes visit www.relaxfromstress.ie, contact Tracy on 086-2202734 or email tracy@relaxfromstress.ie.

Published in the Connaught Telegraph on 29 Nov 2016