7 Reasons Why You Should Start Journalling In The Morning

I get it. I understand why you press that snooze button in the morning. It’s early. Bed is cozy. Besides, the second you step out of bed, there are a million things that need getting done.

I’m going to try to convince you sleeper-inners – or maybe you’re a morning riser with a little extra time – that setting the alarm clock ten minutes earlier and journalling before you start your day will change your life for the better.

I’ll confess: I’ve been journalling since I was seven years old. As a Christmas gift that year, I received a fluffy acid green diary, complete with an even fluffier matching pen. That started the trend for me. Now, on mornings where I’m hurried and rushed and I don’t find the time to write, something just feels off. Nothing terrible happens, but on days where I don’t get the chance to journal, I certainly don’t feel my best. When I journal, I feel calmer, happier, with less mental clutter for the rest of the day.

It’s not just me. There are proven benefits to journalling. Here are seven reasons why you should consider picking up a pen and get started:

1. It improves your mood

Journalling is often recommended by mental health experts, as it has the ability to improve your mood. Writing can make you happier and improve your sense of wellbeing. In one study, participants who engaged in a written emotional expression task later reported improved psychological wellbeing. In another, keeping a gratitude journal was linked to more positive emotions and a heightened sense of wellbeing. You don’t necessarily have to share it all with your journal – just jotting down a few points related to what you’re grateful for can have a big impact. So what are you waiting for?

2. You develop a stronger relationship with yourself

The more you journal, the more self-awareness you cultivate. As a result, you can end up learning much more about yourself than you previously knew. You can gain greater insight into what makes you happy, what brings you lots of joy, and what to avoid. Stream of consciousness writing – writing down your thoughts as they arise – can certainly help with increased self-awareness. Instead of methodically deciding exactly what you’re going to write, try writing in a stream of consciousness style. Let it flow.

3. Practice some mindfulness in written form

For those of you still a little unclear on what exactly ‘mindfulness’ is, it is the practice of being aware and bringing your attention to the present moment. Mindfulness is being in the here and now. When you journal, it helps to increase awareness of what is going on with your thoughts and feelings in a way you might not have otherwise noticed. Writing can allow for mindfulness and increased awareness. The process of identifying emotions and feelings can lead us to feel more connected with ourselves. It also seems that while writing can increase mindfulness, people who score higher on the trait ‘mindfulness’ respond more effectively to writing tasks. In another study, people who rate more highly on a mindfulness scale responded better to an expressive writing exercise, and reported greater psychological benefits.

4. It reduces stress

Call it catharsis, release, or ripping off a bandaid – writing often has the effect of helping to reduce stress as we let it all out. When we take the time to address any uncomfortable emotions that might be rippling beneath the surface, it can actually help us manage them. Stress affects our health. It is incredibly damaging to the body, and over time can affect your thoughts, your feelings, and your behaviours. Journalling is an excellent antidote. In a study that was conducted, participants completed a written emotional expression task. Writers experienced an immediate decrease in distress following writing. If you’re starting to feel the stress in your life building up, consider grabbing a journal and making it part of your daily de-stress routine.

5. Your creativity might spike

Whether you use a prompted journal or write freeform, writing in a journal can help boost your creativity. One study revealed that self-reflection can lead to enhanced creativity. When you journal, you’re also practicing generating new ideas, focusing on your inner voice, and honing your writing skills.

6. Your goals might feel more attainable

Writing can help you get closer to tackling those goals of yours. The physical act of writing down what you want can help make it more real, and helps keep you accountable. In addition, the more that you journal and figure out what you want, the clearer your goals may become. Not only do you remember things more clearly when you write them down, but people who describe their goals in detail are also anywhere from 1.2 to 1.4 more likely to successfully accomplish that goal. Grab that journal and start writing!

7. Mornings may begin to feel more positive

Instead of rushing through your morning routine and chugging down that cup of coffee, journalling forces us to slow down. A deeply personal and introspective way to start your day, it can help make mornings a more pleasant and kinder experience. What better way to start your day?

Happy Writing!

xo KQH