The Power of Journaling: How Writing Makes You Happier

Do you know that feeling of a full head? Thoughts that rush through your head like a whirlwind, while all you want is peace? Maybe journaling is exactly what you need. This simple, yet powerful ritual can help you organize your thoughts, reduce stress, and – yes – become happier. How does it work? Grab a cup of tea, curl up on the couch, and read along.

What is journaling anyway?

Journaling is simply writing down your thoughts, feelings and experiences. This can be done in a beautiful notebook with handwritten flourishes, but also in a simple app on your phone. There are no rules: it is about clearing your head and creating space for clarity and positivity.

From journals with locks (hello nostalgia!) to bullet journals with lists and mood trackers – journaling can take any form that suits you.

Also read 👉 Starting a Bullet Journal. Better Late Than Never

Why Journaling Makes You Happier

1. It helps you organize your thoughts
   Sometimes your mind feels like a browser with twenty tabs open. Journaling closes those unnecessary tabs and gives you more overview. By putting your thoughts on paper, you force yourself to structure them and gain insight into what is really going on.
   
   
2. It reduces stress and anxiety
   Research shows that writing about your feelings can help reduce stress. Your brain gets a signal, as it were: we are working on this, you can let it go . And that is a relief!
   
   
3. It makes you live more consciously
   Looking back on your day or week helps you to reflect on the little things that you might otherwise forget. That unexpected smile from a stranger, a perfectly baked croissant or that nice conversation with a colleague – journaling helps you to live more gratefully and consciously.
   
   
4. You discover patterns in your emotions
   By writing regularly, you can recognize certain patterns in your thoughts and feelings. For example, do you notice that you are extra stressed every Monday? Or that you always feel happy after a walk in nature? This insight helps you to make more conscious choices.
   
   
5. It boosts your creativity
   Writing without a filter can bring new ideas and perspectives. Even if you don't have a 'creative' profession, journaling helps you think outside the box and be open to new insights.

Also read 👉 Get more creative with a journal - 5 tips to get started

How do you start journaling?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a poet or a bestselling author to get started. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate journaling into your life:

• Start small – Write three sentences every day about how you feel or what’s on your mind.
• Use prompts – Do you find a blank page intimidating? Use questions like: What am I grateful for today?, What made me happy today?, or What did I learn?.
• Make it part of your routine – for example in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the evening before going to bed.
• Let go of perfectionism – This is not a writing contest. Spelling mistakes, messy sentences – it doesn’t matter. This is your place to write, exactly as it comes.

There are so many fun things to buy to get your journaling started, such as this stationery from Belle & Boo, available at Ollebol & Muis .

Time to put pen to paper

Journaling is like a small investment in yourself. It only takes a few minutes a day, but can bring so much clarity, peace and happiness. So why not start today? Get that beautiful notebook out of the closet, or open a new document on your laptop, and just start writing. Just DO it!