By: Stormy Stewart 

Finding time in the day to journal often seems like a Herculean task, with many feeling it is outright impossible. However, studies show that with routine practice, keeping a daily journal requires a relatively small portion of time and provides many with a sense of relief. This is best for those with a busy schedule who function well with a somewhat rigid routine. By incorporating just a small time of writing into a routine, one can practice mindfulness every day.

Routine and Time

By implementing a routine, many find that their days become fast paced, or that time moves faster when engaged in routine activities. This often leads to the feeling that a day has sped by rather than dragging on, exacerbating feelings of burnout or depression. While this may be helpful in some aspects, it is equally important to take time to slow down in a day. One way to achieve this is with journaling, even for just a few minutes, to capture what one is feeling or doing during the day. Eventually, this writing will also become part of the routine, allowing one to maintain a fast-paced lifestyle as well as take time for introspection.

Healing with Routine 

While some feel a routine is too rigid or confining, for many, routines have been proven to aid a feeling of safety and security. Especially for those struggling with their mental health, a sense of stability allows a person to maintain basic life functions, such as hygiene, meals, or work. Having these small tasks can give a sense of achievement as well as security. In this way, a routine can provide both accomplishment and self-care, and journaling can be an essential role in both. Journaling allows a person to decompress, express their emotions, and move on with their day. Doing this every day is often a way for people to improve their mental health, as writing works in conjunction with routine.

Finding Time to Journal

The most difficult part of journaling for many is finding time in the day. Fortunately, journaling is most effective when done daily for around 20 minutes. At first, this may feel like too much to handle, that perhaps one does not have enough time or content to write. However, this can be combated by forgoing the need for perfection and simply writing a stream of consciousness. When journaling, a person’s writing does not need to be grammatically correct or fit a perfect narrative; it just needs to be written. 

The second most difficult part of journaling is often getting started. Many people new to journaling feel lost and they don’t know where to begin. Confronting a blank page is a difficult task, especially with no direction or assistance. 

Consider following the link below and begin journaling with support and guidance. Group journaling sessions are held throughout the week and led by one of our journal artists. Incorporating journaling into your routine in this way allows you to journal with structure and community. 

Begin Journaling Here

References

Avni-Babad, D., & Ritov, I. (2003). Routine and the perception of time. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 132(4), p. 543-550. https://pluto.huji.ac.il/~msiritov/AvniBabadRitov.pdf

Avni-Babad, D. (2011, March 11). Routine and feelings of safety, confidence, and well‐being. British Journal of Psychology, 102(2), p. 223-244. https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/000712610X513617

Purcell, M. (2014, February 5). The health benefits of journaling. Community of Mindful Parenting. https://www.communityofmindfulparenting.com/curriculum/week7/S7-Articles-TheHealthBenefitsofJournaling.pdf