Keeping a journal is an expression not just by you, but for the discovery or healing of yourself. A journal can hold an overflow of emotion or anxiety and help you excavate feelings that have found hiding places. It’s a non-judgmental place to share your mood’s true colors.
A journal can serve whatever purpose you choose. For healing, many people think of their diary as a friend, mentor, therapist, or a mirror. No matter what this friend or mirror tells you the book can be closed while you adjust to the information.
Most people journal by writing thoughts and events in a blank book or doc file. While that is definitely a popular type of journaling, and beneficial, it is not the only tool in the box. Even those of you who dislike writing things down can enjoy the therapeutic value of keeping a journal.
It Takes 1,000 Words to Equal a Picture
If you want to know yourself better buy a large blank book, scrapbook, or start a journal on your computer. Every time you see a picture or scene that resonates with you cut and paste it into your book, or snap a photo to put in the book later. This will be a journal of your essence, or what moves you, so make sure the pictures are more than pretty or bold. They must touch something wordless in you.
If you are anxious you might do the same as above but focus on pictures or scenes that calm you, that you look at, and something inside you relaxes, unknots, or unwinds. This journal will reflect who you are and be a sea of tranquility to open when the waters get rough.
Speak in Color
If you are interested in expressing emotions and feelings in your journal, buy a blank or sketch book, crayons, markers, an artsy computer application, or whatever. Record your emotions by scribbling, making shapes, or drawing with colors that match your mood. You can add some words if you wish.
Think about what you want the journal to be. Will it be an emotional record of your days, a place to spill out intense feelings, or a place to color how you wish to feel instead of how you actually feel?
Get In Tune with Yourself
Keep a digital journal of songs that will suit your journaling purpose. Maybe you will keep songs that express something deep and indefinable about yourself, songs that take you to a still, calm place, lift your mood, or those that energize and get you moving.
If you want to explore who you are with a song journal, try listening to different types of music, even those you usually avoid (opera anyone?). If you find a song in a “foreign” category that belongs in your journal, it may tell something new or surprising about yourself.
A Different My Space
Have your bedroom, apartment, condo, or home furnished or decorated only with items that touch you at your core; artwork, vases, bedspreads, towels, or pillows. The items must be more than something likable or pretty. As with the other journals, the pieces must touch you down to your toes. For example, if you purchase wall art, is it something you could stare at forever? Does it strike a vibe in the center of yourself, or your heart?
If you want your room journal(s) to help you manage anxiety or mood, you know what to do. Choose items and colors that evoke the emotion or feeling you want. If a room journal is too much, make a wall, or desk journal. Go with whatever works for you.
Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with Anxiety? Take the Self Test now to get more information.
The information provided on livingwithanxiety.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of Llivingwithanxiety.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
