Are you hoping to take more time to reflect this year? If so, have you considered incorporating a short journaling practice into your day to help you reflect, download, explore, grow and create?
Journaling is long known for supporting your wellbeing, reducing anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm. Scientific studies detail how regularly writing down your thoughts improves your mindfulness, enables you to become present, helps improve your memory, sleep and productivity, builds your resilience and improves your self-confidence.
Writing down and labelling your thoughts and feelings helps to organise your mind as it naturally helps create order. It also helps relieve the weight of everything in your head by getting them on the page.
If your mind seems to be constantly full - full of things you need to do, of internal chatter spiralling out of control, of external pressures and internal judgements - you may too notice impacts on other areas of life. We carry so much around in our minds and what goes on in our heads affects our well-being and our well-being is the foundation for everything else in our life - our work, our mental health, our relationships.
Many of us dismiss the idea of journaling for reasons such as:
I don't have time
I don't know how to
I don't know what to write
I'm not a very good writer
My handwriting is messy
I'm worried what I may write
I never get round to it / there's always something else to do instead
The benefits of journaling are extensive, and it is my wish to break down these barriers and demonstrate how incorporating a short, simple practice can have a huge impact on your well-being.
So what is journaling?
There are many different techniques and styles of journaling. Everyone has a different preference, depending on their time, routines, other demands, and ways they like to learn.
And know that there is no wrong way - whatever you write will be useful. You may have come across different styles such as the morning pages, affirmations, a gratitude journal, joy journal or intention setting, wild writing.
In these workshops each month, I introduce a new theme to bring to your journaling practice. Along with techniques and different perspectives to prompt thought and reflection.
This workshop is for you to take that precious time out (already an act of self-care), and find accountability for your journaling practice joining many other people who will be journaling virtually alongside you. All you need is a notebook and pen to capture your thoughts. To get the most out of the session, you are also free to turn off your camera should that help you feel more comfortable.
The workshops take place on the first Monday of the month, via Zoom (8.30am-9am GMT). You can register here, if you have not already.
I’m excited to join you on your journaling journey and look forward to seeing you soon.
If you'd like to find out more about other events, visit here.
Gemma Brown is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, working with individuals and groups to navigate successfully through transitions - be it career, relationships or life in general. Her belief is that when we confidently bring our whole selves to all areas of life, anything is possible. Transitions exist in both our personal and business life, and so often, the two fiercely overlap. Coaching with Gemma focuses on you as a whole, enabling you to identify your strengths, build confidence and to live a life with increased purpose and direction. Gemma works face to face with clients in the Cambridge area as well as via Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.
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