Ask Big Sis: I’m Keen To Journal, But Where Do I Start?

Hey Big Sis, I’ve been curious about journalling lately. My chomi told me about how it's really leveled up her mental health game. I want to get on this vibe too but where do I start?

Wowza girl! I love this for you, journalling is such a vibe to be on, trust me.

First things first sis, you gotta pick a time that works for when you want to journal. It could be in the morning to set the mood for the day or in the evening to reflect on how your day went. Pick a time that works best for you and try to stick to it at least once a week.

Find a comfortable and quiet spot where you can relax and focus on your journalling. It could be your room, a favourite corner in your home, at the nearby library or even a peaceful spot like a park.

If you're not sure what to write about, start with a prompt. Prompts can help get your thoughts flowing and provide a direction for your journalling. But you can do what works for you. You can find prompts online, in books, or even create your own. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• What are three things I'm grateful for today and why?
• What is one challenge I faced recently and how did I overcome it?
• Describe a moment that brought me joy and why it was significant.
• Write about a goal or dream I want to pursue and how it makes me feel.

When you start journalling, let your thoughts flow without judgement. Be open and honest with yourself. Over time, revisit your old journals and reflect on your growth. It can be so rewarding to see how far you've come and how your mind has changed. Celebrate your progress!

Sis, please remember, there are no right or wrong ways to journal. It's a personal journey, and you can make it suit your needs. So grab your journal, find your favourite pen, or your phone to record, and let your thoughts flow onto the pages. Enjoy the process, sis, and embrace the positive vibes it can have on your mental health. You got this!

What if I’m not good at writing or expressing myself on paper, can journalling still work for me?

Yass, sis! Journallling is not about being a pro writer or expressing yourself perfectly on paper. It's about creating a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You don't have to worry about being perfect. Your journal is your personal space to be yourself, with no judgement.

There are also other ways that you can try, like drawing your feelings, recording voice notes on your phone (you can put in a password if you’re worried about someone reading your journal or going through your phone), or you can download a journalling app if that works for you.

Can you share any journalling techniques or exercises that can help me explore my emotions and thoughts on a deeper level?

Great question, sis! If you're curious about journalling exercises, I've got some easy peasy techniques to help you explore your thoughts and emotions on a deeper level:

1. Try a timed session: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and just write down, record or draw whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about being perfect or saying the right things. Let your thoughts flow! If you choose to write or draw your thoughts you can start with your main theme and create a mind map by branching out with related thoughts. You can use words, colours that have meaning to you or draw pictures to express your thoughts.
2. Answer questions that make you think. For example, "What's something that makes me proud?" or "What's a challenge I’m facing and how can I overcome it?"
3. Write down three things you're grateful for each day. It can be anything, big or small. Focusing on gratitude helps you appreciate the good things in your life.

Remember, journalling is about expressing yourself with no judgement sis. You don't have to be a perfect writer. It's your personal space to be you. Have fun exploring your thoughts and feelings. You've got this, sis!

Is there a rule for how long should each journalling session be to get the most out of it?

When it comes to journalling, there's no specific rule for how long each session should be. It's all about what feels right for you. You can start with as little as 5-10 minutes and then increase the time if you want.

The key is to create a regular practice that works for your schedule and allows you to reflect and connect with yourself on a deeper level. Some girls find that journalling for a few minutes each day works best, while others like longer sessions like once or twice a week.

The most important thing is to give yourself enough time to express your thoughts and emotions honestly. It's not about how many words you can write or how long it takes but how you can grow yourself and jot down those thoughts that you might not want to share with anyone, just yet.

I gotchu!

Big Sis