How to Get Out of the Blues with the Power of Positive Journaling
How do you keep a journal that empowers you?
After so many years of reading, doing and guiding people in personal growth exercises, my journaling methods evolved organically to include some of the most effective ones.
Whenever I’m feeling down, I know I can now quickly change my state by breaking out my journal and following these simple steps.
1. Release The Negative Emotions.
Open the floodgates. If you need to bitch, just let it rip. Write about what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling this way.
2. Focus On What You Want Instead.
After you’ve let go of the negative, it’s time to focus on the positive. What do you want instead for your life? How would you rather feel, what would you rather want to have?
3. Imagine What Wild Success Would Look Like.
Now, just let yourself dream and dream big. Think about your life 3 years in the future and imagine you’ve just had your best years yet. Write down what wild success would look like. What would your finances be like, your relationships, how would you be feeling daily, what would you be doing?
4. Remember How Great Things Already Are.
And finally, end your journaling session with a closing paragraph of gratitude. You know what you want for the future and you’re focused, now what are the dreams you’re already living and the treasures you already have?
The next time you find yourself caught up in a blue funk, simply break out your journal, a paper and pen or a new document on your PC and follow these 4 simple steps to re-energize yourself.
Photo by netjer-lelahell.
P.S. For more on positive journaling, read Christine Kane’s Gratitude Journals and Why They Work.
I really enjoyed this post. It’s easy to forget how powerful our physical reactions are! I like your approach here. Especially reminding the reader that we are not always ready for change — though we think we are! I agree that the real failure is letting fear stop us. Thanks for posting this!
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad it was helpful! “Coping with Stress” is a part of a series of articles on Stress that I have written, hopefully Life Coaches Blog will be posting the rest. So keep in touch!
Kindest regards,
Karen
This is a great article. I especially like the list of symptoms… some of which a lot of people may not recognize as a sign of stress.
It’s also important to continue with your stress managment activities even when there are no signs or symptoms of stress. Doing this will help you become stressed less often and ward off stress before it even begins.
Hi Jill,
Absolutely, it should be a way of life! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Kindest regards,
Karen
Hi,
Great site!!!!! Good health is very important with the high cost of medical coverage. We need to have a healther lifestyle by taking care of our health eating and exercising. I am a cancer survivor and I know. Our health is our greatest asset. Keep up the Good Work!!!!!
The physical body does not differentiate between happy stress and overwhelm. Stress is stress. We need to develop coping mechanisms in our daily life to avoid the harmful, physiological effects of stress.