The Power of Journaling

 I remember as a kid when my mom needed something (grocery, stationary,etc) from the market, I used to go in to the general store at the market and buy all the things that she asked me to bring. As soon as I step inside the house from the market, she used to check all the items and every single time I forgot some or the other item that she asked me to buy. Usually, it was also the most important one. But when I grew up a bit I figured out a way to remember all the things and items that I am to purchase from the store. I started writing those things down on a piece of paper which helped me to not get confused or to overthink. Nowadays, I use my mobile phone's notepad. 

Didn't we all do that? It was the best part of this blog that struck my mind immediately as soon as I started writing. That was the most cliché and ironically true example that I could have given.

Journaling or writing down with our hands on a notepad or even on a paper reduces our stress and increases memory sharpness. It makes our brain less anxious and helps to curb cortisol which is famously known as the stress hormone. 

Another important aspect of journaling is that it gives us clarity. Whether you are doing it at the beginning of your day or you are ending your day through it. Either way, it helps you sort out your priorities, day's goals and what not. 

Famous and respectful people like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Charles Darwin have used keeping journal as a road map to get what they want. 

We live in age of social media. We are living in an era of unlimited information, which actually makes us unable to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong. What we should believe in or who shall we ignore. Keeping a journal not only brings you back towards your goals and ambitions, but reminds you of how much are you close to your goal.

My journey of keeping a journal started when I joined an MLM organisation back in 2015. They used to tell us to write down goals, put a date to your goals, how much work is required to achieve that goal among other things. I did what they told me. I was a very shy, greedy kind of guy which means I just wanted to earn money whatever I had to do to get there.

After few months I started writing down everything what happened in a day. I wrote some values I need to adopt to become a well known person. Whatever good I learnt from YouTube or any conference I jotted down everything. 

This habit has made me want to start my blog. This habit made me realize how grateful I am to be in this world as a human. I have started complaining a lot less. To be honest, I am trying to complain as minimum as I can. 

Maud Purcell, a psychotherapist and journaling expert says "writing accesses your left hemisphere of the brain, which is analytical and rational"

Journaling is a practical and accessible way to stay connected to your inner self, your body, your dreams and your purpose in life.

Now, let me explain you how do you write a journal. I learnt this from one of the expert in field of expressive writing, Dr. James Pennebaker. He recommends:

•  Forget about grammar/spelling while writing down a journal.
• Be honest and authentic (write like no one else is going to read it).
• Write by hand for better memory recall.
• Adopt cursive writing to get your thoughts out faster.

There are some great habits that a person must have in order to live a healthy and happy life. 

Journaling is one of them.