Intentional Journaling as Self Care with Self Practice

Journaling has always been a part of my daily routine.

There are just some thoughts and conversations that I don’t want to share with those around me and I’d like to keep to myself. However, keeping all those thoughts circling one’s brain can be overwhelming. Writing thoughts down on a page can be incredibly freeing and I personally find I come to realizations in the process writing my thoughts down on paper. 

All of us have difficulties within our lives and with the added weight of what is happening in the world around us, some days life can be more challenging than other days. We all experience different levels of anxiety and stress – whether we’ve gone through a breakup, lost a loved one, or just had a bad day at work. Feeling stressed or anxious are both completely valid feelings that should not be ignored but rather nurtured and calmed. I also use my journal to explore my wants, desires, and hopes for my future, which can also be incredibly overwhelming! Journaling can be a wonderful time to focus on what makes you happy and what you are grateful for everyday along with working through the more negative emotions.

In some of my most difficult personal moments, journaling has been one of my most used self-care practices. When I’m feeling stressed, I love to journal right before bed so I can really clear my head before trying to sleep. I make the process of writing into a ritual, with candles, incense, and music.

Self Practice Workbook .01

While I have always written in regular journals, I have loved using the Self Practice Workbook. This intentional journal invites you to reconnect with yourself outside of the digital landscape. It encourages an offline experience, away from screens and external distractions.

This journal has actionable tasks, questions, prompts, and diagrams along with blank space for self-lead introspection, ideas, and intentions. It is a wonderful tool to use when you are feeling a bit detached and need to check in with yourself. It can be very difficult to be in the present moment, as many of us are often worrying about what’s next, which is why this journal is so wonderful.

Personally, I can easily get disconnected from myself as I go about my daily life – focusing on work, my relationships, what needs doing around the house, and worrying about family and friends. The Self Practice Workbook really forces you to focus on yourself, even if it is just for 10 minutes every day.

While I choose the evening to journal, one could do this practice any time during the day that you can spare! I have found journaling really helps me process and reframe my perspective to look at my feelings with more self-compassion.  Often, we are the least understanding and empathic towards ourselves.