November is here along with the countdown to the holidays! I’m all for embracing the festivities, but each day moving forward is about to get much busier. If you’re anything like me, your mind is already in overdrive and you have a thousand ideas bouncing around your head. Instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed, organize your thoughts by journaling!
This past Summer, I had a lot of personal issues that were taking a toll on my work productivity. I bottled all my negative thoughts up and was in a constant state of stress. One night I decided to write down all of my emotions in a journal which helped me recognize where the problems truly lied. Each day moving forward I continued to write in this journal and quickly started making positive adjustments throughout my personal and work life. If you also want to make constructive changes and start appreciating all life has to offer, ask yourself these three questions each evening.
Journal: Target (similar) Blanket: Target
What did you do today?
Reflect on your day and write down anything that you want to remember. It’s not necessary to document every little thing that happened, just the important things that are relevant to your life. I track what workouts I did, my meals, and even water consumption because those are all things I strive to improve. Even if it’s negative, write it down – this is where you’ll recognize what needs to be adjusted in your life.
Anything else on your mind?
If there is anything else bothering you or if you have a lot of ideas floating around, this is the time to jot them down. Get it all out now so you can go to sleep with a clear mind. This part of journaling can often be very therapeutic and relaxing.
What were you thankful for today?
Close your journal entry on a happy note; write at least three things that you are thankful for today. Recognizing the good parts of your life that are often overlooked can really bring the urgency of your issues into perspective. For example, today I’m thankful for waking up without a migraine, watching the sunrise, and talking to my parents. If you didn’t have a good day, you should especially negate what went wrong with three or more things that you’re grateful for!
This November, rather than saving all of your gratitude for one holiday at the end of the month, begin recognizing what you are thankful for each day. Get into the habit of journaling every day and you’ll soon start feeling much more stress-free and positive. Even on the busiest days, I still try to take 5 minutes to journal and it has dramatically uplifted my life.
What are you thankful for today? Share in the comments!
I’m thankful for: 1) my health, 2) finding my purpose, and 3) for this great article!
Thank you, Kirstie! 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you’ve found your purpose and think it’s wonderful to show gratitude for your good health. It’s so easy to take it for granted!
Beautiful site! I love the concept of always ending journals with things for which we are thankful. I am also doing a 30 day writing challenge on my site – #30DaysofThanks. It’s challenging!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I will absolutely be checking out your writing challenge 🙂
I’m thankful for all the people I love
Thank you for sharing, Caroline!
My plan is to start journaling as well…but I always put it off. Not sure why I find it so daunting. I love making art journals or just scrappy books in general. Then I never write in them. I’m going to have to challenge myself (and put it on my calendar) I think 🙂
I totally understand how it can become daunting, but it’s okay if you don’t journal every single day. As long as you have a place to write when you need to vent or release some creative energy, that’s all that matters!
Love this! I have been journaling my goals every week and go back and check them off/ add which goals I did that were not on my list. I am going to start blogging about it too- it’s helpful for me to read everyone else’s positivity!
That’s great, Shannon! I’m looking forward to reading about it on your blog. Tracking my goals is something I need to doing!
I love this idea, I should try doing this
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Hope you give it a try and enjoy!
This is great. I can totally relate to the mind being in overdrive and journaling being such a great way to process all of it. I love your prompts! I’m definitely going to try them.
Thank you, Liz! It certainly helps, especially this time of year 😉
Michelle,
I do journals for my kids to have when they get older. I take lots of notes everywhere, but actual journaling would be helpful for myself. Great idea Michelle. May help my insomnia too. I will try anything at this point.
Jenn
Jenn, I love that idea! I’m sure your kids will appreciate those journals for the rest of their lives 🙂 I really hope journaling for yourself helps, if not, I just posted my 3 favorite sleeps aids too!
Good for you! I’m so glad you learned the power of journaling and gratitude. Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can turn your life around. I’m so excited for you!
Thank you SO much, Cindy! It is absolutely amazing 🙂