Journaling for Mental Health in Troubling Times
Friends, I can’t believe how much the world is changing day to day. Even hour by hour. It’s scary and it’s hard. Some of us are working from home, some of us aren’t working at all. Our homes are starting to feel more like prisons.
Idle times are hard for those of us with anxiety and depression.
If you’re anything like me, you struggle without structure to your day and this is uncharted territory. Knowing myself, knowing how easy it would be for me to slip into a bad place right now, I decided to build some structure into my days and create a journaling framework that leads to better, more systematic approach to this overwhelming amount of free time.
Each prompt is meant to guide me through the day with purpose. I set up the page in the morning and fill in each prompt as a move through the day with the goal of completing each prompt before I go to bed.
Mind: Something enriching
Create something, listen to music, read a book, practice something
Body: Loving movement
Go for a walk, do some yoga, stretch
It doesn’t have to be strenuous, just something to get your blood flowing
Soul: Something for you
Prayer, meditation, journaling
Affirmation: A positive touchstone to anchor your day
A quote, an intention, a bible verse
Gratitude: Something you’re thankful for
Or maybe 3 things, because I have a thing for the number 3
Today I’m Feeling: A place to let yourself feel all the feels
Write one sentence or a few pages; this is space for whatever need
I hope this post finds you well. I hope you are surviving and thriving during these difficult times. Tell me how you’re staying sane in the comments below.
