What is a wellness journal?

Keeping a wellness journal is an excellent mindfulness practice. It allows you to track your habits and record your thoughts and feelings, leading to increased self-awareness. Writing in a journal helps to stop the habit of dwelling on negative thoughts and provides opportunities to reflect on daily routines and events, fostering self-awareness and promoting a more positive mindset. There are many variations of wellness journals available, including ready-made versions that you can pen on.

Image credit: Pexels

Here are some simple steps you can take to begin your wellness journal.

Step 1: Find a journal or a simple notebook that you like. Your decision may be affected by how often you will reach out to the journal (e.g. would you bring it out daily or keep it near your bed).

Step 2: Decide what you would like to record. Identifying the goal of your wellness journal helps you narrow down the list.

Step 3: Make it a habit by setting a few minutes each day to record in your journal. You can do so before turning in for the night to allow yourself some time to reflect on the day.

What to include in a wellness journal?

A wellness journal aims to improve one’s overall well-being, and here are some components that one may want to consider.

“I am grateful for…”

Making a conscious effort to identify things you are grateful for encourages you to focus on what you have. Regularly looking out for things that you appreciate can train your mind to look
at things positively.

“What was challenging today? How does it make me feel?”

Journaling is about documenting good days and embracing the bad ones. Taking time to hold space for yourself and reflect on your feelings is a crucial part of maintaining wellness.

“What did I eat today?”

Writing about what you eat helps you become more aware of what you nourish your body with. Over time, you may also observe how food may affect your overall mood.

Fitness Tracking

Recording each time you work out spurs you to continue the habit of keeping your fitness level.

Inspiration

Including mantras, and inspirational quotes that align with your wellness goal creates an uplifting atmosphere which you can look back at regularly. “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely,” – Roald Dahl

Writing should be a pleasant experience which you look forward to each day and not a chore. Kickstart your journaling with a realistic schedule and goal. Observe how it can improve your life!

This article was first published in The New Age Parents’ Mindful Parent Publication.

* * * * *

Looking to reach over 100,000 parents in Singapore? Let us amplify your message! Drop your contact details here, and we’ll reach out to you.

Discover exciting family-friendly events and places to explore! Join our Telegram channel for curated parenting recommendations.