Will Journaling Work for You?

A few simple tools – namely a pen and a piece of paper – can help keep your mind strong and stress-free as you embrace your new life of sobriety. Journaling is a great outlet for processing emotions and increasing self-awareness and it has a host of other benefits, too. These include:

• Increased mindfulness
• Enhanced emotional intelligence, or the ability to perceive and manage your emotions
• Boosted memory and concentration
• Strengthened self-discipline
• Lower anxiety
• Better sleep
• More self confidence

While you don’t need to be a wordsmith to reap the many benefits, you do need to be patient and possibly test out a few different types of journaling. This way, you can find which one(s) works best for you and your goals -- whether you're looking to establish a schedule, identify relapse triggers, release emotions or gain a few healthy habits. And perhaps the best part: There's really no right or wrong way to keep a journal.

Here are a few journal types to consider: 

• Stream-of-consciousness journal: The goal is to jot down any and all words, images, and ideas that come to mind. Don’t edit yourself (spelling and grammar don’t count) or worry if you’re making sense. Try it. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write continuously until time is up. 
• Diary journal: This type of journal can help you record daily events, including what you did, whom you saw or spoke with, and how you felt. Once you’ve written for the full week, you can go back and identify any healthy or unhealthy patterns. 
• Gratitude journal: This is a great way to improve self-esteem and gain a more positive outlook on life. And all you have to do is jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. 
• Activity/food journal: By now you already know that proper nutrition and exercise are smart habits to help you stay sober, and tracking what you eat and how much you move can help you identify poor choices and keep you on a healthy path. Consider jotting down your sleep habits and stress triggers to see if they influence your food choices. 

Our Philosophy
At Haus Recovery, you’ll learn to recognize emotions in yourself and others; interact with the people and things around you; and develop a capacity for empathy, appreciation, and enthusiasm. To learn more, call: 888-551-4715.