I'm a little late to the guided journal craze — and wish I had paid attention years ago. What a wonderful self-care tool. I have alluded to mental health challenges in prior posts. It's a health issue that is very important to me because of its effects on my life and the lives of those I care about.
My concern and interest heightened during the toxic political climate of the past decade+ and the pandemic. Like many other people who get caught up in the daily grind of life, I historically haven't practiced enough self-care and this became blatantly obvious during recent years. My reaction to a triggering, vile demagogue and his sycophants compounded by the isolation, fears, and loss during the pandemic, created a state of mind that was not healthy. I know I'm not alone.
So I have since set out to do the necessary work to get help and begin to get better. During the process, and based on what I learned to be effective for me, I wanted to create helpful tools that would benefit others as well. Activities and tools I personally found beneficial. Generally speaking, the most helpful activity has been tapping into my creativity again — reviving hobbies and interests I had lost interest in or put on hold likely due to chronic depression — and exploring new creative outlets. When we feel better mentally, it has a tendency to spill over and positively impact other areas of our lives. I'm seeing that now.
Table of Contents
My latest creation is a guided journal:
Some Benefits of Using a Guided Journal Featuring Daily Prompts and Images to Color
Using a guided daily journal with the option to color an image each day offers a multitude of benefits for our overall well-being and personal growth:
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Mindful Relaxation
Coloring has been proven to induce a meditative state, reducing stress and anxiety. It provides a calming ritual at the beginning or end of our day, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
Enhanced Self-Expression
Coloring allows for creative expression without judgment. It's a non-verbal way to process emotions, thoughts, and experiences, providing a unique outlet for self-expression.
Daily Reflection
Daily prompts encourage us to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This structured introspection helps us gain clarity, identify patterns, and set intentions for personal growth.
Emotional Regulation
Coloring and journaling can help regulate emotions by providing an outlet for processing and releasing difficult feelings. It allows us to confront challenges and find constructive solutions.
Increased Self-Awareness
Consistent self-reflection leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves. We'll identify our strengths, weaknesses, values, and priorities, fostering greater self-awareness.
Positivity and Gratitude
Many journal prompts focus on gratitude and positivity. This daily practice shifts our mindset towards optimism, encouraging us to acknowledge and appreciate the good in our lives.
Empowerment
By engaging with daily prompts and creative coloring, we gain a sense of control over our thoughts and emotions. This empowerment can translate into making positive changes in our lives.
Consistency and Routine
A guided daily journal establishes a consistent routine, providing stability and a sense of purpose. This routine can enhance our overall well-being and productivity.
Documentation of Growth
Over time, our journal becomes a tangible record of our personal growth journey. It's a testament to our progress, insights, and achievements.
Enhanced Creativity
Coloring stimulates the creative part of our brain, which can enhance problem-solving skills and boost overall creativity.
Time for Self-Care
Engaging with our journal is a form of self-care. It's a daily practice of self-nurturing and self-compassion.
Incorporating a guided daily journal with coloring into our routine can be a transformative experience, fostering emotional well-being, personal growth, and a deeper connection with ourselves.
My new guided journal is now available on Amazon. I invite you to explore its benefits and wish you great success in your own journey.
