Unique Ideas for Creative Journaling

The Newspaper Column:

Imagine that your journal page is a newspaper column.

First think of the heading to get you started.

Write in column form and try writing your entry in terms of headlines like an ongoing opinion or advice (to yourself) column for your journal.

Example:

My sister Caroline is coming to town:

Enjoy the simple moments

Remember that family is complicated

The only buttons that can be pushed are the ones you allow to be pushed

Laugh and hug a lot! You never know how long it will be before you see each other again.

A magazine article:

Think of magazines that you feel some pieces of your own life would fit into. Interior design, fashion, cooking, farming, gardening, music? There are so many! Imagine the title of the article and imagine pictures that would go with it.

Our own stories are interesting. When someone else tells you about a travel adventure, or a place they have lived, or a story about their child or parent...it's their story! None of our stories are the same and that's what makes them interesting.

Close your eyes, and in your mind's eye see a magazine spread with one of your stories. Past, present, or future! Paste or tape in some pictures. Someday someone will read our journals when we are no longer here.

Our stories are a beautiful gift to leave behind.

A Self-Care Journal: Nurture Yourself

The purpose of a self-care journal is to make yourself feel better and live better.

Write the good parts of your day. It’s always good to start on a positive note. No matter what kind of day you’ve had, find something good about your day and write it down. The benefit of doing this is that in some way, you will be reliving those good moments and it will boost your mood. Plus, when we have a bad day, it doesn't mean that every single thing in the day was bad. It's important to write the good stuff too! No matter how trivial it may seem to you at the time.

Then go ahead and write the bad parts of your day. Instead of letting any bad things continue to weigh you down, let them out. When something bad happens it can stay in our mind all day, creating negative emotion, which can remain in our bodies. It could also disturb our sleep.

Release it by writing it down and letting it go.

A self-care journal is great for combating burnout. Sometimes we may beat ourselves up with thoughts that we are lazy, when in all reality we are simply burnt out. Take a moment to assess your emotions. Describe how you’re feeling, whether it’s stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. Identify areas where boundaries are lacking or need improvement and brainstorm ways to establish healthier boundaries. This is a really important step when self-assessing. If we don’t take a step back to look at how we reached a place of burnout in the first place, then how can we heal and re-energize? Did you say yes a few too many times? Did you take on a project that turned out bigger than you anticipated and feel overwhelmed? Exploring these feelings can provide clarity.

Use your journal to list activities or habits that bring you joy or relaxation. Record how you feel before and after engaging in these activities. Feel the difference as you write about them. Track your progress by noting any changes in your mindset, emotions, or behavior over time. Celebrate small victories and milestones.

Future Intentions:

Set realistic goals for your recovery from burnout. Write about the steps you plan to take, whether it’s seeking support, adjusting your workload, or incorporating more self-care into your routine. This is a positive and healthy thing to do. Write about something you would really look forward to doing. Then ask yourself how you could make it happen and let the answers come on to the page.

In the journal, I am at ease.

- Anaïs Nin