Keeping a journal is something I believe everyone should at least try. In fact, several important people throughout history kept a journal in which they documented their life. The two main reasons people usually journal is to create some sort of permanent memory; documented thoughts and ideas and creating your life story. The other reason to journal is to be creative; a place in which you can relieve your stress and get out those feelings building up inside of you.

It's easy to keep a journal and there are many benefits and good reasons why you should do it. Even if it's something that you leave behind for your children, documenting special memories you want to share with them in the future. There's almost an endless amount of ideas and reasons in which you should keep a journal.

1. Practical benefits

If you don't use a journal for creative reasons, there are a few practical purposes it has. You can use it to keep a food diary if you're keeping track of your eating habits. You can use it to document your work, keeping notes on your mistakes and accomplishments. It can even be used for writing down your moods and situations that made you really happy or sad, etc.

2. Mental health

Keeping a journal can have great effects on your mental health. Just like with practical benefits you can keep track of your moods; what you're feeling, when you're feeling it, and what caused the feelings. Then you can reflect back on them later. Maybe you dive deeper and figure out why that certain situation caused you to feel that way. Your journal can be your safe place. It's for your eyes only. It also helps in building some self-esteem. Just let the words flow, get out what you feel you need to. Your journal is your release.

3. Creative benefits

I've talked about creativity several times in the past and the importance of it. This is another way for you to be creative. You can express yourself in any way you please, especially if you're a writer. Keeping a journal is a great way to help get your creative juices flowing.

4. Different mediums

Your journal doesn't just have to be paper and pen. You can leave notes on your computer, even start a blog if you wish. There are diary apps you can look up that let you journal and keep your privacy.

5. Self discovery

Journaling can actually help you discover a lot about yourself. Especially if you keep some sort of daily log, or keep track of emotions.

6. Organization

A journal is a great way to help get yourself organized as well. It allows you to keep lists of things you need to remember.

7. Doesn't just have to be writing

Remember when I talked about altered books?Journaling can be the same thing. You csn keep ad clippings, sketch or draw, or whatever you wish.

8. Not time consuming

It honestly doesn't take long at all to write a few things down. You can spend as little or as long as you wish. It's a quick way to help you out.

9. Handwriting

Ever since technology spread and grew, very few people ever truly write anymore. I enjoy writing the old fashioned way. You can practice your handwriting; print and cursive.

10. Memories

We all forget things from time to time. I know there are several memories I hold close to my heart. Writing them down in a journal is a good way to be able to reflect back on them. It allowd you to remember how you felt, what you did, and all the good things about the memory.

There are so many positives when it comes to journaling. There is no harm in at least giving it a shot. The mental health piece would be the biggest reason I suggest to try it. I know there are times where I am overwhelmed by all the thoughts racing through my head, I just need some way to get them out. Writing them down in a journal is perfect. Just letting the words flow into some place safe.

I attend a cancer support group and one of our topics was on the benefits on keeping a journal. We got to pick out our own and we had topics each week to write about and then we were able to choose whether or not we wanted to share all or part or even none of what we wrote. I loved those few weeks. It got me thinking about a lot of different things, and it gave me a safe place to express those thoughts I had.

I urge you to get yourself a journal and give it a try.