Recently, I went through a really tough season in which I felt like I wasn't living up to my potential. I wasn't being the best person I could be, and I'm continuing to work on that. I had trouble falling asleep at night because I felt stressed and had a million thoughts running around in my head. Through that, I had to find a way to stay sane. Journaling became really helpful for me. Especially if you're a writer, you should consider journaling if you are stressed. I only just started journaling somewhat regularly.
The reason I hadn't seriously journaled until recently was that when I tried to journal, I felt stressed about having to write about everything that happened every day. This is definitely unrealistic, and journaling shouldn't be stressful. I came to a place in which I could write down my thoughts just when I had a lot on my mind or something major in my life had happened. I think of my entries as more of a snapshot of different seasons of my life.
Writing my thoughts down provides stress-relief in a way that nothing else can. Journaling gives me a solid place to put my thoughts. It's a safe zone for worries and fears or ideas you're pondering that you don't want to share with anyone else. The best part is that I don't have to worry about losing my thoughts or forgetting them. I don't have to forget my thoughts necessarily, but I can take the weight off of my mind so I have room for other priorities. In life, there is always something to worry about.
Journaling also gives me pure joy. It's a personal place to reflect on that date I just went on or my anxieties. It's so therapeutic to write down the things that you feel as though you can't say. There is always the great embarrassment of re-visiting the entries as well. You get to think "how was I so immature?" and laugh at yourself. You can also see how much you've grown.
To anyone who is stressing or needs some personal care, I highly recommend journaling. It's a wonderful outlet that you can personalize in a way that works for you. It was one of the only ways I can maintain some level of sanity when I am trying to keep up with all that life throws at me. Consider trying it, and get ready to feel refreshed.