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5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling

Pull out that piece of paper and pen ASAP.

Abigail Cawthorn

May 06, 2019

UNC Charlotte

5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling

Abigail Cawthorn

I have kept a journal for years. I have written in various types of journals. I have done online versions, kinds that I keep in my phone, and the classic leather journals. This has been one of the best habits I have ever picked up.

Writing in my journal clears my mind. Makes me think about the past, present, and future. Putting my thoughts on paper has caused less anxiety to occur in my mind. I want to encourage people to journal more often.

Now, don't think I journal every day, but I try my hardest to journal when I have the opportunity.

I have encouraged friends and family to journal in the past and I get responses like "I get bored," "I don't know what to write about," or "I don't like reading what I wrote in the past." Here are some tips to improve your journal experience:

1. Listen to music while you journal.

Abigail Cawthorn

I can't express this enough. When I listen to music I enter my safe space. My mind becomes more reflective and even more creative. For a long time, when I would journal, I wrote down what song I was listening to while I started to journal for the day. It is always a great way to start your entry too. You may not know what to write about so sometimes I write about the song or the artist.

2. Include the date.

Including the date in your journal entry will keep your thoughts separate and more clear. I like writing out the full date so I can reflect on the day. This may help you write about your day and what is happening.

3. Include your location.

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This is another way to start your entry if you do not know what you want to write about. Simply including, "I am sitting at the coffee shop near campus in a chair next to the window" can spark ideas and thoughts.

4. Start with what is happening right now.

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Start with what is happening right now. If you start with what is happening right now it can help you write about what brought you to this point and what your next move will be.

5. Don't read past entries.

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Reading past entries can stir up strange emotions. It can make you sad, nostalgic, bittersweet, uncomfortable, embarrassed, and more. Write to write. Don't write to read later in life because you will write what you think you'll want to read. It won't be genuine.

Amazon has great journals for the low. I do suggest that you purchase locally though.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling

Pull out that piece of paper and pen ASAP.

1. Listen to music while you journal.

2. Include the date.

3. Include your location.

4. Start with what is happening right now.

5. Don't read past entries.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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