What Is Habit Stacking? (And How to Do It)
What Is Habit Stacking? (And How to Do It) By: Rane Wallace, MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP Supporting our mental health is one of those goals
In the world we live in today, mental health struggles are incredibly common. Millions of people are affected by mental illnesses each year. Studies suggest that 1 in 4 people will experience one in their lifetime. Having self-care journaling prompts is a proven activity to improve your mental health.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to understand that you aren’t alone. However, it’s also okay to acknowledge that coping might be difficult. While scheduling appointments with Licensed Professional Counselors, taking prescription medications, and practicing mindfulness are all great tools for managing mental health symptoms, there are additional methods that you can try.
Journaling, for example, is a simple practice that can help you deal with anxiety, stress, depression, and bipolar disorder (and it can be done from the comfort of your home). Additionally, those struggling with mental health can use their journals to record behaviors and improve their habits.
Unsure how to go about starting a journaling habit? Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve helped hundreds of people embark on their journaling journey, and I’d be happy to do the same for you.
Learning how to take care of yourself is an integral part of being human. Simply going throughout our daily lives places a wide variety of emotions at our feet. And that alone can feel overwhelming. Journaling, therefore, is a fantastic way to express yourself and deal with those intense emotions.
Of course, there are plenty of additional benefits that journaling can provide. Such as:
Are you wanting to get into the habit of journaling? For some, this might seem like an easy task, but for others… well, not so much. Regardless of which camp you find yourself in, here are some tips to help you get started:
Have you mastered the art of journaling each day (or however often works for you), but are running out of things to write about? Don’t feel discouraged, as even the most talented of writers struggle with writer’s block.
If you need a bit of inspiration, try these 5 self-care journaling prompts to improve your mental health:
Think of a moment in your life when you felt happy. In your journal, describe the situation and the surroundings at the time. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing?
If you can, try and recall what exactly made you feel happy and how that emotion felt. Consider whether you could recreate that feeling in another manner, and jot down some ideas of how.
Stream-of-consciousness writing is exactly what it sounds like. According to Matthew Welsh, MS, Ph.D., it is “writing the first words or thoughts that go through your mind without actually planning or consciously thinking about what you are writing.”
To practice, simply write the very first word or thought that pops into your head. Then, keep going. When you’re writing via stream-of-consciousness, there’s need for commas, periods, or capitalization. Just keep writing until you feel like stopping.
Sounds kind of funky, right? However, if you write a letter to something that scares you, it’ll usually tell you how it feels. Not only will this make your fears appear smaller and less overwhelming, but consistent practice will help release their grip on your life.
Okay, yes… this might seem counterintuitive. However, when you’re in the midst of an anxiety or panic attack, journaling can become an incredible route out of it. People tend to have a hyper sense of self-awareness when they’re mid-anxiety attack, so grab your pen and put every feeling on paper.
When you’re navigating problems related to mental health, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re only human. Your journal is a safe space to apologize for moments when you’ve been hard on yourself. More importantly, it’s a place for you to forgive yourself for not being perfect.
Still want some more journaling prompts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. You can find an additional 20 journaling prompts. Or, you can check out an additional 64 journaling prompts from mental health.
By now, I hope you’re able to understand how journaling can be a terrific tool for your mental health. Also, I hope that these 5 self-care journaling prompts to improve mental health were able to offer a bit of inspiration.
Journaling can help you manage struggles like depression, anxiety, stress, and bipolar disorder. However, to effectively treat those mental health illnesses, journaling is best combined with routine visits to a licensed mental health counselor.
If you’re looking for one of the best rated mental health therapist in Fort Worth, Texas, look no further than Fort Wellness Counseling. We believe in patient-centered care that equips you with the skills necessary to accomplish real, long-term change. We provide individual therapy and specialty counseling services.
As much as journaling can help soothe your mental health battles, they don’t have to rule your life. Contact our team to book an appointment today.
What Is Habit Stacking? (And How to Do It) By: Rane Wallace, MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP Supporting our mental health is one of those goals
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