8 Great Journaling Tips

Mix a martini, don't forget the olives, or pour yourself a
tea, relax and enjoy!

There are no hard-set rules for keeping a journal. How often
you write, time you spend, and how rigorously you maintain a
regular journaling schedule are matters of personal choice
and circumstance. Therefore, it is important to find what
works for you. Here are nine guidelines to assist you.

1. Allow for regular writing times. Find a time of day that
works well for you and use this time every day. As much as
possible, control interruptions during this time.

2. Give yourself an inviting writing environment. If you
need quiet space, find a time that you can write without
noise and interruption. If the hum of the world around you
is soothing rather than distracting, plan to write during a
time when other people will be engaged in their own work and
not looking over your shoulder.

3. Develop a centering ritual. Associating journaling with
another pleasurable habit can guide to strengthen the
routine and create an atmosphere of self-nurturing. When you
are ready to write in your journal, consider pouring
yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Play relaxing music. Take a
moment for meditation, deep breathing, or prayer.

4. Prompt your writing with a routine self-reflection
question: Triggers such as "What are you feeling right now?"
or "What's on your mind?" Anais Nin suggests asking "what
feels vivid, warm, or near to you at the moment?"

5. Write because you desire to write, because you know it