Tips for Effective Guided Journaling
♦ Set aside a specific time each day for writing in your journal. It doesn’t matter when it is; just make journaling your commitment and priority during that time.
♦ Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you have to journal for a specified amount of time or fill in every single blank. Just commit to writing something for a few short minutes every day. Hopefully, once you get started, you’ll be inspired to keep going.
♦ Find a quiet, comfortable spot for journaling.
♦ Take a few deep breaths and center yourself before you start.
♦ Get a pen or pencil that you really enjoy using.
♦ Be creative! Use stickers, stamps or different colored pencils or pens to match your moods and decorate your journal.
♦ Draw pictures, designs or doodles in unused areas.
♦ Develop secret codes. You can code some of your entries in a way that only you can understand. This helps protect your journaling privacy and it’s fun!
♦ Devise your own system of rating things. Use stars or symbols that are cool and unique.
♦ Don’t skip the assessment sections. It’s important to review your progress at regular intervals.
♦ Keep your journal in a safe place where it’s not likely to be found and read by others, but where you can get to it easily.
♦ Think of your journal as a trusted friend. Over time it can become a helpful extension of yourself and a great source of comfort and relaxation.
♦ Be honest 100% of the time.
