Today’s World is a complex place to live in. The complexity has increased ten-fold post COVID. The role a woman is expected to play is more than what one can handle. A Woman is portrayed everywhere as a multi-tasker and somewhere these expectations weigh her down because all the time, she is living in the fear of not living up to the expectations. There are times when she is looking for someone to talk to or maybe there are times when talking also doesn’t help. The fear of judgement takes over. That is when the habit of journaling can come to your rescue. Journaling is known to be one of the most effective techniques of handling major anxiety, stress and depression. Of course, if you’re battling any serious form, then nothing beats therapy. There are sometimes trivial issues that start bothering you like they’re the end of the World. This is when journaling will come to your rescue.
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From having a child during COVID time to facing several post-partum issues, followed by tragedies at home, I have come a long way this year with just consistently journaling. After shifting to Pune almost two years ago, the last one year has taught me to be handle my stress and anxiety by just jotting down my thoughts. Most of the times, more than the actual issue, it is just one ‘thought’ or a series of ‘thoughts’ that spark(s) all the unwanted stress. We all have this urge of starting afresh every year on January 1st, where we promise ourselves that we will do so many things consistently and it also falls in place for most of January but starts fading away slowly with time. It has happened to me year after year, and I am sure it is the same story with you. Somewhere in our daily mundane activities we forget to prioritize our mental health because it doesn’t show up like a physical sickness. What we fail to realize is that very soon it will show up and cripple your daily life. So, why wait for anything to take over us!
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The benefits of journaling that I have felt myself are innumerable, but to jot down a few, I feel at peace and my troubled mind calms down once I put everything that is on my mind on paper. I have tried Apple’s daily journal app, but for a stationery buff like me anything that is actual paper and pen takes over all electronic ones. However, to start off you can do it electronically as well, but you will slowly realize that nothing beats the joy of writing in a book. Every year I go around scouting for a perfect journal that matches my need. But to start off small, you can pick up any notebook because that will serve the purpose for you. Writing down your thoughts comes with another wonderful benefit which is zero judgement. Your journal will never laugh at you for writing something which you feel is very trivial. It accepts everything you have to say without a wee bit of judgement. All thoughts are welcome here and it remains protected as long as you don’t leave it unguarded on your bed or table.
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Journaling is also a very pure form of self-care because you deserve the best. You are not made to only cater to everyone’s needs. You have every right to take care of yourself and prioritize your needs over others’. Also, you can’t pour from an empty cup be it for your own parents, spouse, in-laws or children. Unless you have a cup filled with joy, happiness and peace, how can you give some of it to others!
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All you wonderful women out there, you shouldn’t settle for something small or less, because you deserve the best. So why not start from today! Dedicate fifteen minutes in a day where you can sit by yourself in that cozy corner of your home with zero disturbance, either early in the morning or late at night, when you can give your hundred percent of time solely for yourself and jot down your thoughts, no matter how small or silly they seem. See the difference for yourself over a period, how you gather the courage to heal yourself and heal beautifully from inside out to be the best version of yourself.
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So, what are you waiting for, start off today!
Love,
Vaishnavi
vaishnavi@orangeespresso.in