Over the years I tried to keep a journal but I was never consistent. My approach was much like, "Dear Diary..." and I would record whatever happened that day. That was pretty much boring. It didn't offer anything to me at the time. Years later when I would find one of my journals I would just remember the day or time I initially wrote it. So, it didn't really do anything for me.
Lately, I've been feeling really anxious and it was suggested by a friend to write in a journal whenever I felt anxious. Well, I must say that I've only been writing in the journal for a few days and it does help stop the anxiety. Whenever I feel anxious or upset or worried about something it's followed by impulsive behavior to "Do Something, anything!" So I usually facebook, text, call a friend, BBM, go to the gym, go shopping, shop online, or anything just to have something to do. The impulse following the anxiousness does not help. Writing in the journal does.
In writing I have found that it takes my mind off of whatever I am thinking about just simply by writing about it. Then, in writing, other things come up like why I might possibly be feeling the way I am at the moment. This brings up new insights & actually helps me think of productive ways to correct my behavioral patterns instead of masking them by some frivolous task.
I've discovered that my anxiety lately stems from getting laid off of my job and thus having more time on my hands. In this new time on my hands I tend to overanalyze my situation & I feel like I am not being productive because I don't have a job. Yet, I am in school, so I really do have other things to focus on.
I'll continue to write in my journal when I am upset and hopefully this helps someone out there.
Today one of my siblings really upset me. So I quickly put the blackberry down and went to sit outside. Just being in nature calmed me down and I was able to think about some things that I want to do like volunteer. It's a good way to clear your mind :)
