30 may be the new 20, but journaling is a new therapy. Remember when you were younger and you would write about all of your hopes, dreams and milestones in your diary? Much like your diary, a journal is the same thing.
Studies have shown that people who journal 15 to 20 minutes a day three to five times over the course of a four-month period were able to lower their blood pressure and improve liver functionality. Not to mention that journaling about tough experiences can help you find a better, healthier way to work through your feelings.
So, how do you start journaling? There are a couple of ways to get started. One way is to pick a set time each day and do a “brain dump.” By this, I mean write without any real structure. Write down the things that first come to mind. Write your anger, write your frustrations, write your joy. Let it all out - literally.
Another way is the theme approach. Some people prefer to write with a theme in mind for each week. For example, this week’s theme could be about finance. Next week’s theme could be about motivation.
There is no rhyme or reason or perfect approach to journaling. The main point is to write about what you want and let it out.