Ways to de-stress: Journal right after waking up

Photo by Luigi Anzivino. / CC BY-SA 2.0

Journaling is a therapeutic way to express your thoughts and to record your experiences over time. I've tried to maintain the habit since adolescence, but it didn't stick due to my forgetfulness. I'd tried everything: keeping the diary near my bed, setting reminders, writing on a computer and smartphone. Despite these efforts, it was difficult to write regularly.

Then a friend told me about a method of journaling first thing in the morning after waking up, instead of waiting until the end of the day when one is often too tired or distracted. The idea is called "Morning Pages" from the "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. The benefit of writing immediately in the morning is that before cluttering your mind with other stimulation, you explore and clarify feelings, uncover thoughts from your consciousness, and release them before you go about your day. Specifically, the task is to journal three pages every morning, writing anything in stream of consciousness style, with no judgment on what you say or feel. 

This method has proven successful for me; it's done first thing and therefore not forgotten by 11pm at night. It's more enjoyable and I'm usually happy after each journaling session. And I feel more prepared and excited for the day after having a morning of reflection.

We usually want to de-stress at the end of a hard day, but why not try journaling in the morning? It could be just what prevents a day from becoming stressful.


-Nhien