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In a world that is busy, fast-paced, and constantly in need of our attention it is hard to find time to catch up with ourselves. It is easy to see one day turn into weeks, into months, and even years before we take time to catch up with who we are, whom we are becoming, and what direction we hope to take. This is where journal writing comes in. It may start to feel like our lives are on autopilot, one day rolling into the next without much thought. A way to stop all that and refocus is journaling. Journaling is the intentional process of putting thoughts, feelings, and experiences onto paper. Why do people journal? Journaling has many benefits since it awards us the opportunity to examine how we are living and take note of areas that need improvement or areas to celebrate. In the therapeutic world, journaling has been seen to promote healthy living in that it helps reduce stress and anxiety thereby boosting well-being. Below are some benefits of Journal writing: Mindfulness. Journal writing creates order and seeks clarity in a world that often feels chaotic. By setting aside time, and looking for a quiet and secluded space, one gets to be mindful and calm for the duration of the exercise. This is beneficial in that you allow yourself to stop, stop the busyness and all the fuss, and just focus. Emotional catharsis. When we are overwhelmed by emotions, journaling can provide the space for us to vent, examine and understand our emotions. It can be a purging of sorts where there is no judgment or expectations. This processing of hard emotions gives room for emotional processing and regulation. Self-discovery. There is no personal growth that ever happened without first examining who we are in our present [...]

Your mental health is imperative to your overall health. Poor mental health can lead to physical symptoms and behaviors resulting in illnesses and diseases. Depression, anxiety, and impulsiveness can bring about self-harm, risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. But you can find ways to improve mental health at home. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22, NIV Protecting and nurturing your mental health can improve your outlook and mood and help you think clearly. Keeping ways to improve mental health in your arsenal will make it easier to navigate life’s challenges and rise to the top. Ways to improve mental health at home You need a list of ways to improve mental health. Once you begin practicing these suggestions at home, you will find them helpful to carry over in other areas of your life, such as your career and other relationships. In addition, developing resilience will make it easier for you to function during crises and to heal from loss and disappointment. Choose a few ways to improve mental health and challenge yourself to implement one for a week or a month. Give yourself plenty of time to change your habits and mindset, and don’t forget to exercise grace when you get off track. If your new practice derails, pick yourself back up and try again. The only way you will stop improving is if you stop. Avoid vices. Vices are those behaviors and addictions that negatively affect physical health. Smoking, vaping, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and using drugs will lead to addiction, emotional and mental issues, and possible conditions that will result in death. Many of these vices alter brain circuitry and affect the central nervous system. You become a slave to these substances, and they can [...]