Kick Stress and Anxiety to the Curb by Doing This One Thing

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I want you to live your best life. And a life full of constant worry, stress, and fear is not it. Life will never be without its problems, that's for certain, but you deserve a life that is calm and feels good to you. As someone that suffers from major depressive disorder, I’ve had to learn quite a few things to keep myself “okay”. But today, I want to share the one thing I started five years ago that continues to bring massive results. And if I don’t follow through for too long, the struggle shows up in my life. It is journaling.

I know, I know...you’ve probably read about this in many productivity lists and maybe you’ve even tried it out before with little results. When I started, I would stare at the blank pages and think so….what now? I might post little things like how my day went. I began to feel like I was in 7th grade again, Dear Diary, Suzie really hurt my feelings and I don’t know what to do about it? It felt a little ….ridiculous. But as time went on, I began to see and feel the results of just getting my thoughts and ideas out on paper and out of my head. 

Here are a couple of ideas that worked for me to get you started. First, find a good book of scripture, or if you aren’t religious, a book of quotes. You know those books you see that are 365 Days to Change your Life or whatever? Those. Seriously. Grab one that speaks to you and each day simply take out your journal and read your thoughts for the day. I would even go so far as to rewrite the note in my own journal by my own hand, I absorb the information it's trying to give me and even on days I didn’t “feel” it, taking notes kept me focused and present. It’s a great way to stimulate the brain and start the flow of feelings and struggles that you are holding inside. Journaling is a way to learn more about yourself and that leads to learning what is authentic to you and living your life by that code. Give it a try for 30 days and report back to me how you feel after 30 days. I promise it can change your life!

If your life is chaotic and you’ve tried every planning/journaling tool, I urge you to pick up the book by Ryder Carroll titled “The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future.” Mind-blowing game changer! I tried bullet journaling with little success in between massively purchasing a bazillion different planners that just didn’t work for my scattered little mind. When I found this book, I gave it another shot, and who is better to explain it other than the person that created it. If you’re looking for a place where you can not only journal but keep every area of your life on track in one spot, this is it! There are a lot of elaborate bullet journaling ideas on Pinterest, but it can be so super simple. I don’t have time for stickers and doodling, so ink pen and bullet journal are my only jam. Give it a try and make it your own.