Journal writing is a good exercise for writers. Journaling can spark new ideas, or just jog your memory to remember something later you wanted to write about.

Journaling can also help you overcome writer’s block. If you’ve been intensely working on a particular project and get stuck, journaling is another way to channel your writing. I sometimes use my blog as a journal, or I journal on my iPhone, which is always handy when paper and pen are not.

In addition to being a good starting point for a writer, journaling has other benefits.

“Journaling can be a great pressure releasing valve when we feel overwhelmed or simply have a lot going on internally,” says Amy Hoyt, PhD, founder of Mending Trauma. 

A 2018 research study suggests that writing about your deepest thoughts and feelings may contribute to:

• fewer stress-related doctor visits
• lower blood pressure
• improved mood
• greater well-being

Journaling can make you more self-aware. You can see where your strengths and weaknesses lie by keeping track of your writing. You’ll be able to identify how well you respond to criticism. Also, it will make you aware of your own process. Do you write better in solitude or under group pressure? Do certain words or phrases come harder to you than others? Become aware of your work habits to improve your skills and discover new ones.

Some people like to use a paper and pencil journal. In that case, the size of your journal matters. If it’s too big, you probably won’t take it everywhere. And you need to have it with you for that unexpected thought or idea. Choose a medium-sized journal that will give you room to write what you want, but not too big to fit comfortably in your bag or backpack.Your journal should be with you all day and every day, so choose one with a sturdy cover that will last.

Try journaling in any notebook you have around, and if you think it works for you, then invest in a good journal that has all the characteristics described.

I’ll be blogging on Thursdays about the writing process or about upcoming readings or books, so follow me here.