I’ve recently discovered that most of my friends keep a journal, either as a personal blog online or in an actual paper diary. It’s such a good idea! I keep a blog, and it’s very cathartic and fun… I love looking back to see how I was feeling during a particular stretch of time. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend you give it a go… here are 7 reasons to keep a journal, even if you’re busy…
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It Can Help You De-stress
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Photo Credit: Jen Chan
If something (or someone) is getting under your skin, writing it down can help. The simple act of writing about how you feel, and why, will help diffuse the stress and will ease away the pain and anger. I found this to be true especially during my nasty divorce a couple of years ago.
It Helps You Remember
According to decades of scientific research, writing things down helps you remember them. This isn’t just the case for phone numbers, French verbs, or historical dates — anything you write, you’ll be more likely to remember.
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It Helps You Look Back
When did little Susie have that play at school? Which of your friends had that great party last summer? If you keep a journal, you’ll always be able to look back and see what happened, when, and with whom.
It Can Be Hilarious
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Photo Credit: Tiphanie Neely
If you’re one of the lucky few who still has their junior high or high school journals, then you already know how wickedly funny (and embarrassing!) it can be to go back and read them. If you don’t have your old diaries, no worries. You can read someone else’s in an incredibly funny book called “Mortified” by David Nadelberg.
You Might Need an Alibi Later
How many times on “CSI” or “Law & Order” has your favorite detective asked for an alibi, and the bad guy had one tied up already? If you’re planning a hit on your ex-husband (not that I recommend it), keeping a diary may come in handy for establishing an alibi… I’m just saying…
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It’s Good for Your Brain
Aside from de-stressing and helping your memory, it’s been said that people who keep journals and do word puzzles have a lesser chance of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease as they age. I can’t think of a better reason to keep a journal, can you?
All the Cool Kids Are Doing It
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Photo Credit: alphababy
Truly, almost everyone I know and admire keeps a journal or has their own blog. I don’t know if they were cool BEFORE they started keeping their diary, or if it made them cool, but does it matter? Books have even been written to look like diaries (like the wildly popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series), so why not?
Those are the reasons I like to keep a journal — I don’t plan on knocking off m ex, though — but I’m sure there are so many more! Do you keep a journal, or have a blog? Why or why not? Please share!
Top Photo Credit: simply stardust
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