The Top 5 Reasons to Keep a Journal.

Journaling....it's one of my favorite things to do....writing is a great tool for me to express my creativity...Call me loony, but something about pen, paper, and a good cup of coffee or herbal tea helps me to wind down.
I've been journaling for 20 years now...I started when I was seven years old. My Aunt Karen gave me a journal so I could write about a really cool summer I had when we went to Georgia to visit my grandfather. She and my mom always loved traveling, and so these trips where we would meet up with her were special. From there, a love for writing was born...I'd always loved to read, and would even read the nutrition labels on my cereal ever since I had started studying health during my homeschool years. I have ALL of my old journals...and I've loved getting them as gifts for years.
I write rough drafts for books in them, I write recaps of my days, my dreams, and my goals in them, and I also write my prayers in them. During college, the occasional sporadic journal entry was a way to retain my sanity as a time that was extremely burdensome for me. It's artistic way to collect data; numbers such as dates, years, sets, and reps are only a part of the story. Journaling is something that transports me back in time, helps me plan for the future, and enjoy the present. Because every time of life has it's struggles and victories.
I recently got into health journaling along with my other journaling practice. I track my workouts, and food intake...I have had food addictions in the past, and in order to maintain balance, I journal so that I can step back and evaluate how I feel about my health journey, and how I'm breaking down and taking steps to reach my goals. This practice has helped my mental, spiritual, and physical health greatly, and this is why I think journaling can help you too.

1. Journaling can reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. Writing allows you to get rid of the mental junk you haven't processed yet, and help you evaluate how you can respond in a healthy way. Our bodies respond to stress, which involves the adrenal system. When your cortisol stays at peak levels, it places stress on the immune system as well. The American Psychological Association conducted a study that links journaling to healthier immunological responses.

2. You can express yourself in a way that is personal. We all need to be open and  honest about struggles. I personally have a hard time telling even those closest to me what my deepest thought processes are. I've found that journaling allows me to be real, and sometimes I just want to organize my emotions by putting them on paper. King David did this in the Psalms. They flowed from the good and bad times in his life. Psalm 139 is an awesome example of this.

3. Journaling allows you to look back and see what you've accomplished. This is where a health journal comes in handy. I set very specific goals for the month, then break that down into smaller steps. I make notes at the bottom of my workout trackers about resources I need to plan for the next week, and this prevents me from getting stuck in a rut. And on those days where I feel like I'm far away from those goals, I can look back and see that yes, I am in fact making progress.

4. Journaling allows you to record and evaluate your priorities. Taking a step back can show us our strengths and can also show us areas that we need to work on. The next step is formulating a plan of action and then committing to follow it.


5. Journaling allows you to find and create your own artistic style. You don't have to write the next "War and Peace", but you can broaden your mind and find your own writing style. Even the most non-artistic can keep a very successful journal. Remember, this is YOUR place, not Tolstoy's. Enjoy the creative process. Let your hair down.


Those are my 5 reasons to journal. Have you ever kept a journal? Why or Why Not? Do you keep a health journal too?

Don't forget to enter to win some really cute printables to help you start your very own health journal! You can enter right here!


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I'd love to hear from you!

Julie

Motivational Monday - Goal Setting and Top 5 Fitness Gifts!

Well, after a busy weekend, my husband, Micah, just graduated from college - I'm gearing up for an even busier week next week. Oh my whoa, it's been crazy around here, and all I want to do 24-7 is sleep...that's right, I, who always have energy, could sleep through the holidays right now. So here's how I've been managing to swing staying inspired to keep getting my fitness and healthy eating on because I don't believe in New Years' Resolutions...you can commit to better habits any time of the year. New Year's just makes it a more momentous occasion...

1. Get a workout buddy...someone who doesn't "talk junk", but someone who won't beat around the bush. If you need to write out a contract for each other on paper. You are less likely to fudge if it's official. For example, I'm forgoing chips this month, this is because it is a trigger food for me, meaning I could eat tortilla chips by themselves...by the bagful.

2. Keep a workout and food journal. The workout section of this is great, and let me explain why... I have a minor in strength and conditioning...rule numero uno...write out your goals, then your plan to get to those goals...you need to have an idea of what you're going to workout in advance, on what day, etc., then write down which exercises you need. FOOD journal...this is important for me...I come from a long line of compulsive eaters, so this helps me keep on track, making sure I have sufficient protein, fiber, fats, etc. to keep my body fueled. My weakness is salty carbs, aka chips, and when I see it all on paper, the portion sizes are put into perspective for me.

3. I cannot say it enough....take time to destress... the world is full of people who are losing perspective and caught up in the materialization of it all. I call this the "Martha" complex. If you try to make your house and your family "perfect" for your guests, you are doing yourself and your loved ones a disservice. I've been in picture perfect surroundings, where I was miserable because of all the drama and stress going on...it's not worth it. This season is about what's going on on the inside, not the outside. 

4. Get rid of the self sabotage...I'm sick of this so-called fit-spo on pinterest and tumblr and instagram...God gave you the body you have for a reason, so stop trying to be an anorexic teenage girl who's been photoshopped...GET OVER IT. You should be the healthiest you possible, not someone else. If you're 32  with curves, stop trying to be a skinny 15-year old...granted, you can be an in killer shape 32 year old, but you will not be that 15-year old...rock YOUR healthy. Take it from a former anorexic. "You are fearfully and wonderfully made..."



Now to the less serious part of my post...a Christmas Wish List. You could get this for any person on your list and they would love these fit gift ideas:

1. A workout journal: with all the free printables out there, you could even custom build one for your friend, spouse, whoever.

2. A blender bottle: you honestly can't have enough of these...

3. Resistance Bands or loops: you can't have enough of these either....

4. A Gymboss timer: tabata workouts are all the rage this year and will be in 2014

5. A foam roller...for all the DOMS that will ensue from use of the resistance bands. 

 Remember, this time of year is for reflection; don't forget the Reason for the Season!