Journaling For Frontline
Healthcare Workers
(and anyone else!)
Did you know that journaling is an amazing way to reduce stress and anxiety? It has been clinically shown to improve mental-health and alleviate depression. It helps manage and control intense emotions and make sense of challenging or traumatic experiences.
The Challenges
These are very challenging times for healthcare practitioners.
Especially those on the front lines.
While I Can't offer much in the way of quick fixes to the health care system, I can offer my knowledge and expertise in the areas of journaling and creative writing for staff who are looking for an outlet to cope to manage their work related and personal stress and anxieties.
A few thoughts to help get you journaling...
Journaling Is Personal
No one but YOU ever has to read it. You do not have to be a "writer" to journal. Journaling can also be drawing, doodling, sketching, whatever. Do not worry about spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
Some How To's...
Try to choose a consistent time to write; Break, lunch, after work (before you leave).
Add a date and time to each entry.
Write without thought or plan - just go.
Do not worry about length. You might write one sentence, one paragraph, one page. If you wrote one sentence per day for a month? That would be amazing.
Choose a journal book
Make the journal you choose to write in a little special. The size, shape, colour, something to look forward to opening. Paper texture; Lined or blank? But don't get too precious. It's about writing - not about looking good while you're writing!
What do I write about??
Literally anything. Especially if there’s something you truly want to get off your chest.
BUT journaling is not meant to be a bitch session. It may start that way but it's important to move past that initial anger by avoiding writing about the same thing in the same way each time.
Some possible journal prompts:
What I’m feeling right now and why.
Free write – just lose yourself in nonsense, fun, or stream of consciousness for a few minutes.
I have a question (about work, life, the universe, etc.)
Gratitude.
A thing I’m grateful for.
Something I’m fixated on and am having a problem letting it go.
How I change the broken record.
The best things about me are…Someone who inspires or motivates me.
STARTING...
You won't start journaling unless you start. Find a journal (you can always switch it up) and sit down somewhere and write one thought, one sentence. If nothing else comes to you, walk away for a while. Take note of things you're thinking. If you're serious about it, you'll find you'll start thinking about what you're going to write next - much like you would a friend.
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And if you have questions/thoughts, send me a note or question. I'll be happy to help.