Whether you use a digital app or old school pen and paper, journaling can have amazing benefits when it comes to stress.

Writing uninterrupted can allow you the time and space to process what’s on your mind, both good and bad, and help you figure out where you might need extra help.

In this episode, I share a simple 3-step exercise for journaling that will help you reduce stress and anxiety.

3 Step Journaling Exercise:

1-Brain Dump: Write down all of the thoughts in your head on paper for 15 to 20 minutes until you run out of things to write. You can start by recapping your day, what you've done in the last 24 hours, just be sure to continuously write. Declutter your mind.

2-Create a Task Called Gratitude. Write down at least 3 things you’re grateful for. Add to the list daily and read it each day.

3-Make Associations. Think about an issue that’s troubling you and give it a nickname. Write down “Dear Universe, help me solve this problem.” Look for signs and information that can help you with an optimal solution.

I hope you find a way to incorporate journaling to reduce your stress and anxiety.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

• Decluttering your mind to make space for gratitude
• How gratitude offsets negativity
• Asking your internal guidance system for support

Must-listen moments:

[00:08:30] It's important to offset all of the negativity we hear from other sources.

[00:12:15] Give your situation a nickname, two to three words, no more than that, so that you can work on the issue a little bit objectively, a little bit outside of the issue itself.

[00:21:57] Ask your internal guidance system for help with the problem by giving the problem a nickname and not wasting time thinking about it and replaying it, because when we replay the stressful thing that's causing us anxiety, then that creates more anxiety by replaying it in our minds.

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with 2 friends you think need to hear it!

Resources Mentioned:

Nebo - https://www.nebo.app/

GoodNotes 5 - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodnotes-5/id1444383602

Gratitude Journal-Reduce Stress by Journaling Daily https://a.co/d/gN7gqnM

How an Art Class Can Change Your Life EP 4: https://youtu.be/lQTlGnsjowc?si=_z549ljj1_BuHt6M

Connect with Danette:

www.shinefirsttoday.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinefirsttoday

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danettelowe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-lowe-cfp%C2%AE-9b7bb716/