How to Keep a JournalAlthough there are no formal rules, here are some strategies about how to keep a journal. I write in a small-sized notebook that I can take with me in a purse or backpack, and jot down ideas as they come to mind. I use a notebook that has lined acid-free pages and a sturdy cover. I also use a pen with permanent ink so that the writing won't fade over time. Think of your writing as an art form that is an expression of your inner thoughts.In this case, we are learning to keep a journal that documents the stressors in your daily life. The purpose of this stress journal writing exercise is to identify patterns. You want to identify what causes your stress and identify any useful patterns regarding when or why these stressful incidents occur.
Getting Started 
As you are learning how to keep a journal, remember that this exercise is a sequential writing activity. When you make an entry, documenting a stressful situation, record the date, the time and the place.ENTRY OF STRESSFUL EVENT: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Then answer the following 5 questions: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ 3. How did you respond to the stressor? _______________________________________________________________ 4. What you did to remedy the stress? _______________________________________________________________ 5. Finally, how did your stress reducing strategy work? _______________________________________________________________ When you are learning how to keep a journal, realize that over time, if you are faithful in making entries for at least one week, you will start to find that patterns do emerge. After a week of journaling take time to answer the following questions. Do you find that you are stressed at a particular time of day? _______________________________________________________________ Are you stressed because you are trying to accomplish too many things in too short of a period of time? _______________________________________________________________ Do you get stressed trying to locate things you have put somewhere and can't remember where they are? _______________________________________________________________ Do you get stressed running your home because you don't use a household notebook to help you get organized? _______________________________________________________________ Do you find yourself stressed working with a particular person on a project? _______________________________________________________________ Do you get stressed working with electronics that aren't doing what you think they are supposed to do? _______________________________________________________________ What Did You Find? How to Keep a Journal :Journal Writing To Lower Stress New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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