Thank goodness something like a pandemic doesn’t happen every day, but history tells us that similar events have happened before and will likely happen again. You may not think of your everyday life as being a slice of history, but it is.
How much of this particular slice of history will you remember? You have a chance, right now, to record your thoughts and your feelings as you struggle to cope.
Dear Diary; keeping a journal isn’t just for teenage girls. Scientists tell us that writing about life’s stressful events is a good thing; a way to calm your mind.
If you find writing letters or writing anything more complicated than a grocery list a big bore, you are not alone. Instead of freaking out; think about journaling as a way to organize your thoughts. It is kind of like talking to yourself or screaming out loud, if that works better for you.
• Start small; no need to write every day
• Your thoughts don’t need to be profound or inspirational
• Journals are private; no need to impress
Think of journaling as a way to express yourself. It can be as simple as making a list and jotting down a feeling that each comment evokes.
Journaling is easy and it is cheap. All you need is a computer file (if you are more comfortable typing than writing by hand) or an inexpensive notebook.
Across the top write down a few key words; words that evoke emotions. Start with fear, anger, anxiety, despair and unrest, and then think about how they make you “feel.”
Remember this is your time:
• Set up a regular time
• Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted
• Relax with a cup of tea or meditate for a few minutes
Studies show that writing about your day is an excellent way to clear your head, but don’t obsess; this is not the time to worry about spelling, grammar, or penmanship. The important thing is that writing is a great way to keep your mind sharp as you age.
Leave a Reply