3 REASONS JOURNALING CAN HELP YOU MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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We've all been there, times when making decisions, let alone good ones seems impossible.

When you're facing a difficult situation, it's common to feel like you just don't know where to start. Sometimes your past experiences can make moving forward even more challenging.

Journaling is more than simply recording what happened. It's about engaging in tadabbur; reflecting and contemplating through writing.

It's such a simple yet powerful tool that can help you re-establish your centre so that you can make better decisions.

How Does Journaling Help?

There are many benefits to journaling, but when it comes to decision making, we've picked 3:

Reduce Stress & Anxiety: Journaling lets you explore your emotions and thoughts without a filter. It helps you to process difficult experiences and to nurture self- acceptance.

Explore your Options: Journaling can help clarify your thoughts so that you can explore options, brainstorm ideas and weigh up the pros and cons of each choice, bringing you closer to making a decision.

Create Personal Accountability: As things become clearer, set yourself goals and deadlines and work towards them.  Feel motivated and empowered every time you go back to your journal and realise how much progress you've made. Be kind to yourself and accept that growth and healing take time.

Tips to Help You Make The Most Of Journaling:

Write what's on your mind without overthinking

Make a habit of it, even if just for a few minutes

Be honest and don't censor yourself

Accept that there will be days you won't get round to it 

Reflect on what you've written

Consider using prompts, we've set some out below

 Helpful Prompts With Decision Making:

• What are my options?
• What's the worst/best that can happen if I go with a certain choice?
• What ‘feels' right to me?
• What am I afraid of? Where are the doubts coming from?
• How will this decision impact me in the short-term and the long term?
• What advice would I give a friend going through something similar?
• Can I break down this decision into smaller, more manageable steps?
• How can I practice self-care and maintain a positive mindset as I go through this process?
• How important is this decision in the bigger scheme of things?
• If you find journaling isn't for you, that's fine also.