I was at a clinician-retreat two weeks ago when one of the participants asked a fellow panelist what their number one tactic was to handle burnout. And the doctor said journalling!
I agree wholeheartedly.
You can write anything in your journal.
It doesn’t matter how petty, nasty, or complainy you want to be–just let it all out and you can’t be judged. It’s so freeing.
Here are some ways I like to structure my journalling habit.
First, I journal at the start of the day in order to remind myself of the one essential must-do goal of the day. This helps remind me of the person I want to be today. This is also the time that I write down any of the funny dreams I had the night before. That’s why I remembered Lionel Messi admitting to me that he hated soccer. I had the gall to ask him for his number 10 jersey. And then all of a sudden we were whisked onto a boat trying to organize a fresh catch of shellfish while gangsters chased us…I remember shouting: “C’mon Messi, line up those jumbo shrimp!”
Dreams are gold haha!
The second time I journal is at the end of the day after my night routine.
I ask myself:
1. What are 3 amazing things that happened today?
2. How did I give attention to my daughter, my son, my husband, and myself?
3. What did I learn today?
4. How could I have made today better?
I also track habits like staying hydrated, focusing on creative work, exercise, and eating a non-processed diet.
On a weekly basis, every Sunday I set up my journal to look ahead to the week. This helps me anticipate the days I might be more stressed and the days I might have more freedom. The week-long look ahead gives me the headspace to understand that while I may not be able to fit everything into one day, I have a whole week to work with to make things happen.
I use basic black Moleskine journals with an accompanying Passion Planner, both in the A4 format. I also love using colourful markers, stickers, my children’s artwork, and cute bookmarks to personalize the opening and closing habit of each day.
Question: “Dear Diary…how can I help you today?”
