The winter months.

The weather is often cold and gloomy. We tend to spend less time outdoors and reduce our exposure to sunlight. We tend to find that we have low energy and tiredness and begin to lose enjoyment in activities that used to be fun. We find it difficult to concentrate and start to withdraw from people. We have the “winter blues.”

There are several things we can do to cope with the blues. We can keep warm, get outside more, purchase a light lamp, make an effort to visit or contact friends and relatives, take up a new hobby or join a support group.

A great way that I suggest is keeping a journal.

By keeping a journal, you can notice mood patterns and recognize when you feel worse and need help. Keeping a journal helps you prioritize problems, fears and concerns. You can release negative thoughts from the mind by putting emotions down on paper.

A journal allows you to put those goals that you may have in writing. Once written, you can keep track of these goals and remain accountable for achieving them. Your writing and communication skills will improve by keeping a journal. You will find inspiration by keeping a journal. And, as you know from note-taking in school, writing tells your brain what to remember.

A journal should be both convenient and mobile. When a thought comes to you, it should easily be placed in the journal. A notebook is handy to serve as a journal. You can easily take it with you and write down thoughts and ideas,

When you journal, you should remove distractions. Be honest when you journal. You must be honest because journaling is about processing, uncovering, and learning about yourself.

Focus on the positive in your journal to help chase away the blues. Write often so that writing in your journal becomes a habit.

You will find keeping a journal has benefits other than relieving stress and chasing away the blues. You will develop mental clarity, build self-awareness, and become more creative. A journal supports goal setting and enhances writing skills.

Don’t delay. Begin keeping a journal today.