How to Start a Journaling Habit as a Family Caregiver

By Jamie Shapiro | August 2, 2016 | Comments Off on How to Start a Journaling Habit as a Family Caregiver

Caregiver in Skokie IL

Being a family caregiver means that you’re going to be dealing with a lot of different emotions and situations. Having a tool with which to unravel all of those knots can help you a lot and journaling can be that tool.

Decide What Format Works Best for You

Journaling can be as formal as a leather-bound notebook that you keep all your deepest thoughts in to something as informal as jotting thoughts on scrap pieces of paper. You might find it easiest to keep your journal on your computer or you might like to make audio recordings as your form of journaling. No one format works for everyone, so do a little exploring to figure out what you enjoy the most.

The Only Rule Is that There Aren’t Any Rules

Many people feel that there must be rules to journaling that they should follow if they want to do it “right.” The only real rule for journaling, though, is that you don’t have to follow any rules at all. You can write your journal in complete sentences or you might find it more beneficial to jot down random phrases and thoughts that you have during the day. Again, do what works for you.

Don’t Worry about Your Grammar or Handwriting

Grammar and handwriting critiques have no place in journaling. You’re writing your journal for yourself and for your own emotional journey, not to have someone grade or rate it when you’re finished. Let all of those expectations go. Perfectionism won’t do you any good in your journaling practice.

Make Journaling a Regular Part of Your Routine

The best way to get consistent results from journaling is to make sure that you’re journaling as a part of your regular routine. For some people this means every day, for others it might mean every other day. The key is really just consistency.

Go Over Your Journal Entries Now and Again

Every now and again, revisit your journal entries. This is a great way to look at how far you’ve come with a specific situation or to see what new revelations you can see in a situation with a bit of time away from it. Journals are powerful tools to help you uncover the answers that were there with you all along the way.

If you have a tough time remembering to journal, consider setting up a reward system for yourself after a certain number of entries in a row.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Skokie, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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