Journaling During the Pandemic

We have been in lock down almost every day since March 2020. I have been watching my surroundings and myself and I had to write about this. If you are suffering from COVID-19 fatigue, you’re definitely not alone. All routines changed, all habits moved and most of our activities were either cancelled or minimized.  We are getting exhausted just by hearing all the news, the numbers and the complaints. Anxiety might arise, tossing and turning in bed over a bunch of decisions.  I can’t blame you if you have doubts about your future or even your present!

We’ve been taken on an emotional roller coaster, which we’ve been riding for a lot of time now. We were forced to make significant changes in the way we work and live, and caring for children, senior parents and all those around us who need help; it’s not only easy, but inevitable to forget to take care of ourselves.

Yes, take care of ourselves can be something we forget about.  If I were to mention the word “mindfulness” and give the advice to “be present,” I would also recommend to be present while emptying your brain and your heart into a journal.  Exteriorizing what you feel is part of the advice to prioritize your mental and spiritual wellbeing, and allow yourself to unique opportunities to reset.

There are many ways to dump the pandemic stress, where do we start? Art therapy, music, meditation, e-retail therapy, to name just a few, but the one I would like to specifically talk about today is journaling. It will help you to charge forward with renewed energy and purpose. 

Journaling during COVID-19 can have so many benefits, and it’s a very appropriate activity to do at this time, considering all the extra time we are spending at home.

Journaling in the present time is uniquely constructive:

We have had very little control over our public activities, and some of us may feel that even individual rights are being challenged. Why? To name a few:

• Our big problems now are shared by the global population.
• People who are losing loved ones are not even allowed to be by their side.
• Working parents are facing an unprecedented pressure to care for their kids.

Our mental health is impacted by the magnitude of these problems.  All this has caused so much stress that even the most positive person you might know is being tested through all of this unusual time.

Writing through it all can help you to:

• Introspect to ground yourself.
• Prioritize your own health so you don’t crash and burn.
• Come to terms with the reality that seems so surreal.
• Gain awareness for what you’re feeling.
• Reflect to see how you can make tomorrow easier.
• Practice mindfulness in all situations and emotional states.
• And most importantly, examine what you’re grateful for.

Permit yourself to fully immerse into your own  journaling session. You can engage your senses by making yourself a cup of hot tea -check Purple Connections Tea, lighting your favorite candle (and incense if you'd like to), grab your favorite Journal from Serendipity Paper and a Pen as you settle into your favorite spot.

Let the pen glide in the paper and enjoy the adventure!!