Over our five years of working with menstruators we’ve seen firsthand how heavily our stress, mental wellbeing and alignment in life impacts our hormones. Hormones are actually pretty obedient little things that just do what our bodies tell them to do. If stress is running the show, and we’re not feeling aligned in our lives, our hormones will follow suit.
For this reason we’re here to say: if you don’t have a current practice to help you manage your mind, it’s time to get one. Your hormones and overall health will honestly be so grateful.
Introducing the simple yet profound act of journaling. Here are the ABC's of this powerful practice and five reasons why you should probably incorporate it into your regular routine ASAP.
A: Anchoring in the Present to Reduce Anxiety
Picture this: You're sitting in a cosy corner, pen and Eve Hot Choc with Ashwagandha in hand, ready to pour your thoughts onto the blank pages of your journal. As you begin to write, something magical happens. You're no longer dwelling on the past or feeling anxious about what may happen in the future. Instead, you're fully immersed in the present moment, grounded in the here and now.
For the anxious among us, spending more time in the present really is the secret sauce. Being present opens up the space to realise how we’re doing - actually. And to spend time with these thoughts and feelings to appropriately measure and accept them.
Research has linked the habit of accepting our mental experiences with greater psychological health, with studies suggesting that accepting our feelings is linked to improved moods and reduced anxiety.
B: Boosting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Studies have shown that regular journaling can have profound effects on mental health and wellbeing. By putting pen to paper, you create a safe space for self-expression and self-reflection, enabling you to process your emotions, reduce stress, and enhance overall psychological well-being. It's like giving your mind a soothing massage, easing away the tensions of the day and leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Journaling can help to minimise the impact of stressful events in our lives, which may help us to steer clear of burnout. Research has shown that writing about stressful or difficult events and releasing thoughts and emotions leads to less mental distress.
C: Crafting Goals
When we’re feeling stressed or as though negative thoughts are all we can see, it can be hard to see our situations clearly or objectively. Journaling can help us create the space and distance needed to reflect on what’s going on, and what goals we get to set to create change.
Journaling provides the opportunity to step back and consider what you actually want out of life. Giving you the mental space to set intentions, map out action plans, and track your progress. Sounds rewarding, no? Your journal will quickly become a canvas for creating the life you desire, inspiring you to take meaningful steps towards your goals.
If something in your life (or maybe multiple things…) don’t feel like they’re quite where you want them to be, setting goals is a must. Thank us later.
D: Deepening Self-Confidence
Trust us when we say that 99% of us struggle with confidence at some point. Yes, even those people who seem to ooze natural confidence and charisma experience self-doubt, imposter syndrome and low self-esteem from time to time.
When our confidence is waning it’s common to withdraw, sometimes even from ourselves. Journaling helps us to create a safe space to be honest with ourselves, show ourselves love and care, and notice any negative self-talk that may have crept into our mental space. Thus, helping to gently rebuild confidence.
E: Embracing Empowerment
Finally, journaling empowers you to take control of your narrative and shape the course of your life. By documenting your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you gain clarity and insight into your goals and aspirations. You become the author of your own story, with the power to rewrite your narrative and create the life you desire. With your Eve Journal as your trusted companion, the possibilities are endless.
So there you have it: the ABC's of journaling and five compelling reasons to make this practice a part of your daily routine. So grab your Eve journal, find a cosy spot, make a Matcha and get journaling!