This month - with the launch of The Mindful Making Box - felt like the perfect time to dig deep into the many mindful practices that can guide you through the festive season. Read on for our 8 tips for mindful journaling.

Cosy slippers, a big wooly jumper, a crackling fire and your notebook… It sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?

Wherever you are and whatever your setup, journaling is a beautiful way to slow down and take a moment to look inwards. It’s the perfect partner for mindfulness; the ideal vehicle to help you hit the brakes in a meaningful manner.

But, how can you make the most out of it? What can you do to create a truly mindful journaling practice?

RELATED: PRESS PAUSE.

1. Create a peaceful space.

While we can’t all escape to a cabin in the woods with our favourite notebook, we can still take the steps to bring more zen to our writing space.

What makes you feel calm? Candles? Big blankets? Certain music? A view of the outside? Settle in on how you want your journaling space to look and feel and return to it every time you pick up that pen.

2. Breathe into it.

If you want to journal mindfully, then it probably won’t come as a surprise that you need to adopt a mindful mentality. A great way to do this is through focused breathing.

Before you start journaling, take a few minutes to breathe. Close your eyes and take note of the breath passing through you. Feel its flow, lean into it and then open your eyes. Now you’re ready to write.

RELATED: THE SEVEN TYPES OF REST.

3. Remove distractions.

You probably knew this one was coming, didn’t you?

If your phone keeps flashing next to you, or the doom scroll is just too hard to avoid, you’re going to struggle to fully lose yourself in your journaling. So, make it easier for yourself. Pop your phone in another room. Close the door. Ask for just a short period of time on your own.

We know this isn’t always easy - especially when you have little ones - but as much as possible, shift those distractions far away from you.

4. Set up a schedule.

We find that having a schedule - even if it’s a loose one - is a great way to turn your journaling into a regular habit.

Choose a realistic schedule. If you’re not a morning person, then there’s no point trying to force yourself into sunrise journaling. Likewise, if you work nights, evenings simply aren’t going to be feasible for you.

Think about how often you want to journal, for how long and at what point. And then… Well, you just need to stick to it!

5. Choose how you want to journal.

The wonderful thing about this tip is that it can change as much as you want it to.

There are countless ways to journal. Some people pick up a pen and the words tumble out of them. Others need prompts; be that written prompts or through affirmation cards. You may like gratitude journaling. Or sense-based. Bullet journaling. The list goes on and on…

If you have an idea in mind before you start writing (even if this idea is to free-write!), it’s easier to fall into a natural rhythm with it.

6. Let go of perfectionism.

Strive to stay in the moment. That means no self-editing as you go along!

It can be easy to overthink what you're journaling - but that defeats the purpose. It doesn’t matter if you make spelling mistakes or the pages don’t read like an excerpt from The Great Gatsby. This is your writing. It isn’t for anyone else’s eyes. 

Keep reminding yourself that and shake off any feelings of perfectionism that you might be harbouring.

7. Tap into your senses.

Engaging your senses is a brilliant means of embracing mindfulness. So, why should your journaling practice be any exception? 

While you’re writing, ignite your senses. Drink a delicious cup of tea. Breathe in your favourite candle. Notice how that blanket feels resting on your lap. Listen to the sounds all around you and watch as your words skim across the page.

Be there: right there. Forget the world around you.

8. Reflect.

Once you’ve finished your journaling practice for the day, consider how you want to reflect on it.

You could go for a walk and let your mind wander. Read back on your entry. Meditate.

Whatever you choose, be sure to take the time to let your journaling sink in before you move back into ‘normal life’. Your mind will thank you for it. 

5 Mindful Journaling Prompts.

Still not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together 5 of our favourite mindful journaling prompts to inspire your next practice.

• What are your intentions for the season ahead?

• Where are you at your happiest?

• What are 10 things you would love to say yes to?

• What feels out of sync in your life right now?

• What creates brightness in your day?

And don’t forget - if you’re looking for more ways to be mindful this winter, why not treat yourself to The Mindful Making Box?  Or take a look at Flourish Box which includes a Positive Wellness Journal and everything you need to get started on your journalling journey.