The Amazing Benefits of Journalling in Motherhood

As a mother, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind of caring for our children and household. We often put our own needs and desires on the backburner, pouring all of our energy and attention into supporting our families. However, it’s important for mothers to also take time for ourselves and prioritise our own emotional well-being. One way to do this is through journalling.

Journalling can be a powerful tool for mothers to process and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It can provide a space for us to express our emotions, whether they be happy, sad, angry, or anything in between. Writing about our feelings can help us to better understand and cope with them, and can even serve as a form of self-care.

In addition to providing an outlet for our emotions, journalling can also help us to track our progress and growth as individuals. By regularly recording our thoughts and experiences, we can look back and see how far we’ve come and what we’ve learned. This can be especially helpful for mothers who are navigating the challenges of parenting and juggling the demands of daily life.

Types of Journalling

There are many different types of journalling, each with its own unique benefits.

gratitude journalling

Gratitude journalling involves regularly writing down things that you are grateful for, which can help to shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

As a new mum, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily challenges and demands of caring for a newborn. It can be overwhelming and exhausting, and it’s natural to feel like you’re running on empty at times. That’s where gratitude journalling can come in handy. Gratitude journalling involves regularly writing down things that you are grateful for, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. It’s a simple but powerful practice that can help to shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

As a new mum, you may be feeling grateful for your healthy baby, for the support of your partner and loved ones, or for the small moments of rest and relaxation that you can carve out for yourself. Maybe you’re grateful for the warm cup of coffee you enjoyed on your porch this morning, or for the beautiful sunset you witnessed on your evening walk. Whatever it is, taking time to write down and reflect on the things that bring you joy can be a wonderful way to find perspective and boost your mood.

Gratitude journalling can also be a great way to connect with yourself and your own needs and desires as a new mum. It’s easy to get lost in the role of “mum” and forget about taking care of yourself, but by regularly writing down the things that bring you joy and gratitude, you can remind yourself of the things that matter to you and what brings you happiness. So, if you’re a new mum feeling overwhelmed and in need of a boost, consider starting a gratitude journal. It’s a simple but powerful practice that can help you find joy, gratitude, and connection in the midst of the chaos of new motherhood.

Gratitude prompts

Gratitude journaling involves writing down things that you are thankful for or positive experiences you have had. Here are some examples of prompts you could use for gratitude journaling:

1. What are three things that happened today that you are grateful for?
2. Write about a person in your life who has made a positive impact on you and why you are grateful for them.
3. Reflect on a difficult experience and identify at least one silver lining or thing you learned from it.
4. Write about a moment of kindness or generosity that you experienced or witnessed today.
5. What are three small things that bring you joy or make you feel content?
6. Write about a time when you felt appreciated or valued by someone else.
7. Think about a goal you have achieved and write about what you are grateful for in regards to that achievement.
8. Write about a place that brings you peace or joy and why.
9. Reflect on a moment of self-care that you engaged in today and why it was important to you.
10. Write about something you are looking forward to and why you are grateful for it.

Remember, the point of gratitude journaling is to focus on the positive aspects of your life, so try to choose prompts that will encourage you to think about things you are thankful for.

Reflective journalling

Reflective journalling involves writing about your thoughts and feelings about a particular experience or event, which can help you to process and make sense of your emotions.

As a new mum, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions as you navigate the challenges and joys of parenting. From elation and love to exhaustion and frustration, being a mum can bring a rollercoaster of feelings. That’s where reflective journalling can come in handy. Reflective journalling involves writing about your thoughts and feelings about a particular experience or event, and it can be a powerful tool for processing and making sense of your emotions.

As a new mum, you may find reflective journalling particularly helpful for making sense of the many changes and adjustments that come with parenting. Maybe you’re struggling to find your footing as a new mum and are feeling overwhelmed and unsure of yourself. Or perhaps you’re struggling with feelings of guilt or doubt as you navigate the challenges of feeding, sleeping, and caring for a newborn. Reflective journalling can provide a space for you to explore these feelings and gain insight into your own emotional experience.

By regularly taking time to write about your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your needs as a mother. Reflective journalling can also be a great way to connect with yourself and find solace in the midst of the craziness of new motherhood. So, if you’re a new mother looking for a way to process your emotions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself, consider giving reflective journalling a try. It can be a powerful and transformative tool for self-care and emotional well-being.

Reflective prompts

Reflective journaling involves taking time to think about and write about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It can be a helpful way to process and make sense of your feelings and experiences. Here are some examples of prompts you could use for reflective journaling:

1. Write about a significant event that happened today and how it made you feel.
2. Reflect on a challenging experience you had and how you coped with it.
3. Write about a decision you made recently and why you made it.
4. Consider a belief or value that is important to you and write about why it matters to you.
5. Write about a positive change you have made in your life and how it has affected you.
6. Reflect on a situation that caused you to feel stressed or overwhelmed and what you learned from it.
7. Write about a mistake you made and how you learned from it.
8. Consider a time when you felt really proud of yourself and write about what you did and why it made you feel proud.
9. Reflect on a time when you felt really happy and what contributed to that happiness.
10. Write about a goal you have and why it is important to you.

Remember, the purpose of reflective journaling is to take time to think about and process your experiences, so try to choose prompts that will encourage you to do that.

Creative journalling

Creative journalling is a form of self-expression that allows you to explore your artistic side through writing, drawing, or other creative endeavours.

As a new mother, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily demands of caring for a newborn and lose touch with your own interests and passions. Between feedings, diaper changes, and trying to get some rest, it can be hard to find time for self-expression and creativity. That’s where creative journalling comes in. Creative journalling is a form of self-expression that allows you to explore your artistic side through writing, drawing, or other creative endeavors. It’s a great way to tap into your creative side and find some much-needed relaxation and enjoyment in the midst of the craziness of new motherhood.

As a new mum, you may be feeling a sense of loss of identity as you adjust to your new role. Creative journalling can be a great way to reclaim some of your own interests and passions and connect with yourself in a meaningful way. Maybe you enjoy writing poetry or short stories, or perhaps you have a passion for drawing or painting. Whatever it is, creative journalling can provide a space for you to explore your creative side and find some much-needed joy and fulfillment.

Creative journalling can also be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery. By regularly taking time to engage in creative journalling, you can gain a deeper understanding of your own interests, passions, and desires. So, if you’re a new mum looking for a way to connect with yourself and tap into your creative side, consider giving creative journalling a try. It can be a wonderful source of self-care and fulfilment in the midst of the demands of new motherhood.

Creative prompts

Creative journaling involves using your journal as a place to express yourself creatively, through writing, drawing, or other forms of artistic expression. Here are some examples of prompts you could use for creative journaling:

1. Write a short story using a prompt from your surroundings (e.g. “The tree in the park…)
2. Draw a picture of your dream home and describe it in writing.
3. Write a letter to your future self.
4. Write a poem inspired by a song you love.
5. Create a collage of images that represent how you are feeling today.
6. Write a list of your favorite things and why they are special to you.
7. Write a list of things you would like to do or learn in the future.
8. Write a short play or skit.
9. Create a mind map of your goals and ideas.
10. Write a list of things that make you feel happy and why.

Remember, the purpose of creative journaling is to allow yourself to express yourself creatively, so try to choose prompts that will encourage you to do that.

goal-setting journalling

Goal-setting journalling involves writing down and tracking progress towards specific goals, and mindfulness journalling, which involves writing about present-moment experiences in a non-judgmental way.

It can be easy to get caught up in the daily demands of caring for young children and lose sight of your own goals and aspirations. Between feedings, nappy changes, and trying to get some rest, it can be hard to find time and energy to focus on your own personal growth and development. That’s where goal-setting journalling comes in.

Goal-setting journalling involves writing down and tracking progress towards specific goals, and it can be a powerful tool for helping you to stay focused and motivated as you navigate the challenges and demands of new motherhood.

As a new mum, you may have a variety of goals and aspirations, both big and small. Maybe you’re hoping to get back into shape after giving birth, or perhaps you’re looking to advance your career or start a new hobby. Whatever your goals may be, goal-setting journalling can help you to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps and track your progress along the way. By regularly writing down your goals and tracking your progress, you can stay motivated and on track towards achieving your aspirations.

In addition to helping you to stay focused and motivated, goal-setting journalling can also be a great way to connect with yourself and your own needs and desires as a new mum. It’s easy to get lost in the role of “mum” and forget about taking care of yourself, but by regularly writing down your goals and tracking your progress, you can remind yourself of the things that matter to you and what you want to achieve in your life. So, if you’re a new mother looking for a way to stay focused and motivated as you navigate the demands of parenting, consider starting a goal-setting journal. It can be a powerful and transformative tool for personal growth and development.

No matter which type of journalling you choose, the act of regularly writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide a sense of clarity, self-awareness, and self-care.

Goal setting prompts

Goal setting journaling involves using your journal to help you set and achieve your goals. Here are some examples of prompts you could use for goal setting journaling:

1. Write down a goal you have and break it down into smaller, achievable steps.
2. Identify the resources you will need to achieve your goal and make a plan for obtaining them.
3. Write about any challenges or roadblocks you may face in achieving your goal and how you will overcome them.
4. Reflect on your past successes and how you achieved them. What can you learn from those experiences to help you achieve your current goal?
5. Write about the motivation behind your goal and why it is important to you.
6. Consider any potential setbacks or challenges and make a plan for how you will address them.
7. Write about the benefits and rewards you will receive once you have achieved your goal.
8. Set a deadline for achieving your goal and create a timeline of tasks to help you stay on track.
9. Reflect on your current habits and identify any that may be hindering your progress towards your goal. How can you change these habits to better support your goal?
10. Write about the support system you have in place to help you achieve your goal and how you will utilize that support.

Remember, the purpose of goal setting journaling is to help you set and achieve your goals, so try to choose prompts that will encourage you to do that.

How to begin

If you’re someone who’s interested in starting a journal, there are a few simple steps you can take to get started.

First, choose a journal or notebook that feels comfortable and appealing to you. It could be a physical notebook or a digital journal, whichever you prefer.

Next, set aside a specific time each day or each week to write in your journal. Ensure that it work well with your own schedule. This could be first thing in the morning, before bed, or during your lunch break. The key is to make it a consistent habit.

As you begin writing in your journal, try to be as honest and authentic as possible. Write about whatever is on your mind, whether it’s something that’s been weighing heavily on your heart or a small, everyday moment that brought you joy. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, so don’t worry about trying to craft the perfect sentence or paragraph. Just let your thoughts and feelings flow freely onto the page.

The Benefits of Journalling

As a new mother, it can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Between the constant demands of caring for a newborn, managing household responsibilities, and possibly returning to work, it’s easy to feel stressed and exhausted. That’s where journaling can be a helpful tool.

Journaling allows new mothers to take a moment for themselves and reflect on their thoughts and feelings. It can be a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions, and a way to process the many changes that come with motherhood.

Here are some potential benefits of journaling for new mothers:

1. Reduces stress and anxiety: Writing about your thoughts and feelings can help you feel more in control and better able to cope with the challenges of motherhood.
2. Improves mental health: Journaling can be a form of self-care, helping you to feel more grounded and focused. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
3. Increases self-awareness: By writing about your experiences, you can gain insight into your own thoughts and emotions, and better understand your needs and wants.
4. Provides a sense of connection: Sharing your journal entries with a supportive friend or therapist can help you feel less alone and more connected to others.

Overall, journaling can be a valuable tool for new mothers to take care of their mental health and navigate the ups and downs of motherhood. It can be a simple, yet powerful way to practice self-care and find some much-needed rest and relaxation in the midst of a busy and demanding time.

Motherhood can be a rewarding but demanding journey, and it’s important for us to take care of ourselves along the way. By starting a journal and setting aside time to write, we can nurture our emotional well-being and find solace and clarity in the written word. So, if you’re a mother looking to prioritise your own self-care, consider giving journalling a try. You might just be surprised by the transformative power of putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper.