Thursday was World Mental Health Day. From the World Health Organization:
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
In my writing about journaling, I've been careful when discussing mental health because I'm not a clinician or a mental health expert. Still, I think it's okay for folks to talk about what we're doing to help keep ourselves and each other healthy.
Journaling is a big part of how I'm keeping myself well. It's a consistent check-in with what I'm thinking about and with my feelings, and just a few minutes every day has significantly impacted how I deal with the world and how I see myself existing in the big picture.
In the September 5th entry from The Daily Creative, Todd Henry focuses on reflections that can help you stay healthy, focusing on the importance of doing so as a leader. There's one question in particular that caught my eye:
You may not be a "leader" professionally. Still, you probably are in some part of your life—whether at work, in a civic organization, as a volunteer for your church or community group, or as a parent, partner, or caregiver.
You must take care of yourself. People are counting on you. Take your journal, find a quiet spot, and ask yourself: How is your mind?
If you aren't journaling, you can start easily and quickly by following these three steps:
Find something to write with and something to write on.
You don't need the fancy journal. You can use printer paper, a pencil, an old notebook from your kid's room, and the pen you write your grocery lists with. You can use the Notes app on your phone. You can record a voice memo.
Find seven to ten quiet minutes where you won't be disturbed directly.
This doesn't mean lighting a candle and retreating to your Edwardian study. You can be in a busy coffee shop or even on the train without being disturbed directly. Find the time after your kids go to bed, before your spouse wakes up, or during a break at work when you're away from your desk.
Write a thought or two.
That might be it. Or, you might find yourself writing a bunch of sentences that turn into a paragraph or two.
Pretty simple, right? The first step can be the hardest with any new endeavor, and now you've got step-by-step directions to get started.
Please hit reply and let me know how your journaling practice is going. I respond to every email.
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