The Benefits of Journalling: Why 10 Minutes a Day Can Change Everything
At the start of this year, I decided to try something new. Inspired by The 5am Club over Christmas, I committed to a morning routine in January – and as with most things I take on, I went at it full pelt.
By 5am, I was out running for 30 minutes. Back home, I read a self-development book for 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of meditation and 10 minutes of journalling. What started as a simple addition to my mornings quickly became one of the most powerful habits I’ve ever created.
Journalling Changed My Mindset
The act of journalling daily gave me a proactive start to my day. Instead of waking up and being immediately swept into emails, calls, and the rush of “to-do” lists, I had a space to pause and reflect. Writing down my thoughts allowed me to clear mental clutter, focus on what mattered, and shift into a much more positive mindset.
Gratitude and Positivity
As my journalling developed, it became less about simply recording the day ahead and more about gratitude. I began focusing on the positives – what I already had, what I was grateful for, and the opportunities I could see around me. And something remarkable happened: the more positivity I wrote down, the more positivity I experienced. It’s as if by throwing good energy out into the universe, it found its way back to me.
The Benefits for Everyone
You don’t need to be a writer or commit to pages of reflection. Even 5–10 minutes a day can make a difference. Benefits include:
- Clarity of thought – getting ideas out of your head and onto paper frees up mental space.
- Reduced stress – writing down worries stops them circling endlessly in your mind.
- Focus – setting intentions each morning gives the day direction.
- Gratitude – focusing on the good helps shift perspective, even on tough days.
- Personal growth – over time, your journals become a record of progress and lessons learnt.
My Challenge to You
If you’ve never tried journalling, I encourage you to start small. Grab a notebook, set aside just 10 minutes in the morning, and ask yourself three simple questions:
- What am I grateful for today?
- What would make today great?
- What did I learn yesterday?
Consistency is more important than perfection. Over time, you’ll notice the shift – more calm, more focus, and a mindset that sets you up to thrive rather than just get by.
For me, journalling has become more than a habit; it’s a cornerstone of my wellbeing. And the beauty of it is that anyone, anywhere, can do it.