Journaling during the divorce process can be a great way to move forward. This is because detailing your thoughts in a place that’s free of shame or judgment can help you process the trauma you need to in order to move forward. If you’re working with a therapist, journaling may also help you figure out what you need to work on in therapy. Since therapy can be so expensive, many people find it helpful to go into sessions already having an idea of what they’d like to work on. Not only can journaling help you save time and money in the therapist’s office, it can also help you become more aware of your mental and emotional state. If you’re going through a divorce, getting into the habit of journaling can help you find peace of mind.

Set a Time

Set a time dedicated to journaling. Make sure this is a time that you can reliably be uninterrupted. A lot of people choose times such as first thing in the morning, or right before bed, because they know they will be uninterrupted at that time. However, you can choose whatever time works best for you. It may also help to have a reminder on your phone or a calendar appointment. A lot of people struggle to make journaling a habit because they too often forget to write. But building a habit can take a long time. In the case of journaling, consistency is a key component of building a habit. You can boost your consistency with journaling by having a set time to journal and using reminders to journal.

Store Your Journal Where You’ll See It

Storing your journal in a place where you can’t miss it may also help you remember to journal. It may help to have a journaling spot or a place where you can consistently journal. Make sure your journaling spot makes sense with your set journaling time. For example, if your journaling time is right before bed, you can use your bed as your journaling spot. And you can store your journal on your nightstand where you can see it. This will also help you remember to write in your journal. Having an electronic journal on your phone or computer may also be an easy way to remember to journal.

Commit to Five Minutes

A lot of people feel as though they don’t have time for journaling, or that they don’t know what to write about. Committing to just five minutes, can help you stay in the habit of journaling. Plus, you may find that, after you start journaling, you can keep going for more than five minutes. Committing to just five minutes also helps take the pressure off. This way, you don’t feel like you need to write for pages and pages on end. If you’re ever struggling with knowing what to write about, just start writing about what you’ve done during the day. If you find that you consistently struggle to get in touch with your emotions while journaling, it may help to research journaling prompts or ask your therapist what may be helpful to journal about.

Bring It to Therapy

You should absolutely bring your journal to therapy. You don’t have to read it aloud or discuss everything you’ve written with your therapist. However, journaling can also bring to light a lot of issues that you may want to discuss in therapy. If you’ve ever gone to therapy, you likely know just how expensive it can be. Journaling can help you and your therapist decide which issues are the most important to work on. This can save you money in the long run because you won’t have to waste as much time trying to figure out what’s important to discuss while you’re in the therapist’s office. If you’re journaling, you may be more likely to know what you need to talk about before you get in the therapist’s office.

Keep Your Journal Secure

Keep your journal in a secure location. If you still live with your significant other, you may decide it’s best to virtually journal instead. There are many apps that can be used to journal. If you’re going to do this, you should make sure that there’s a code on your phone, and there’s a code on your journaling app. You may also decide to use an app such as google docs. If your ex has access to your computer, you may need to take extra measures to keep this information secure. Use a password for your computer, and always sign out of your gmail account. Even if you and your ex may no longer live together, your ex may still be able to access your google docs. If you’re using google docs as a journal, make sure you’ve changed your password to your gmail account.

When You’re Ready for a Divorce

If you’re going through the process of divorce, and you need quality legal advice, contact CoilLaw today to get started with a consultation. Our attorneys are experts in all things family law related. And we’re committed to helping you achieve the best outcome possible. If you’re ready to file for divorce, contact CoilLaw today.

Why Journaling Helps During Divorce

Divorce stirs up a flood of emotions, and journaling gives those feelings somewhere to go. Research on expressive writing has linked regular journaling to lower stress, improved mood, and a greater sense of clarity, as George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being notes in its review of the science. Putting your thoughts on paper can help you process what you are going through.

Make the Habit Stick

You do not need fancy tools or perfect prose. A few simple habits make journaling easier to keep up:

Write at the same time each day, even for just a few minutes.
Be honest, since no one else needs to read it.
Do not worry about grammar or structure.
Mix in gratitude, not just venting.
Revisit old entries to see how far you have come.

Pair Writing With Real Support

Journaling is a wonderful complement to other support, not a replacement for it. Lean on friends, and consider a therapist if you are struggling. Meanwhile, letting an attorney carry the legal load frees up energy for healing. A Salt Lake City divorce attorney can handle your case so you can focus on yourself. Contact our team when you are ready.