Journaling can help ease your worries by putting them on paper and helping you find clarity. It's particularly useful when you're going through cancer treatment, and are on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Here are 5 tips to help you get started from cancer survivor and writer, Allie Asprou:
1) Make it a daily habit:
Every morning, I dive into my journal while the world is still waking up. It’s my time to set goals for the day ahead while sipping on a cup of tea.
Consider jotting down your hopes for the day, your feelings about upcoming appointments, or simply how you want to show up. It’s a safe space—nothing is off-limits.
And don’t forget to journal at night. Reflect on three positive moments from your day—big or small—noting any lingering worries. This practice can really lighten your mental load. Just 5 minutes in the morning and evening can be incredibly cathartic.
2) Share your journey:
Blogging or sharing your story on social media might feel daunting, but it’s an amazing way to connect with others going through similar experiences. I started blogging to share tips during my cancer treatment, and it helped me find a real community.
It’s also a convenient way to keep friends and family updated without having to repeat yourself endlessly. If privacy is a concern, share your blog link with a select group instead of making it public.
3) Uncover your thoughts
Freewriting can be a game changer. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write without holding back. No grammar rules, no worries—just let your thoughts flow. This can reveal deep insights and help you understand what’s really on your mind.
4) A letter to your future self
Writing a letter to your future self can be a powerful way to envision brighter days ahead. Take a quiet moment to imagine what your life will look like in a month or three months. What dreams do you have? What goals are important to you? Seal it up or use a site like FutureMe to send it to yourself later.
5) Escape into Imagination
Writing about your favourite places or crafting stories allows you to escape and explore new worlds. When I write about the beach, I can almost feel the sand between my toes and hear the seagulls above my head. Plus, my characters often face challenges similar to mine, helping me process my own experiences through their journeys.
Embrace these writing practices to reflect, connect, and dream—your mind will thank you!
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