Get Motivated by Listening to this great podcast here: The Power of the Pen

By: The Quay County Health Council Team

As we embark on a new year, many of us are looking for ways to improve our health. While we often think of diet and exercise, the Quay County Health Council is expanding its programming this year to focus on a vital component of well-being: Self-Care.

Our first stop on this mental wellness adventure? Journaling.

Breaking the “Perfect Writer” Myth

Many people avoid journaling because they feel they aren’t “good writers” or don’t know where to start. The truth is, journaling isn’t a performance—it’s for you and you alone. You don’t need perfect punctuation, and you certainly don’t need to fill an entire page. All you need is a piece of paper and something to write with.

The Surprising Benefits for Your Brain

During our latest podcast episode, we dove into the many ways putting pen to paper can change your life:

• Stress Relief: Writing things down helps you “release” ruminating thoughts rather than bottling them up until they explode.
• Self-Awareness: Looking back at your entries helps you identify “common threads” in your behavior and understand the root causes of your reactions.
• Memory & Comprehension: Journaling acts as a memory builder, helping you keep track of family history and personal growth.
• Boosted Creativity: From doodling and stickers to writing song lyrics, journaling is a wide-open canvas for your creative side.

Creative Ways to Journal

If writing about your day feels tedious, try these variations discussed by our team:

• Gratitude Lists: Simply write down what you are thankful for each day.
• Legacy Journals: One of our team members shared a story of a friend who writes letters, stories, and prayers in separate journals for each of her children to give to them in the future.
• Prompts: If you’re stuck, use a “journal prompt”—a simple question or topic to get your thoughts moving. 

Get Involved with Us!

We want to help you make journaling a consistent habit. Starting in January, the Quay County Health Council will post a weekly journal prompt on our Facebook and Instagram pages to help you stay inspired. @quaycountyhealth

Even better—if you attend one of our workshops this Winter, you’ll receive a free journal that includes a list of prompts to get you started!

Your Challenge: Find five minutes today to be honest with yourself on paper. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.