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7 Best Strategies To Write A Journal From Marcus Aurelius

Journaling is not just a habit, it's a strategy that helps brilliant, and wise people become better versions of themselves.

By Sabina WritesPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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Journaling is a new topic for me as I noticed the remarkable benefits of journaling on mental health issues. Two years ago, I noticed the habit of journaling the characters of the famous series, Vampire Diaries. At that time, I didn't notice journaling and its benefits or its significance in our daily time.

Before I discuss Marcus Aurelius journaling strategies. First, let's discuss what journaling is.

Journaling

Journaling is writing your thoughts and feelings that you experience in daily life. The beauty of journaling is there is no specific format for writing a journal.

You can use journaling to write about daily goals like a to-do list or you can note your feelings when you are anxious, sad, or angry. It is a best practice to become self-aware and better in life.

Many famous people have kept journals throughout their lives, like Warren Buffet, Richard Branson, and Anne Huffington.

Benefits of Journaling

Improves mental well-being

As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic brought stress and fear into our lives. Of those, 4–5 adults in us experienced anxiety and stress. Journaling is the best self-improvement tool that helps to relieve stress by putting negative thoughts on paper.

Strengthen immune system

You have heard the best quote. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, journaling has the same impact on our lives.

In 2018 in a Cambridge study, participants were asked to write about the most stressful events in their life. Four months later, those who wrote in journals for 15 minutes had few visits to the doctor as compared to those who didn't performed journaling.

Helps to overcome challenges

Journaling has proved to heal past wounds and difficult challenges. In a recent Duke University study, the participants who undergo traumatic events were involved in a six-week writing intervention. This intervention included poetry and a mindful journal. The results confirmed that writing increased participants' resilience and reduced stress.

Develops expressing gratitude in life

Journaling helps you to express gratitude towards the things you are thankful for in life. It helps to cultivate positive emotions and reduce the habit of complaining.

Learn The Art of Journaling from Marcus Aurelis

Two thousand years ago, the roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote his thoughts in a journal to himself. He is also known as Five Best Emperors of the World. This journal reflected the philosophy by which he lived his life. Now, this journal is published as The Meditations.

Thanks to Marcus for giving the 7 best strategies which will help you write a journal like a pro.

1. Wake up early and do your work

Marcus reminds people of the purpose of their life. As you see every living being in nature performs its duty, so it is best for us to wake up and do our work on time. It is important for human beings to become the best versions of themselves and not underestimate nature.

2. Make Journaling a daily habit

Despite his difficult circumstances, Marcus managed to keep a journal. He preferred it to be the first task in his routine. He wrote about the behaviors of people and forgiveness, and also about temptations and how he resisted them. He reminded himself that it was important to train himself to become disciplined and not get corrupted by power.

Like Marcus, you should give importance to journaling as your first task, and don't use lame excuses. For instance, you can start with the first three things you are thankful for in the morning.

3. Plan your day ahead

Marcus said to himself, "I am responsible for my behavior, but not responsible for others' behavior. He realized in life there are many shades of people's behaviors but it is not his fault. So, it is important for you to focus on yourself and don't spoil your day by thinking about annoying people. Prepare to handle your situation by yourself.

4. Tackle the important task first

Marcus prioritized the most difficult tasks. He didn't believe in procrastination or leaving responsibilities off. He worked for long hours and never complained about his hard work. Putting off responsibilities and complaining is easy. Procrastination cannot reduce your stress, so you must follow the Stoic's example and prioritize difficult tasks.

5. Write destructive thoughts in your Journal

The negative thoughts in your brain are harmful to your mental health. Writing the negative thoughts of anger, anxiety, and stress helps you to feel lighter. I didn't do journaling to brainstorm ideas or to be more productive, I did journaling for myself. Marcus once wrote, "Smoke, dust, legends, and not even legends." He noticed that thoughts make the character of a person.

6. Write down your problems in Journal

Following the example of Anne Frank, you will notice she started writing in her diary when her family moved to an apartment in the Hitler reign. She didn't write every day, but she wrote her feelings when she was upset or sad. She said the paper has more patience than paper. After her death, her diary became famous. Keeping a journal is a common recommendation by psychologists because noting down your problems makes you feel better and you become self-aware of your emotions.

7. Prepare to Manage Stress

Marcus had many hobbies, like boxing, wrestling, hunting, and horse riding. He also found peace in meditation and warm baths, which he believed instantly calmed the mind and filtered the clutter of thoughts. It is important for you to take care of your physical and mental health. Learn to handle the stress of a busy life, along with work, give time to hobbies, and keep yourself fit.

Thanks for reading.

I hope these tips will help you to write a journal like a pro.

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About the Creator

Sabina Writes

Medium Writer/Digital Writer/ Writing Consultant

I am a digital writer on Medium. I am also working as a part-time writing consultant. On this platform, I will publish Anime and Movies honest Reviews.

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