Why Journaling Matters: A Mindful Approach to Mental Wellness

Meta Description: Discover why journaling matters for mental wellness, anxiety relief, and personal growth. Learn practical prompts, techniques, and tips for mindful daily journaling.

Introduction: The Power of the Pen

Journaling is more than putting pen to paper—it’s a powerful tool for mental wellness, emotional clarity, and personal growth. For women over 35, it offers a safe, private space to process emotions, reduce stress, and reflect on daily life. In this post, we’ll explore why journaling matters, how it supports mental health, and practical ways to make it a consistent, meaningful practice.

Why Journaling Matters for Mental Health

Scientific research supports journaling as a way to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness. Writing down your thoughts allows you to:

• Identify triggers: Understanding what situations or thoughts provoke anxiety or stress helps you respond more effectively.
• Process emotions: Journaling gives you a safe outlet to explore feelings without judgment.
• Track patterns: Over time, journaling helps you recognize recurring thoughts, behaviors, or emotional cycles.
• Reduce stress: The act of writing has been shown to lower cortisol levels, calming the mind and body.
• Increase mindfulness: Journaling encourages being present, noticing your thoughts without reacting impulsively.

Journaling for Anxiety and Emotional Clarity

For those struggling with anxiety, journaling provides a structured way to examine overwhelming thoughts. Techniques such as free writing, gratitude journaling, and reflection prompts help break down mental clutter and make emotions more manageable.

Practical Journaling Techniques

• Free Writing: Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and write continuously about whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation.
• Gratitude Journaling: Each day, list 3–5 things you are grateful for. This helps shift focus from worry to appreciation.
• Reflection Prompts: Examples include:
  • “What challenge did I face today and how did I respond?”
  • “What small win can I celebrate today?”
  • “How did my body feel during moments of stress?”
• Tracking Moods and Patterns: Rate your mood daily and note triggers, coping strategies, and outcomes.
• Creative Journaling: Combine drawing, stickers, or scrapbooking with written reflection for a holistic approach.

Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Journaling Habit

Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of journaling. Follow these steps to create a lasting habit:

1. Choose Your Journal: Pick a notebook or digital platform you enjoy using. Aesthetic appeal can encourage regular use.
2. Set a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day—morning, lunch break, or evening—for journaling.
3. Start Small: Even 5 minutes a day is effective. Gradually increase time as it becomes a habit.
4. Create a Comfortable Space: Light a candle, play soft music, or enjoy a cup of tea to make journaling a calming ritual.
5. Use Prompts: Begin with simple prompts if you feel stuck, such as “Today I felt…” or “I am grateful for…”
6. Reflect and Review: Weekly or monthly, review your entries to notice growth, patterns, and areas for improvement.

Journaling for Mindfulness and Self-Care

Journaling is a cornerstone of mindful living. It allows you to slow down, observe thoughts without judgment, and make intentional choices. Pairing journaling with self-care routines amplifies benefits:

• Start your day with a gratitude or reflection journal page.
• Combine journaling with gentle stretching, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Use journaling to plan and track self-care activities, like short walks, digital detox, or relaxation rituals.

Journaling Prompts for Mental Wellness

Here are some targeted prompts to support mental health and emotional clarity:

• “What triggered my anxiety today and how did I respond?”
• “Write about a moment that made you smile today.”
• “What is one thing you can let go of this week?”
• “Identify a recurring thought pattern and reframe it positively.”
• “Describe a moment when you felt calm, present, or connected to yourself.”

Combining Creativity with Reflection

Adding creative elements to your journaling can enhance engagement and deepen reflection:

• Color Coding: Assign colors to moods or categories of thoughts.
• Artistic Expression: Draw or doodle feelings, nature scenes, or abstract patterns.
• Collaging: Include clippings, stickers, or inspirational quotes that resonate with your experiences.
• Mindful Lists: Create lists of intentions, affirmations, or small daily wins.

Tracking Progress and Personal Growth

Journaling isn’t just about expressing emotions—it’s a way to measure personal growth over time. By reviewing entries, you can notice:

• Reduced frequency or intensity of anxious thoughts
• Greater awareness of triggers and coping mechanisms
• Increased gratitude and appreciation for small moments
• Improved mindfulness and emotional resilience

Tips to Make Journaling Stick

• Keep your journal visible and accessible as a visual reminder.
• Use prompts to overcome writer’s block.
• Set reminders on your phone to ensure consistency.
• Allow flexibility—some days may be short notes, others longer reflections.
• Celebrate milestones, such as journaling consistently for a week or month.

Recommended Resources

Enhance your journaling practice with these tools and references:

• Calm App – Guided meditations and journaling exercises for mindfulness
• Insight Timer – Free guided meditation and reflection prompts
• Healing Journey Journal – Structured prompts for self-discovery and mental wellness
• Mindfulness Journaling Studies 2025 – Evidence-based research on journaling and mental health

Conclusion: Why Journaling Matters

Journaling matters because it’s a practical, accessible, and highly personalized tool for improving mental wellness. It reduces anxiety, fosters mindfulness, and encourages personal growth. Whether you use it for reflection, creative expression, or tracking emotions, journaling offers a safe space to process life’s challenges, celebrate small wins, and cultivate resilience.

Start today: pick a journal, find a quiet space, and let your pen guide you toward calm, clarity, and personal growth.

The Anatomy of an Anxiety Wave: How to Ride It Without Getting Crushed

You know that moment when your heart starts racing for no reason? Your palms sweat, your stomach flips, and your thoughts scatter like startled birds. That’s an anxiety wave—a surge of physical and emotional energy that can make you feel trapped inside your own body.

As someone who has lived with anxiety for decades, I’ve learned that these waves don’t have to drown us. With the right awareness, we can ride them safely until the water settles. This post blends education, story, and skill-building—because mastering anxiety starts with understanding it, not fighting it.

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What an Anxiety Wave Really Is

An anxiety wave is a full-body stress response—your brain releases adrenaline and cortisol even if there’s no real danger. This reaction powers your fight–flight–freeze system and explains the physical symptoms that feel so overwhelming.

• Heart and lungs speed up to feed oxygen.
• Muscles tense for action.
• Stomach slows digestion, causing nausea.
• Skin cools as blood redirects.
• Mind scans for danger, magnifying fear.

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Mapping the Anatomy of Anxiety

Every anxiety wave has four layers: body sensations, thoughts, urges, and behaviors.

1. Physical Sensations

Notice the first signals—heartbeat, muscle tension, sweaty palms. They’re warning lights, not emergencies. Keep a small anxiety to spot triggers.

2. Thoughts

Anxiety hijacks logic. Challenge each thought by asking, “Is this fact or fear?” Write the answer down—this externalizes worry and slows spiraling.

3. Urges

You may want to escape or cancel plans when anxiety spikes. Instead, try urge surfing—acknowledge the urge, breathe through it, and let time pass before deciding what to do.

4. Behaviors

How you behave shapes recovery. Actions that signal calm—slow breathing, grounding, hydration—help end the wave faster.

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Ride the Wave: The FLOAT Method

• F – Feel the Wave: Recognize what’s happening; don’t fight it.
• L – Locate It: Find where anxiety sits in your body.
• O – Observe: Watch the sensations change without judging them.
• A – Anchor: Use grounding (touch fabric, focus on color, breathe slowly).
• T – Trust: All waves end. Trust that calm will return.

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My Story

One cold November morning, I woke at 3 a.m. convinced I was having a heart attack. My chest ached and my pulse crashed in my ears. Instead of running to the ER, I tried what I’d learned: “This is a wave. It will pass.” Ten minutes later, it did—and for the first time, I felt power instead of panic.

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Quick Grounding Exercise 

1. Plant feet on the floor.
2. Breathe deeply, count 4 in—7 hold—8 out.
3. Notice what you see, hear, and feel right now.
4. Remind yourself: “I am safe in this moment.”

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Why Anxiety Feels So Physical

Your body and brain are one system. The fight-or-flight reflex fires chemical alerts, but you can calm it through body signals too.

• Exhale longer than you inhale.
• Drop your shoulders to release tension.
• Relax your gaze—soft eyes soothe the optic nerve and reduce alertness.

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Daily Habits to Prevent Anxiety Peaks

• Start grounded: One mindful minute before checking your phone.
• Move daily: Even gentle stretching or walking resets adrenaline.
• Eat regularly: Balanced blood sugar keeps energy even.
• Set screen limits: Evening doom scrolls feed anxiety waves.
• Honor sleep: Cool room, consistent bedtime = calmer moods.

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When to Seek Support

If anxiety controls your choices, causes panic, or drains joy, professional help can make recovery faster. Therapies like CBT or mindfulness approaches retrain how you interpret fear.

The Power of Community: You’re Not Alone in This. One of the most isolating aspects of anxiety is the belief that no one else feels this way. But statistics tell a different story: more than one in four adults experience regular anxiety symptoms.When I began sharing my story online, the messages that came back blew me away — parents, students, retirees, each describing their version of the wave. That shared language of “waves” reminded us we weren’t falling apart; we were experiencing the most human of storms.Invitation: If you’ve ever felt an anxiety wave crash over you, share your story in the comments. Describe what it feels like in your body, and what helps it pass. Someone reading will see themselves in your words — and that might change their night

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Final Reflection

Picture yourself at the edge of the ocean. The water rushes forward and retreats. You can’t stop it—but you can float. The wave isn’t your enemy—it’s your body trying to protect you. Every time you ride it, you prove to yourself: calm is possible, even within the storm.

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FAQs About Anxiety Waves

What is an anxiety wave?

An anxiety wave is a temporary surge of fear and stress chemicals. It builds, peaks, and fades—like an ocean wave—lasting only minutes.

How long does an anxiety wave last?

Most anxiety waves last between 5 to 20 minutes, although the aftereffects can linger. Knowing this timing helps you stay grounded.

How can I calm my body during an anxiety wave?

Use grounding techniques like deep breathing, naming what you see, and slowly sipping water. These reduce adrenaline and bring calm faster.

10 Life-Changing Mental Health Books for 2026: TikTok Viral Picks to Crush Anxiety & Burnout

Struggling to quiet racing thoughts as winter hits Ontario? These 10 best mental health books 2026 are dominating #BookTok with millions of views, perfect for your journaling practice at A World Outside My Window. Each one comes with Amazon affiliate links so you can start healing today.

Why 2026 Needs a Mental Health Reading Reset

As we embrace 2026, mental health conversations are louder than ever on TikTok and Instagram. From "stupid mental health walks" trending through snowy Ontario paths to aesthetic journal flips showing real recovery, readers want books that work. These 10 selections—curated from viral unboxing reels and "life-changing read" reviews—cover trauma, habits, joy, and modern wellness. Each transformed my own journaling routine, helping me process emotions I didn't even know I carried.

Whether you're battling burnout from content creation or parenting an autistic teen like my Isaiah, these reads offer practical tools. Pro tip: Pair each book with a bullet journal spread—mood trackers for habit books, gratitude logs for trauma memoirs. Let's dive into the TikTok viral mental health books everyone's talking about! 

1. The Body Keeps the Score - Trauma's Body-Mind Map

Author: Bessel van der Kolk | Viral Status: 50M+ TikTok views

The trauma recovery bible that BookTok can't stop recommending. This book reveals how trauma lives in your body—not just your mind—through groundbreaking science on yoga, EMDR, and neurofeedback. No major awards needed when it's the gold standard with millions swearing by its healing techniques.

Journal Prompt: "Where do I feel anxiety in my body?" Track patterns weekly.

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

2. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving

Author: Pete Walker | Viral Status: 10M+ Instagram likes

Perfect for childhood trauma survivors, this guide moves you from emotional flashbacks to inner safety. Instagram therapists feature it in raw reading vlogs, praising its 4F survival styles (fight/flight/freeze/fawn). A top pick in mental health lists worldwide.

Journal Prompt: Map your triggers to survival responses.

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

3. Atomic Habits - Small Changes, Big Mental Wins

Author: James Clear | Viral Status: 2B+ #AtomicHabits views

The habit bible redefining mental health routines. TikTok shows "1% better daily" transformations reducing anxiety through tiny, sustainable shifts. Global bestseller—no awards needed when it's changed millions of lives.

Journal Prompt: Habit scorecard: What mental habits serve me?

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

4. The Power of Now - Ego-Dissolving Presence

Author: Eckhart Tolle | Viral Status: 30M+ IG quote shares

Oprah-endorsed classic teaching present-moment living to silence overthinking. Instagram Reels explode with its transformative quotes. Perfect for meditation sessions at your window.

Journal Prompt: "What resists the Now?" Daily check-in.

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Author: Mark Manson | Viral Status: 1B+ BookTok hashtag

Sarcastic self-help flipping mental health through radical acceptance. BookTok's favorite for boundary-setting and values-clarity. International bestseller status speaks volumes.

Journal Prompt: List your top 5 "f*cks" to give (and skip).

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

6. Ikigai: Japanese Joy Blueprint

Authors: Héctor García & Francesc Miralles | Viral Status: 20M+ aesthetic reels

2026's purpose-finding guide from Okinawa centenarians. IG loves its beautiful visuals for depression recovery. International bestseller uncovering your "reason for being."

Journal Prompt: Ikigai venn diagram: passion + mission + profession + vocation.

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

7. Atlas of the Heart - 87 Emotions Mapped

Author: Brené Brown | Viral Status: 15M+ vulnerability duets

NYT bestseller and Emmy winner mapping emotions for empathy-building. TikTok challenges use it to heal isolation. Research-backed gold for emotional intelligence.

Journal Prompt: Name 3 emotions you felt today (beyond happy/sad).

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

8. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Author: Lori Gottlieb | Viral Status: 500M+ TherapyTok views

Therapist's hilarious memoir of sessions flipping stigma. Bestseller with raw, relatable stories perfect for journaling insights.

Journal Prompt: "What would I tell my therapist today?"

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

9. Lost Connections - Depression's Real Roots

Author: Johann Hari | Viral Status: 8M+ antidepressant rethink reels

TED Talk author's beyond-pills approach to depression. Instagram loves its holistic recovery stories uncovering social connections as cure.

Journal Prompt: Rate your 7 social "connections" (1-10).

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

10. How to Do the Work - Nervous System Healing

Author: Dr. Nicole LePera | Viral Status: 1B+ from her 8M IG

Self-published hit from @theholisticpsychologist. TikTok trends her inner child work and boundary tools for regulation.

Journal Prompt: "What does my inner child need today?"

Buy on Amazon (affiliate)

Your 2026 Mental Health Reading Challenge

Pick one book this week—start with The Body Keeps the Score if trauma resonates, or Atomic Habits for quick wins. Journal nightly: progress, breakthroughs, aha moments. Share your #AWOMWBookTok reading nooks on Instagram—tag me for features!

These burnout recovery books 2026 aren't just reads; they're companions for your wellness journey. Which will you start first? Drop in comments below!

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Disclosure: Affiliate links help support A World Outside My Window at no extra cost to you. Thanks for keeping the mindfulness content flowing! #MentalHealthBooks2026 #BookTokCanada #JournalingForWellness

The Circles of Control

The Circle of Control activity is a powerful tool for mental health journaling, helping individuals manage anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. By categorizing concerns into three distinct circles—Control, Influence, and Concern—it encourages introspection and empowers individuals to focus their energy on what they can directly or indirectly affect. This blog will explore the concept in detail, describe each circle, and explain how it relates to mental health journaling. We'll also reference studies and practical applications of this method.

The Overall Idea: What Is the Circle of Control?

The Circle of Control framework originates from Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and has been adapted for therapeutic use. The premise is simple: in any situation, there are factors we can control, those we can influence, and those entirely outside our control. Anxiety often arises when we focus disproportionately on what we cannot control, creating a sense of helplessness. This activity helps shift focus toward actionable areas, fostering empowerment and emotional regulation.

 How It Works:

1. Identify Stressors: Write down everything causing stress or worry.

2. Categorize: Divide these concerns into three categories:

   - Circle of Control: Directly manageable aspects.

   - Circle of Influence: Areas you can affect but not fully control.

   - Circle of Concern: Things entirely outside your control.

3. Reflect and Act: Focus on the inner circles while acknowledging the outer ones without dwelling on them.

The Three Circles Explained

 1. Circle of Control

This is the innermost circle and includes aspects you can directly manage, such as:

- Your thoughts, behaviors, and actions.

- Daily routines like diet, exercise, and sleep.

- Immediate decisions (e.g., choosing how to respond to a situation).

Focusing on this circle fosters a sense of agency. Journaling prompts for this circle could include:

- "What actions can I take today to improve my mood?"

- "How can I respond constructively to this challenge?".

 2. Circle of Influence

This middle circle encompasses areas where you have partial control or influence but not full authority. Examples include:

- Relationships (e.g., how you communicate with others).

- Collaborative projects at work or school.

- Health habits (you can exercise but can't guarantee perfect health).

Journaling about this circle may involve brainstorming ways to exert positive influence or identifying boundaries:

- "In what ways can I encourage teamwork in my group project?"

- "What steps can I take to improve my environment?".

3. Circle of Concern

The outermost circle includes factors entirely beyond your control:

- Global events (e.g., climate change or political issues).

- Other people's opinions or actions.

- Unpredictable circumstances like weather.

Acknowledging these concerns without fixating on them is key. Journaling prompts might include:

- "What feelings arise when I think about things I can't control?"

- "How can I practice acceptance for these uncontrollable factors?".

 Using the Circle of Control in Mental Health Journaling

Why It Works

Mental health journaling combined with the Circle of Control framework offers several benefits:

1. Emotional Regulation: Writing helps process emotions tied to uncontrollable stressors.

2. Clarity: Categorizing concerns reduces mental clutter and provides actionable insights.

3. Empowerment: Focusing on controllable aspects builds confidence and resilience.

 Practical Steps

1. Create Visuals: Draw three concentric circles in your journal labeled "Control," "Influence," and "Concern."

2. List Concerns: Add worries to their respective circles.

3. Reflect: Use journaling prompts to explore each category.

4. Plan Actions: For items in the inner two circles, outline specific steps you can take.

Studies Supporting the Circle of Control Framework

Research highlights the psychological benefits of focusing on controllable factors:

1. A study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that cognitive reframing techniques like the Circle of Control significantly reduce anxiety by shifting focus from uncontrollable stressors.

2. A 2020 meta-analysis showed that journaling improves emotional well-being by helping individuals process complex emotions and develop problem-solving strategies.

3. The Journal of Positive Psychology reported that gratitude journaling (an extension of focusing on controllable aspects) enhances mental resilience.

Relating It to Mental Health Journals

Mental health journals serve as a safe space for self-reflection and growth. Integrating the Circle of Control into your journaling routine amplifies its impact:

Daily Check-ins: Begin each day by categorizing current stressors into the three circles.

: Use the inner circle to list things you're grateful for within your control.

Problem-Solving: For items in the Circle of Influence, brainstorm actionable steps.

The Circle of Control activity is more than a therapeutic tool; it's a mindset shift that promotes emotional resilience and clarity. By incorporating this framework into your mental health journaling practice, you can empower yourself to navigate challenges with greater focus and composure.

Start today by drawing your own circles—what's within your control? What can you influence? And what must you let go? Through consistent practice, you'll find that this simple activity can transform how you approach life's uncertainties while fostering mental well-being.

The Flu and Your Mental Health

The flu is not just a physical illness—it can significantly impact mental health, particularly during flu season. Understanding the connection between the flu and mental well-being is crucial for managing both physical and psychological symptoms effectively.

 The Flu and Mental Health: A Complex Relationship

The flu can trigger symptoms that overlap with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Fatigue, loss of appetite, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep are common flu symptoms that mirror signs of depression[1]. Additionally, the body’s immune response to the flu can cause neuroinflammation, which has been linked to mood disorders. For individuals already dealing with mental health challenges, the flu may worsen pre-existing conditions or delay recovery.

Social isolation during illness can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness or sadness. The inability to engage in regular activities or interact with others may lead to a temporary decline in emotional well-being.

Tips to Manage Flu Symptoms and Protect Mental Health

Taking proactive steps can alleviate both physical and mental symptoms of the flu:

1. Stay Hydrated and Nourished  

   Dehydration and malnutrition can worsen fatigue and irritability. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, or broths, and eat nutrient-dense foods to support recovery.

2. Prioritize Rest  

   Adequate sleep is essential for both physical healing and emotional stability. Create a comfortable sleep environment by using blackout curtains, maintaining a cool room temperature, and limiting screen time before bed.

3. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques 

   Engage in relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to manage stress and anxiety during recovery. These practices can also help improve sleep quality.

4. Seek Social Support 

   Even if you’re isolating physically, stay connected with loved ones through phone calls or video chats. Emotional support can reduce feelings of loneliness and promote a sense of well-being.

5. Stay Active When Possible  

   Light stretching or gentle yoga can improve circulation and release endorphins, which boost mood. Avoid overexertion; listen to your body’s limits.

6. Consult a Doctor for Persistent Symptoms 

   If you notice lingering depression or anxiety after recovering from the flu, consult a healthcare provider. Treating mental health symptoms early can prevent them from worsening.

Preventative Measures

Preventing the flu is key to avoiding its impact on mental health. Get vaccinated annually to reduce your risk of contracting the virus[2]. Maintain good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

By addressing both physical and mental health during flu season, you can recover more effectively while safeguarding your emotional well-being.

Wysa: Your Pocket-Friendly AI Mental Health Companion

Wysa: Your Pocket-Friendly AI Mental Health Companion

Mental health support has never been more accessible, thanks to innovative tools like Wysa. This AI-powered mental health app offers a safe, judgment-free space to talk about your feelings, practice mindfulness, and build emotional resilience. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, or just need someone to "talk" to, Wysa is here to help.

What is Wysa

Wysa is an AI chatbot designed to provide mental health support through evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness exercises, and mood tracking. It’s like having a personal mental health coach in your pocket.

Features of the Free Plan

Wysa offers a robust free plan that makes mental health tools accessible to everyone. 

Here’s what you get for free:

- AI Chat Support: Talk to Wysa anytime about your thoughts and feelings.

- Mood Tracking: Log your emotions daily and identify patterns over time.

- Self-Help Exercises: Access guided CBT-based exercises for stress, anxiety, and sleep.

- Mindfulness Practices: Explore breathing exercises, meditations, and grounding techniques.

- Goal Setting: Work on personal goals with actionable steps.

The free version is perfect for anyone looking to lore ental health tools without committing to paid therapy right away.

Proven Benefits of Using Wysa

1. Accessible 24/7 Support: Unlike traditional therapy sessions, Wysa is available whenever you need it.

2. Judgment-Free Zone: The AI chatbot provides a safe space to express yourself without fear of judgment.

3. Evidence-Based Techniques: Wysa’s exercises are rooted in proven methods like CBT and mindfulness.

4. mproved Emotional Awareness: Mood tracking helps users identify triggers and patterns in their emotions.

5. Stress Reduction: Regular use of mindfulness exercises can lead to lower stress levels and improved focus.

How Wysa Can Complement Journaling

As a blogger focusing on journaling for mental health, I  recommend Wysa as a companion tool for your journal. For instance:

- Use Wysa’s mood tracker alongside a physical or digital journal to reflect on emotional patterns.

- Incorporate mindfulness prompts from Wysa into daily journaling practices.

- Pair guided exercises with journaling entries abt progress and insights.

Where to Download Wysa

Ready to give Wysa a try? The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices:

- [Download Wysa on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/wysa/id1163237788)

- [Download Wysa on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bot.wysa)

Whether you're new to mental health tools or looking for an addition to your self-care routine, Wysa is an excellent choice. Its combination of accessibility, evidence-based techniques, and user-friendly design makes it one of the best mental health apps available today. Give it a try—you might just find the support you’ve been searching for!

Join me for my video series on journaling for mental health.

I'm not going to lie, I have been procrastinating on this project. I have had a YouTube channel for A World Outside My Window since 2013. Seriously, YouTube should send me a paper mache youtube button. Something. I keep checking but there is never anything. Anyway, as I have been doing research on mental health journaling for this blog I remembered the old nugget "Show how instead of tell how. So I thought to myself "Tracy, this is a perfect thing to put on that channel." I mean who doesn't want to watch me set up a mental health journal? Then I thought "What if it was more than just a journal, what if became our calmer, kinder, anxiety free second brain?" 

I want it to be more than just a collection of trackers or calendars. I want it to be the thing my sister could grab if we were out having coffee at Panera, inside the cover of this hallowed book she would find a step by step plan to help me, written by my calmer self. I mean sure we could use it for nefarious things like; what your sister needs now is a pecan braid.But why stop there. What if I could use the book myself to remember breathing exercises and destressing ideas? Oh the possibilities. Who better to join me on the journey of creating this indispensable tool than you. So I just need to stick on some press on nails and start doing this. Stay tuned for my video launch.  Fingers crossed this works out like I envisioned it.

Pro tip: Make sure the book you buy is not the kind with a place for the date or lines. Blank or grid is the way to go.