Welcome back to edition number 2 of the Better Habits Newsletter - a place where I can share health tips, recipes, and content recommendations, completely free of charge.
In the process of developing this newsletter, I have committed to myself to write every day. I have committed before but there have always been barriers - I don’t have time, it’s not that important, I don’t know how to start. Seriously, the excuses were pretty lame. But now that I see it as a way to share ideas with my subscriber base, I’m a lot more motivated. I’ve also given up on the old pen and paper because that seemed firmly lodged in the too hard basket, and I start and end each day by doing a 5 minute brain dump. So thank YOU, and read on to find out about the benefits of writing (journaling), as well as checking out my next recipe recommendation.
“THE SECRET IS THERE IS NO SECRET.
CONSISTENCY over intensity.
PROGRESS over perfection.
FUNDAMENTALS over fads. “
The Benefits of Journaling
1. Mental Clarity and Emotional Release
Writing down your thoughts helps declutter your mind, providing clarity and a better understanding of your feelings. It serves as an emotional outlet, reducing stress and anxiety by allowing you to process complex emotions.
2. Enhanced Self-Awareness
Journaling encourages introspection. By reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and behaviours, you gain insights into your patterns, triggers, and values, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.
3. Improved Problem-Solving Skills
Putting challenges into words allows you to analyse situations from different perspectives. This practice aids in organising your thoughts, and identifying solutions.
4. Creativity Booster
Journaling sparks creativity by providing a space to explore ideas freely without judgment. It's an excellent tool for writers, artists, and professionals.
5. Goal Setting and Achievement
Documenting your goals makes them tangible and trackable. Regularly reviewing your progress helps maintain focus, motivation, and accountability, increasing the likelihood of success.
6. Enhances Memory and Comprehension
Writing about daily events, lessons learned, or new information reinforces memory and improves comprehension. It helps consolidate knowledge, making it easier to recall later.
7. Promotes Mindfulness
Journaling encourages you to be present, fostering mindfulness. It allows you to appreciate the moment, reflect on gratitude, and develop a deeper connection with yourself.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, creativity, or personal growth, journaling can be a transformative habit worth embracing. I’m committing to giving it a go, starting today!
WARM OATS FOR BREAKFAST
Just the antidote for the cold mornings at the moment! I batch cook my oats. 160g oats to about 800g of milk of choice (I use almond or coconut) will do 3 large breakfast servings. Stored in the fridge it will last at least 3 days. Just pop a serving in the microwave and then add any (or all) of the following:
Fresh berries, kiwi fruit, nuts (walnuts are my go-to), greek yoghurt, nut butter, hemp seeds, flax seeds, cacao nibs. If you really need a sweetener use a drizzle of maple.
READING RECOMMENDATION
Atomic Habits by James Clear.
I have read and re-read this book. And then referred back to it regularly. As it says on the cover - “An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones”.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO
Dr Chatterjee is one of my personal favourites. Below is the podcast link and also a link to accessing the interview via YouTube (that’s for you Dad).
