I’m an avid runner. Whether it’s long distance or a short run, it’s always wise to stretch and warm up beforehand to avoid injury or cramping during the workout. It’s always wise to be prepared and get into the right mindset, too, so you can reach your mileage or split goals that day.
Journaling before a writing session can have a similar effect. Often, we jump right into our big project without giving our minds time to warm up and stretch. Instead, we sprint into our main work cold, preventing our creativity from warming up and leading to potential mental cramping a few pages in.
Even if you spend five to ten minutes journaling before your writing session, you enable your brain to get focused on the written word and the work at hand. You can write about anything you wish, even write about what your writing goals are for the day. This should be an exercise that allows your brain to connect and focus on creative endeavors before the real work begins.
There are even websites with journaling prompts you can use to start your writing session off on the right foot:
https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/blog/15-powerful-writing-prompts
Whether you use an actual journal, a notepad, a yellow legal pad, loose-leaf paper, or a file on your computer or phone, making the practice of journaling before writing habitual can have lasting positive effects. You may discover you have greater creative clarity as you dive into the main writing work of the day. You may also find yourself writing longer and faster since you took the time to warm up your creative muscles prior to the main project.
So, the next time you get ready for a big writing session, take a few minutes beforehand to journal and warm up those creative muscles. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy Journaling, and I’ll see you next time!
