If you are a leader with a myriad of responsibilities on your shoulders, it is probably a struggle to squeeze some ‘me’ time into your schedule. As your leadership role advances, it becomes even more challenging to make sure that you have time left for yourself. However, no matter how hectic or chaotic your schedule becomes, there are activities that will always deserve a spot on your calendar. One of those is journaling. With so many other ways to use your time, you may wonder how the simple act of writing down your thoughts can greatly improve your leadership. The following reasons aim to show some of the benefits that leaders can get from keeping a personal journal:
Boosts holistic health.
The demands of leadership can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health. If you are not careful, you can suffer from unpleasant consequences such as sickness, fatigue, and depression. Fortunately, a quiet time to assess your thoughts and emotions in a journal can just be the break you need. Your time for self-reflection can protect your mental health as it can ease your worries and anxieties. At the same time, since journaling is a way to rest, you are also making your immune system stronger.
Makes decision-making easier.
As a leader, your team is counting on you to make the best decisions for everyone. However, making wise decisions can be extremely difficult if your mind is confused or overwhelmed. You can solve this dilemma by allotting a few moments in a day to work on your personal journal. Taking a step back to write about your concerns can let you see and analyze a situation with a fresh perspective. The things that you will realize while in the process of journaling can provide valuable insights that will help you make better decisions.
Helps relieve stress.
Your role as a leader can be highly stressful and since avoiding it is next to impossible, you need to find creative ways to deal with it. Pouring out the frustration and exhaustion you feel in a journal is a cool way to unload all the negative emotions inside. So do not be surprised if you will feel light and breezy right after finishing a journal entry. As a result, you are likely to be a happy and carefree leader.
Time is precious especially if you are a leader who has to juggle several tasks at once. Since you want to make each moment count, choose the activities that will occupy your free time carefully. Do not hesitate to include journaling in your list because it is one of the best things you can do to be a better leader. This endeavour may require time and discipline but will definitely be worth the effort because it can promote your well-being and further strengthen your leadership skills.
