Cross Posted at TanniTalks

In this latest episode of TanniTalksTech , we delve into a topic that’s incredibly close to my heart—journaling and how it can be a transformative tool for achieving discipline, tracking your habits, and boosting productivity.

Understanding Stress and Finding Solutions

Have you ever wondered why you’re feeling so stressed lately? A few years back, when I returned to the workforce after parental leave, I felt overwhelmed by stress. The constant changes, sleepless nights associated with parenting, and my excessive coffee consumption all contributed to my stress levels. When I began tracking my coffee intake in my journal, I discovered I was consuming nearly six large cups a day. It was no surprise I felt jittery and uneasy.

My Journal: A Lifesaver

My journal became my lifeline. It’s where I express my feelings, document daily events, track my habits, and implement productive changes. In this digital age, there’s something uniquely comforting about writing on quality paper with a beautiful pen. Organizing my daily priorities, whether at home or work, in my journal keeps me motivated.

Even though I heavily rely on technology and note-taking software like OneNote, I always have a small office journal with me in meetings. It helps me stay engaged without being glued to a screen, fostering better interactions and conversations.

The Journey of Journaling

Let’s rewind a bit. I’ve been writing diaries with multi-colored pens since childhood. As I grew, my diary evolved into a personal journal. With the advent of the internet, I connected with many fellow journaling enthusiasts. In 2018, I discovered Ryder Caroll’s Bullet Journal method, which revolutionized my journaling practice. Over time, I incorporated various techniques, including the Alistair method and Frankenlog, eventually developing my unique style.

Monthly Trackers and Evolving Goals

Monthly trackers are a crucial part of my journal. They’ve evolved from being highly detailed to a happy medium that suits my needs. Before having my child, I tracked my exercise routines meticulously. During the early days of motherhood, my focus shifted to finding an hour for myself each week. As my child grew and I returned to work, my trackers became a balance tool, helping me manage stress through fitness and personal time.

Rebuilding Habits

Tracking habits like coffee intake not only revealed my excessive consumption but also helped me revive my reading habit. Setting small reading goals and tracking progress in my journal rekindled my love for books.

Habit trackers are incredibly versatile. They can be tailored to fit any goal—hydration, steps, mood, sleep quality, hobbies, or family time. The key is consistency and regular review.

Balancing Creativity and Productivity

Lost in the grind, I had lost my creative spark, affecting my work. Journaling and habit tracking helped me allocate time for creativity, whether it was designing new journal layouts, singing, or dancing. This balance positively impacted my productivity.

We also began experimenting with content creation for our side business. My journal became a planning hub for social media content, helping us organize and execute ideas efficiently.

The Importance of Rest

Good sleep was never an issue until motherhood. Returning to work disrupted my routine, making me irritable and less efficient. Tracking sleep patterns and managing realistic work goals helped me balance my responsibilities and reduce stress.

Setting Boundaries

One crucial lesson I learned was the importance of saying NO to unrealistic demands and setting strong boundaries at work. Overcommitting led to poor performance and stress. By asserting my limits, I improved my efficiency and overall performance.

Building Long-Term Habits

To illustrate the power of habit tracking, let’s discuss its role in building long-term habits. Consistently tracking behaviors like daily meditation can turn them into routines. Reflecting on progress at the end of each month helps me decide which habits to continue, modify, or drop, fostering continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Journaling is a versatile tool for managing stress and enhancing productivity. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it. Whether it’s tracking habits, organizing thoughts, or reflecting on progress, journaling offers a structured approach to personal growth. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the latest episode of TanniTalksTech.