Dear Readers,

We entered the last month of the year, and where we are mostly waiting for Christmas and preparing all the things for a perfect holiday, this month is just the perfect time to reflect. I talk a lot about wellness and the journey towards it on the blog, because I feel like it is extremely important to focus on our mental and physical well-being. I feel like December is a major ladder pillar to see how far we have come this year and summarize our thoughts and feelings to get a comprehensive understanding on the things we have to focus on and what we have already achieved. As someone who’s been navigating the highs and lows of young adulthood, let me tell you about something that has completely transformed my mindset: my wellness journal. Today, I am going to talk about how keeping a wellness journal helped me through my journey and how it can help us, how it can clarify where we are in our lives and how we want to move forward being so close to entering a new year. I want to share why keeping a wellness journal isn’t just a trendy thing to do but a powerful tool for reflecting on the year gone by and creating a meaningful plan for the one ahead.

First of all, what is a wellness journal? In case you are wondering, a wellness journal isn’t just a diary where you scribble about your day (though it can be!). It’s a space to track your thoughts, feelings, habits, and goals while focusing on personal growth and self-care. Think of it as a mix between a planner, a therapist, and a best friend, there for you when you need clarity or encouragement. There are no strict rules within having a wellness journal, it is all about honesty and self-respect.

So as I already mentioned, this last month of the year is perfect for reflection and looking back on our mental and physical health, where we actually are in our lives and where we want to be next year around this time. But, let’s be real. How often do we sit down and genuinely reflect on what we’ve accomplished or endured in a year? If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to move from one thing to the next without acknowledging the journey. That’s where a wellness journal comes in.

Having a wellness journal allows me to reflect on the wins and milestones, the moments that I am proud of. This could be anything from finally sticking to my morning skincare routine to landing in a good job or starting a new good habit for myself. It is also important to reflect on challenges this year brought, like what has held you back this year, what are the things you wish you had done better. Looking back on our emotions, the ups and downs can be enlightening and clarifying in many different ways. For me this is probably the most important pillar of reflection, as I love to think about why I feel certain things or where these feelings come from. How can I use these feelings to be a better person? This is genuinely the best way to understand yourself better and the person you are becoming, how can you be better and what are the things that you want to learn from. Obviously, thinking and writing of your feelings can get kinda soapy and sensitive, but find a time where you are alone, no one can disturb you and write honestly, because this certain pillar can help you a lot, trust me! Next on, there are relationships, where you can think about the people in your life. Did someone new come into your life, did someone leave? Who uplifted you? Who drained you? Are there any relationships you are dissatisfied with? And lastly, it is nice to think about self-care practices. Do you prioritize your well-being? If not, why? Was there something you wish you had done more frequently this year? What’s something you finally did for yourself? 

Writing these things down makes them tangible, and you start to see the big picture. The act of reflection isn’t about dwelling on mistakes but about learning and growing from them. Thinking about these things will help you to respect yourself more, because you are doing all of this for yourself, you want to do better and that is already a huge win, keep that in mind. 

At the same time, a wellness-journal allows you to gaze forward and plan for the new year. The beauty of a wellness journal is that it lets you dream big while also staying grounded in what’s realistic and meaningful to you. Before planning anything specific, start with the question “why” . Why does this new year matter to you? Maybe it’s about stepping into independence, deepening relationships, or focusing on self-love. Writing down your “why” creates a foundation for everything else you plan.

So now you can break down your goals on your physical health, mental health, personal growth, relationships and about your academics or career. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to make my goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of writing “Be healthier,” I’d write “Exercise three times a week for 30 minutes.” It makes tracking progress and planning your activity so much easier. 

So now as you realize how good it is to have a wellness journal, you only have a few things left to do. 

1. Find a journal that you love.
2. Create a routine for yourself: like sitting down for 10-15 minutes every sunday to summerize your thoughts. 
3. Start small: Like, what made you happy? What are you grateful for? What can I improve? How do I feel? 
4. Be honest
5. Add variety: Sketch some doodles, add mood boards or habit trackers, basically anything you feel like it can help you to achieve your goals. 

A wellness journal is more than just a notebook; it’s a tool for self-discovery, healing, and growth. Reflecting on the year you’ve had and planning for the one ahead isn’t just about ticking off boxes—it’s about living intentionally and creating a life you’re excited about.

So as we head into the new year, grab a pen, find a cozy spot, and start journaling. You never know what insights and inspiration you’ll uncover.

Here’s to a year of wellness, growth, and all the magic you’re capable of creating! 

Love,
Call Her Stylish

all inspo from Pinterest