Sometimes the mind needs a way to dump the overload 'before' the day gets started. Often times we struggle with sleep, because we've got all these things roaming around in the mind. We sleep, but the brain is still in overdrive. Well there's one way you can relieve the mind of all the things you can't stop thinking, worrying, and dredging about. It's a form of journaling called Morning Pages.
Morning Pages were created by the author Julia Cameron in the book The Artist's Way, as a way to overcome obstacles. Basically it's three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. So what you do is wake up, and before you do anything, before you get out of bed, open your journal and write anything and everything that comes to mind. It doesn't have to be three pages, but try to attempt it. Even if you have to write " I don't know what to write"! lol Spend about 20-30 minutes doing this. Don't overthink it!
The contents of your morning pages can include gratitude, dreams, fears, frustrations, and things you're looking forward to. It helps with brainstorming ideas, problem solving, and unblocking the mind. Sometimes when reading over mine, I can draw things that need to be added to my to do list or my planner. I keep my journal and a pen on my night stand, and that's where I leave it whenever I'm done. That way it's accessible first thing I get up in the morning. Well I pray first and then I write my Morning Pages.
Overall, it can be a great way to vent when there isn't anyone available to listen! If you try it, I would love to know how you feel afterwards. Leave it in the comments! Don't forget to check out the podcast Swayed By Positivity found on most podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
