What does the data π say about journaling π and reflection π§?
Well let's find out! ππ©π½π»
Oh hey... I know it has been a long time since I spent some time journaling or blogging or just writing in general. π I am still trying to make it a habit! Bare with me...
At any rate, a couple of weekends ago I had an opportunity to participate as a guest panelist at the Women's Leadership Conference: Your Passion. Your Purpose. Your Journey. hosted by DREAM Education Consulting. This was the second year for the conference and Dallas was the second stop on the National tour! I am super excited for my girl Dr. Royond Hendrixπ in this endeavor. She is truly in her element and her glowπ is absolute proof of it! I can't wait to see her bloomπ· even more‼️ Click the linkππ½ to learn more about her company, her passion, and her journey!
Check out this clip from the keynote and breakout sessions.
But anyway let's get back to journaling!
It was at the conference that I got the push that I needed to continue through my own journaling experience and to create a journalπ for NEWπ TEACHERS... something that has been in my head for quite some time now. #GetOutOfYourHead
I began journaling as a novice teacher about 20 years ago as a way to document and keep up with what was going on in my classroom. Not only was I documenting student behavior, but most importantly, my own behavior and habits.
Little did I know then that my own journals would be the foundation for my coaching practices. As I re-read some of my earlier journal entries, BOYπ€¦π½♀️ was I horrible at times❗️ But, I can honestly say that rehearsal, practice, and reflective journaling have been essential elements to me becoming an innovative and skilled teacher/instructional leader and coach.
So... what does the dataπ say about journaling?
"Patients evidenced moderate sustained adherence to Web-based intervention. Positive Affect Journaling (PAJ) was associated with decreased mental distress and increased well-being relative to baseline. PAJ was also associated with less depressive symptoms and anxiety after 1 month and greater resilience after the first and second month, relative to usual care."
"Web-based PAJ may serve as an effective intervention for mitigating mental distress, increasing well-being, and enhancing physical functioning among medical populations. PAJ may be integrated into routine medical care to improve quality of life."
"Web-based PAJ may serve as an effective intervention for mitigating mental distress, increasing well-being, and enhancing physical functioning among medical populations. PAJ may be integrated into routine medical care to improve quality of life."
In other words, the study showed that journaling seemed to decrease worry and anxiety relative to previous observations.