How to keep yourself safe when writing a journal

Ensure your journal is private. You will be writing for yourself, not anyone else.

Keep your journal in a safe place. Do not share it until you feel ready.

Choose a notebook or allocate a file for your journal alone. It does not have to be expensive, but you do need to value it and look after it. 

Set clear boundaries to provide safe limits for your writing. This can be either a boundary on the time you spend writing your journal or a boundary on the amount you write in terms of numbers of pages.

Time: Set a timer - 20 minutes should be enough or you may be comfortable with a 15-minute sprint.

Amount: 3 pages a day is a useful limit.

It is important that your phone is switched off and you do not have access to any social media.

This is not an activity for live streaming.

Only delve into topics you know you feel comfortable with.

Writing a journal can be cathartic and help you to release emotion. Allow yourself time to process your feelings and responses. Treat your body and mind as if you have done a work-out, and allow yourself to ‘warm down’ afterwards, bringing yourself back into everyday life with care. Take a few deep breaths and ask yourself ‘What do I need now?’ You could help yourself readjust by having a stretch or making yourself a drink.