Journaling for Your Health

Journaling can help you with the ups and downs of managing diabetes.

You may have heard about the positive powers of journaling, from improving memory to boosting creativity. And if you’re like many other people with diabetes, you’re already keeping a food and activity diary [PDF – 38KB]. Recording your thoughts and feelings in a journal could help you manage other things about diabetes that aren’t as easy to measure.

For the Ups and Downs

A good example: stress can raise blood sugar. Regular journal entries could help pinpoint what’s causing the stress—and whether it’s a one-time thing or part of a pattern—and help point the way toward a solution you might not have thought of otherwise.

Journaling may also help you:

• Understand your challenges and strengths.
• Clarify your thoughts and feelings.
• Solve problems.
• Recognize successes.
• Manage information overload.

Journaling Tips

There’s no right way or wrong way to journal, but here are some ideas to think about:

• Set aside a few minutes every day to write. This will help it become a habit.
• Make it easy. Keep your journal nearby for easy access or use a journaling app on your phone.
• Write what you want. Your journal is your own personal place to use any way you like.

Keep in mind that journaling isn’t a substitute for getting treatment for a mental health problem. If you often feel sad, worried, anxious, or stressed, ask your health care team for a referral to a mental health counselor. Help is available!