Throughout the last few weeks,  I am finding that a good way to journal for me is to track events as they happen to coincide with how I am feeling throughout the day. Journaling what I am feeling or what is happening in the day can be helpful in determining when unhealthy behaviors or moments of struggle can occur. While not traditional, it is what I call my journal and is what is working well for me.

Journaling can sometimes be referred to as many things like having a diary or what secrets you are hiding, but in reality for me it is what is working for me so I know what issues that I need to improve and make better and if they are very challenging, address them with my support system. It can be hard if you do not remember what happened several days ago or even a week ago if you did not note it.

There is a pattern to what is happening. For me this can be measured in many ways like when I fall asleep or wake up, when I took my medication or even if I went to the bathroom often enough during the day. It is important to also document if a routine involves multiple people and things so you can pinpoint if behaviors or challenges arise with select people, devices, or locations. It can be a bit intrusive, but it is important to note these things to understand the other parts of the day when there are negative issues that are being experienced.

It is not to put those that care for me under a microscope. It is for my personal use and benefit so I can see what is working for me versus what is not. For name’s sake, I can call it a journal. A journal is a journal, it is a flexible word and is for the eyes that need to see it when there are challenges that are experienced that need to be improved or addressed. You can do with it as you wish, that is totally up to you as to what you need to document and track.

Is it food? There are many apps that are helpful, but you are not that tech savvy or need more details than an app can provide you. The same can exist with bathroom, medication, or sleep issues. While the apps can assist in providing details when the notebook is not accessible, having a digital record can provide an easier way until the record can be transferred to what you want it to be in the way that you need it to be.

In the end, noting things can be helpful when it comes to addressing issues that can be seen as patterns or there is a concern or need for improvement or doing things a successful or correct way. Believe me when I tell you that it can be difficult at first, but when you get a rhythm down, it becomes like second nature. Tracking can be one of the most useful tools in making a good life even better.