How To Journal In A Structured Sober Living Program

We’ve touched on this in previous articles, but we find that journaling is one of the most cathartic tasks you can do while in a structured sober living program. If you’ve committed yourself to one of our robust programs, then bravo! But this is just the tip of the iceberg for regaining control of your life. Apart from the help you will receive from our treatment specialists at Surfside Structured Sober Living, we expect you to do your own work in addition to this, as a means of ensuring that your physical and emotional well-being are harmonious. Today, we will be taking a look at how to journal in a structured sober living program.

Starting With The Basics

Whether you are new to journaling or have done it previously, the art of journaling will look different for every person. The reason for this is simple: It’s a reflection of your own personal life! The concept of journaling may instill some fear in many people, as it can feel overwhelming or uneventful. Both of these deterrents stem from the societal expectations of what journaling should look like. Regardless of how you may view your own personal life on a day to day, virtually anything is worth documenting in a journal. The only person who would say otherwise is you. 

We get it. There is that underlying fear that other people will have a lot to say about your journal, but always remember– you are writing this for yourself and only yourself. Keep an open mind to the potential. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you are unsure on how to start journaling in a structured sober living program, see below for some topic ideas.

• How you’re feeling in a given moment
• What you are grateful for
• What surprised you and/or what you expected
• Moments of high/lows
• Something that made you smile
• Favorite song, or a favorite song of the day
• Understanding your triggers and how to overcome them

Switching Up Your Journaling Routine

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You’re more than welcome to try other kinds of writing that don’t fall under the umbrella of “typical journaling.” For some, this can be poetry, lists, letters to friends or God, or even notes on your phone’s notes app. Additionally, it’s perfectly acceptable to genre blend and write from a nonfiction or autobiographical lens. If you want more tips on furthering your journey of self-writing exploration, you can read more, here.  A lot of patients will experience some difficulties when starting off. But if you connect with a prompt that reignites memories or interests that you forgot were there, just roll with that!

Rid Yourself Of The Self-Critical Mindset

Everyone universally agrees that we are our own worst critics. This especially applies to those who are in the midst of a structured sober living program. You may ask: “Why is so-and-so being so silently self-critical?” It’s because we are incapable of seeing others in a harsh light like how they see themselves. When you are able to let loose and shed this self-critical mindset, not only will it be beneficial to the journaling process, but it will seek to repair your health and identity as well. Journaling is a form of expression. If you are prone to succumbing to negativity in the midst of your recovery journey, this outlet will healthily foster self-discovery and understanding of these behaviors.

Don’t View Journaling As A Task Or Chore

Avoid going into this with a skeptical or forced mindset. Don’t conflate the process of journaling with a task or chore. If you fall into this mindset, then you will be unable to reap the benefits of writing. Put the action of writing into the same mental category that you would put when going to the gym with a friend. Journaling should easily use up the same kind of energy and incur the same kinds of rewards as these other activities do.

Journaling Your Progression In A Structured Sober Living Program

Journaling is the outlet that you never knew you needed. We hope you gained some valuable insight on how to begin journaling. To learn more about how these activities can help your progression in a structured sober living program, contact us today!