Write your way out of a rut…

Words are powerful, and can help you self reflect and heal. As part of our #MyTime campaign, our intern Alexa shares her top writing exercises to help clear your mind

Are you feeling overwhelmed by social media, or down in the dumps about school or work? Do you feel under pressure, but don’t know where to start? Take some time for yourself and simply write it down. Here are some tips and tricks to help clear your mind, so you can check in with yourself and figure out the best choices for you.

Grab a pen and paper, and get ready…

1. Pros & Cons list

It sounds like a cliché, but when was the last time you wrote a list down on actual paper? This could be a great way to visualise your options, and really decide if something is right for you and worth your time.

Pros of a Pros & Cons list – you can organize your thoughts, and see your options and potential outcomes

Cons of a Pros & Cons list – your lists might be so helpful that you will start writing one for everything…

2. Priority Pie chart

Make a list of the top 5 things taking up the most time in your life. Create a chart to see where most of your energy is spent. Are there any changes you want to make? Make another chart with how you would like to balance your time. This can help you track where you might be overexerting yourself, and allow you to identify where and how you could be spending more time on yourself.

3. Mind Map

If you’re not sure where to start, or how you’re using your time, simply mind map it. You could start with school or work, and go from there. See what ideas you can come up with when you feel overwhelmed. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed at school, try walking in the park. This technique can allow you to find a solution to organizing your time, and figure out what matters to you the most.

4. Poetry

There’s a little poet inside everyone, waiting to get out! Listen to your favourite song, and just start writing how you feel your time is being spent. You might be surprised – it could unveil a solution or desire to you. You could also try free writing – simply write continuously without stopping or editing your words for a set period of time. This can give you a great insight into what’s really on your mind!

5. Illustrate words

Write down all the words you think relate to what you spend your time on. Now try to draw how the word feels to you. It might sound strange, but if you visualize a feeling, you can help see what the word means to you. Allow yourself this time to think and be creative, and draw it out. When was the last time you used coloured pencils and real paper? Get back to basics with some precious #Mytime away from digital screens