When was the last time you stopped and thought about your emotions? Despite our emotions playing such an important role in our day-to-day outlook and decision making, we often forget to pay attention to how we’re really feeling inside.

But taking the time to look after and understand your emotions can actually be hugely beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Not only does unpicking how you’re feeling stop you from bottling things up – something which has been proven to be detrimental for your physical and mental health – but it can also help you to feel more in control.

Nicky Clinch is a maturation coach, mentor and author of the new book Surrender: Break Free Of The Past, Realise Your Power, Live Beyond Your Story. She believes journaling is an effective tool to help people gain deeper insight into their emotions and achieve a sense of perspective and focus.

This easy journaling technique could help you to understand your emotions better