If you’ve been using the CoStar app as a GPS to life, get ready for dream journals—no app required.

Scientists recognize that a large part of our mannerisms and thoughts are automatic or without our subconscious. That’s why they’re interesting. We love to discover the unknown; like our astrological sign, horoscope, and getting our tarot cards read. But, there’s actually a much simpler way to dive into the unconscious mind—dream journals. 

Dreams happen within the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of our sleep cycles. REM marks the deepest part of our sleep; the point where waking up can leave you feeling groggy and still tired. Depending on how long you sleep, you can have numerous REM cycles and dreams. But, when we wake up, we often don’t remember them. That’s where dream journals come in. The more you journal, the more you remember.

Step 1: Keep a notebook and pencil beside your bed.

As soon as you wake up, you’ll want to write down your dreams. That’s when they’re most fresh and least likely to be altered by your conscious mind.

Step 2: Remember to remember.

It sounds odd, but it’s true. Actively trying to remember will help you hold on and remember. 

Step 3: When you wake up, write down exactly what you dreamt of.

It sounds simple, but this is often what people mess up. As soon as you wake up, write. Don’t think. Sketch down what you remember seeing and feeling. Do not try to decipher your dreams. Take your memories out and set them aside for later.

“When people narrate their dreams, they typically leave out numerous details that seem too trivial or obvious to mention. Yet it is precisely these seemingly worthless details that often become highly significant in later explorations,” Psychology Daily says. 

Remembering gets easier as it becomes ingrained into your routine. Your brain typically throws them away because it thinks you don’t need them. Once you tell your brain what to do, it will hold onto memories for longer, encouraging strong memory. 

If nothing sticks for a week, that’s okay. Keep going.

Step 4: Read through your dreams.

Once a week, go through your journal. Highlight and star anything that reoccurs or you think you should pay attention to. Make connections to things in your life. Think of it as a time to get to know yourself better.

Carl Jung, a pioneer of dream theory, said, “We are not dealing with isolated dreams; they form a coherent series in the course of which the meaning gradually unfolds more or less of its own accord.” 

Scientists are still discovering a lot of things about what happens when we dream. Dreams weren’t seriously studied until REM was discovered in 1953. It has since been found that recording your dreams is a big part of the creativity associated with them. REM sleep stimulates the brain in the same way that learning does.  

But, just like with astrology, take all of this analysis with a grain of salt. Maybe it will help your writing or improve your connection with yourself. Either way, there are only benefits that come from the daily practice of writing down your dreams.