If you’re using the Zappkit to work toward your wellness goals, you’ve probably wondered at some point: “Is this really helping, or am I just hoping it is?” That’s a completely valid question—one we hope you do ask yourself. When you’re managing chronic illness, progress can feel frustratingly slow. It’s subtle, it doesn’t always happen in a straight line, and it’s easy to miss in the chaos of daily life. That’s why we’re talking about journaling today.
Our minds are naturally drawn to patterns. They help us make sense of what’s happening around (and, in this case, inside us). Journaling gives you a way to capture the small changes your body might already be trying to show you. Maybe you notice that placing electrodes in certain areas brings more targeted results, or that sticking to a consistent schedule helps you feel more balanced overall. When you write these details down, it becomes easier to connect the dots and fine-tune your sessions so they work better for you.
But the benefits go beyond just noticing patterns. Here are a few reasons journaling might be worth a shot:
- Celebrates Progress: Wellness is a journey, and sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back. Journaling helps you see the progress you’re making—even if it’s subtle, like sleeping better or feeling less achy after certain sequences.
- Personalizes Your Goals: No two bodies are the same. Over time, tracking helps you figure out what makes you feel your best—and that’s what it’s all about.
- Reinforces Routine: When dealing with chronic illness, it can be tough to stay consistent, especially when energy is limited. Journaling your sessions creates a simple routine that anchors your day, offering a sense of accomplishment and control. Even on challenging days, writing down what you did manage to do—even if it’s just a short session—can feel motivating.
- Fosters Mindfulness: Chronic illness often makes you hyper-aware of discomfort and symptoms. Journaling can shift your focus to what’s improving or changing, even in small ways. Writing about your sessions and how you feel afterward can help you tune into your body in a more neutral, curious way, instead of fixating on what isn’t working.
- Supports Communication with Care Teams: A 2018 study in the Journal of Participatory Medicine found that patients who tracked symptoms and shared their data with healthcare providers reported better outcomes and more collaborative care. If you’re working with a healthcare provider, your journal can serve as a helpful reference. Instead of relying on memory, you’ll have clear documentation of your progress, struggles, and questions to share with your care team. This can lead to more productive conversations and personalized recommendations.
To make this process as easy as possible, we created a Zappkit Sessions Log. It’s a simple, printable tool to track the essentials: your energy and pain levels, hydration (don’t forget to drink extra water after sessions!), mood, and focus before and after each session. The best part? It’s not a big commitment. A few quick notes are all it takes to start seeing patterns over time.
Here’s a tip: Keep your journal somewhere easy to grab—on your nightstand, next to your Z-amplifier, or at your desk. And you don’t even have to use ours. You could easily keep track in your favorite notes app. Just take a few minutes after each session to reflect. Some days, your notes might be as simple as “felt a little calmer” or “no change yet,” and that’s fine. The goal isn’t to judge or overthink—it’s just to notice. Over time, you’ll start to see what works, what doesn’t, and where you want to make adjustments.
Ready to give it a shot? Download your Zappkit Sessions Log below, and start tracking today. Let’s see what insights your body has been waiting to share with you.