Journaling is more than a creative hobby. It is also a tool for feeling better mentally. Whether you feel overwhelmed, stressed or just need to get a little closer to yourself. You do not need to write every day, and you certainly do not need to write anything that is neat. The most important thing is that you give yourself space.
Why does journaling work?
When you write by hand, you slow down. You activate the part of the brain that reflects and processes. Thoughts become clearer when they are given space on paper and you avoid having to carry everything in your head. If you are new to journaling, you can read our guide Get started with journaling – a beginner's guide.
Journaling as self-care
Writing a diary or reflection pages is a quiet way to look after yourself. You don't need to solve anything. Just writing down what you are feeling can make a difference.
Here are some ideas you can use in your journal:
What's on people's minds right now?
What do you need today?
Which thoughts recur?
What would you like to let go of?
If you need more inspiration, you can find more reflection questions in our blog post 10 questions for your May journal.
Trackers and spreadsheets
Bullet journaling can also help to keep track of what affects your wellbeing. You can read more in our post 7 reasons why a bullet journal can help you in everyday life. For example, you can make:
A mood tracker
A sleep or energy tracker
A page of small victories
A page of things that give you energy
It is not about performing, but about discovering patterns – and being a little more mindful of how you are feeling.
Journaling and stickers? Yes please.
If you use stickers, tape or colours in your journal, it can enhance the feeling that this is din time. Something that is nice, secure and completely your own. It makes it easier to return again and again.
You set the pace
Journaling for mental health should feel good and not like a chore. Write when you need to. Or make space in your calendar a couple of times a week. The most important thing is that it helps you to breathe a little deeper.
Give yourself permission to do it your way
Journaling for mental health is not about doing it perfectly. It is about giving yourself a place where there is room for you with everything you think and feel. You are allowed to write messily, write infrequently, use stickers, paint outside the lines or just leave the pages blank for a day. Your journal is your safe space, and you decide how it should feel.
At Plan & Plot you'll find everything that can make your journaling a little bit cosier. From beautiful notebooks until stickers and a pen you'll want to write with.
