Summer is lovely, but when the temperature creeps up to unbearable levels, it can be hard to find the energy for anything at all. Even creative projects can feel like a challenge. But journaling doesn't need to require much energy. Here are five ideas for cosy and relaxed pages you can make while sitting in the shade with a cold drink to hand.
1. Create a summer mood page
Find your favourite stickers and some colours, and make a collage of what symbolises summer for you. It can be ice cream, flowers, sandals, the sea, sun hats or just colours that feel warm and calm. You don't need to write anything. Use what you have to create a mood on the paper.
2. Track your ice-cream favourites
Instead of a classic habit tracker, you can make a little overview of the summer's ice cream adventures. Draw small ice cream cones or use stickers, and write which ice creams you have tasted. You can also write a little review, and make your own ice cream guide. Why not?
3. Mini-diary: one word a day
Some days you just don't have the energy to write long texts, and that's completely okay. Try making a page where every day in July or August you write one word that sums up the day. It could be “sweaty”, “muggy”, “sleepy”, “ice cream waffle” or “friend time”. A kind of gratitude, but for memories.
4. Sketch or doodle a summer experience
You don't need to be good at drawing! A small drawing of your sunscreen, a glass of iced water or your view from the balcony is enough. Use it as a relaxed way to be present in the moment. Turn it into a “doodle-a-day” challenge, and you'll end up with a few pages filled with cute and funny sketches.
5. Make a list of things you can't be arsed doing in the heat
It might sound backwards, but it can actually be fun and a bit liberating to make a list of everything you can with a clear conscience not do in the heat: cleaning, cooking, mowing the lawn, drying your hair, or whatever it might be. A sort of summer anti-to-do list. Sometimes you're allowed to be a bit contrary.
When everything needs to be slow and easy
When energy is low, it is all about slowing down and enjoying the small creative moments. Your journal should not be just another project on your to-do list. It should be a safe space. So, dig out the things that make you happy (perhaps some floral stickers and a bit of pastel-coloured tape?), and let summer into your journal one page at a time.
