When I was sixteen, I got an awful haircut. At the time, seeing no positives to my situation, I locked myself in my bedroom, too embarrassed to let anyone see my new look. Upon reflection, this seemingly trivial moment is what led me to journal for the first time. I picked up an old notebook from my desk drawer and sprawled out all the emotions I couldn’t articulate out loud.
I noticed that journaling made me feel physically lighter, freeing me from the thoughts that previously weighed heavily on my mind. I decided to turn it into a habit, one that has since supported me through numerous life challenges and milestones, and I would now recommend it to everyone.
The positive impact of journaling became most evident during my first year of university. Experiencing such a drastic lifestyle change triggered a range of feelings, from homesickness and confusion to hope and anticipation. Initially, transforming my emotions into written words allowed me to cope. Still, it also gave me something else: a record of my trials and tribulations, a souvenir of my personal growth. Sifting through the pages of my old journals now serves as a reminder that, no matter how painful things feel at the time, there is always a way forward.
I discovered that journaling is a valuable way to appreciate my life and experiences at university. It can be difficult (amongst various deadlines and packed schedules) to notice the small moments: getting the grade you hoped for, or even just watching a scenic sunset on your walk home from class. I discovered that setting aside ten minutes of my day to reflect on these moments greatly enhanced both my mood and attitude.
If my own personal experiences have tempted you to pick up a journal, but you’re not sure how (or where) to start, I hope I can provide some helpful advice:
Build a routine
I find journaling the most beneficial when I write consistently, so finding a way to build it into your routine may be a good place to start. Perhaps you decide to write every morning as soon as you wake up, or each Sunday before you go to bed. Soon, your journal will become a predictable confidant, and you will always have something to turn to during times of unease.
Find a good notebook.
If motivating yourself to regularly pick up your journal seems like a chore, then it could be a good idea to purchase a notebook that makes you excited to write. Personally, I love the brand Paperblanks as their journals come in various interesting designs and often contain a pocket at the back for storing memorabilia (such as postcards or notes). If you want to purchase your journal in person, I recommend visiting Waterstones in St Andrews, which sells a range of brands, from simple Moleskines to notebooks with beautifully intricate covers.
Use prompts
Once you have your journal and have set aside the time to fill it, the next step is to write. If you are new to journaling, this can be the most intimidating step. It can be challenging to know what to write about, and while there really is no correct answer, journaling prompts can help provide initial inspiration. I find that answering questions such as: what happened today that you’re grateful for?, or what are your goals for the next month?, can elicit a myriad of thoughts sprawling into pages of reflection.
Write, write, write
My ultimate piece of advice is to write things down. Whether that be your emotions, your schedule, or your to-do list. Getting anything from your head onto paper will help your brain feel less cluttered, which in turn will help you feel less overwhelmed. I hope this has inspired you to give journaling a go; you never know what might happen!