Repetition has become a pillar of my college life. One day blends into the next, each consisting of a relatively constant routine. Going through the motions every single day can be draining, so I’ve had to find ways to escape the mundane.
The feeling of being stuck in a groove has caused me to turn towards social media as a means of distraction and entertainment, ultimately causing me to latch onto my phone a bit tighter than I did before classes began. I’ve noticed that finding activities that force me to leave my phone out of sight has really helped me to feel as though I’m less routinized and more immersed in the present moment. I am more intentional about my time, which adds value to my days.
I’ve traded in TikTok for Party of Two (a must-read rom-com); I’ve started listening to podcasts on my walks instead of constantly looking down at my step-tracking app. Non-digital activities help me return to my work when it’s time to finish an essay or submit a problem set; I don’t face the problem of accidentally scrolling through Instagram for an hour anymore. Journaling has quickly become a staple in my life as a means of recognizing my feelings without letting them control my day. When I journal, I take the time to collect my thoughts into concrete words on a page, purposefully reflecting on myself and those around me. I’m off my phone and connected to the real world.
In an attempt to keep my life in order and stay on top of my work, I’ve started to use four journals; I don’t force myself to use these journals, but I’ve started to notice that my days feel incomplete without writing as a means of decompressing. Here’s a rundown of my journals and how I use them; try one (or four!) for yourself! It might be your new favorite part of your day.
Affirmation/manifestation journal:
Positivity can be difficult during trying times, but keeping a journal of affirmations has helped me to focus on what lays ahead of me. A simple way that I practice affirmation journaling is writing something I will accomplish the next day, week, month, and year. Will is important — you have to believe what you write. To keep my manifestations reasonable, I include a list of three steps I can take to work towards each desired accomplishment. This way, I can actually work toward an affirmation instead of irrationally thinking something will happen just because I journaled about it. When I don’t want to write, I make mood boards of what I want my future to look like.
Daily planner:
Every night, I like to write down the next day’s plans: classes, homework, time with friends, and anything else I have going on. The process of writing everything down rather than trying to keep a jumbled schedule in my brain is cathartic. As new tasks or outings pop up, I add them to my day. Crossing things off of my daily list has been extremely rewarding and motivating.
Gratitude journal:
Every morning, I write three things I’m grateful for and three things I have imagined for myself — these goals are much more long term and general than the tasks I include in my daily planner. I go through the same process at night before I go to bed, ending my day on a good note by taking the time to acknowledge the good things in my life.
Daily journal:
Souvenirs, notes about my experiences, pictures, and stickers decorate the pages of this journal. It’s the journal most similar to a diary; I use it to write anything on my mind, draw whatever feels right in the moment, and save a plane ticket, note, or picture that’s special. I also like to make collages on these pages, making this journal both a way for me to process my day and creatively express myself.
Journaling has really helped me stay off my phone and get through the hurdles of routine life in college. I’m not saying you have to keep tallies of your life in four separate places (although this works for me), but do try to pick up a pen and paper more often. Purposely making time for reflection, creativity, and goal setting will only benefit you, in the moment and in the future.