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ICU (Japan) | Wellness

Three Reasons Why You Should Start Journaling This Summer

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Sophia Underwood Student Contributor, International Christian University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at ICU (Japan) chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Journaling has become a trend in recent years, and everyone is talking about it. On Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, a lot of influencers and creators are mentioning the importance of journaling. 

I started journaling weekly two years ago, and I can say that journaling has become a big part of my life in many ways. So today, let me share why I think it’s important to journal, and I hope journaling can be something to try in summer 2025 for everyone who is reading this!

1. Noticing the little things

When you first start to journal, it can be confusing to decide what to write about. At first, it can look like a diary, so you start by reflecting on the days you experienced: the people you met, and the conversations you had. This practice allows us to notice the little things that often get swept away in our busy lives, but are actually important to capture.

2. Cultivating humanity

Journaling does not look like a curated-looking poetry or a smart-looking article. It is something made from your own words and expressions that include raw emotion and thoughts. By simply writing things down, you begin to notice what things bring you joy, softness, creativity, or even anger and sadness.

3. Slowing down and living in the present

Connecting to the first point, journaling allows you to notice the beauty in the mundane, which is processed slowly. Writing your feelings down takes time, but that is the ultimate beauty of journaling. We often have so many plans, and don’t have time to think about the things that happen in our lives. Though the act of journaling requires time and a sense of intentionality, we could find peace within ourselves through it.

Your journal isn’t a performance, it’s a space for your humanity

Cameron Nuttal, “An introverts guide to journaling. The art of noticing and being present with life in CDMX.” Youtube (June 16, 2025) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYDDqBKmsXw

All you need in order to journal is paper, pen, and presence. Let’s all have a summer where our intentionality and creativity flow!

Sophia Underwood

ICU (Japan) '29

I'm Sophia Underwood. I'm currently 18 years old, and a freshman at a university in Tokyo.
My academic interests are media studies, foreign affairs, and more!