Over the past few years, I’ve filled up quite a few journals cover to cover with random doodles, lists of ideas, memories and more. As someone who loves to document the special moments in my life primarily through photography, journaling has become another creative outlet for myself to hold onto these memories in a physical format. Nowadays, these books sit in the back of my closet, but every now and then I love to pull them out and briefly look back on my biggest highs and lows that took place over the years. Not only has writing in a journal helped me keep track of some of my favourite experiences, but it has also contributed towards improving other habits in my life.
Through writing scattered thoughts out line by line, I’ve developed strategies to process my thoughts. This has led to both my mind and body feeling more grounded, even in times of high stress.
Journaling tips for organizing your thoughts:
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Organize your thoughts with colourful and bold headers
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Use bullet points and list format for short quick notes
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Sticky tab pages you want to frequently look back on
Managing online school, work and life itself, things can start to pile up pretty easily and sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve recently discovered how beneficial journaling is as a go-to method of releasing stress and anxiety. In the moments where I feel my chest tightening and waves of anxiety crossing my mind, it has become second nature to pick up my pen and transfer whatever is on my mind onto the paper. Writing out my anxious thoughts have helped me release negative energy and encouraged me to reflect on what I can do next time to mitigate these feelings from occurring again.
Journaling tips for when you’re feeling overwhelmed:
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Take 10 minutes to write anything that comes to mind, it doesn’t even have to make sense. The key is to release any and all thoughts onto the paper.
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Create a list of 5-10 things you are grateful for (this is very helpful, especially when our mind is clouded with negative thoughts)
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Organize your problems and create a list of things you can do to solve the problem, and a list of problems with no solution
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Create a page filled with colourful stickers and doodles to make yourself smile!
Spending time in quarantine these past few months has driven me to experiment with new ideas. But with so many things I want to try, not writing things down is not an ideal way to stay organized. Through using my journal to its fullest potential, I’ve written down my goals as a way to hold myself accountable as well as to keep track of my intentions. Referring back to these goals is a great way to set timelines and objectives in order to achieve a successful end result.
Journaling tips for achieving goals:
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Be specific and set S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)
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Create an aesthetically pleasing journal spread so you’ll look forward to opening that page up again and again
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Add photos of your process and whenever you achieve something on the list
Take this as your sign to pick up an old journal, or head out and buy a new one! Every individual’s journal is 100% unique to themselves, and it becomes a new creative outlet to express ideas and record memories. In a couple years these books will serve as a special tool to look back on life’s fondest memories.