When you think of journals, you think of the diaries you kept as a preteen, full of misspelled words and dramatic writing. Not many think about keeping a journal now as a grown person, especially when we rely on social media. However, it’s common knowledge that mental health is affected by the use of social media. Besides, there’s only so much you can express in 280 characters or in a comment of some picture you chose out of countless others that are relatively alike. But, keeping a journal can be a great habit if given the chance. Here are some reasons why you should keep a journal.
1. It’s a place to feel your emotions and come to terms with them
Often times, we tend to keep our emotions bottled up, which leads us to blow up later on. When I started journaling, however, I found myself letting out my emotions in a healthy way where no one got hurt and I didn’t feel guilty immediately after. I found myself working through those emotions as I wrote about my frustration or sadness.
2. See your own personal growth and progress
Though at first you’ll find yourself writing about your bad or negative experiences, after a while of keeping the habit, you’ll write about happy experiences as well. I didn’t notice that shift until long after I had written several positive entries. It felt nice to write about my happiness because it felt like I was seeing my own personal growth and progress with each new entry.
3. Improve your writing
With each entry in your journal, you’ll find yourself developing your voice, which in turn improves your writing. Journaling is also a good habit to keep for those who write, whether that be articles, books, poems, or whatever else. Write down random anecdotes you see. If you see a young person helping an older person and are amazed at the act of kindness, write about it and reflect on it. Writing about everyday things is also good for improving your essay-writing abilities. Get yourself that A!
4. Discover your artistic side
Many people don’t believe themselves to be artistic. I, myself, am one of those people. Still, it doesn’t stop me from doodling in my journal, writing poems, or if I’m feeling silly and a little egotistical, practicing my autographs for when I undoubtedly become a famous writer. It is also a good shield for when I want to be left alone and a good way to pass time. Sometimes I even write ideas for stories that I don’t follow up on (but I might in the future if they’re any good).
5. It’s your journal to do with as you please
As your journal is for your own eyes, you can decorate it however you want. If you feel like changing up your handwriting, your journal is the perfect place to try it out! Your eyes are the only ones that are going to see it. If you feel like opening a random page and writing down your entry there, without keeping it organized, DO IT! Perhaps your journal needs a new cover? Decorate it with stickers, draw on it with markers, or tape some pictures on it. Your journal is your own personal playground for your aesthetic; feel free to explore and find your style.
All images via Giphy