While a blank journal filled with seemingly endless empty pages may seem daunting at first (and it certainly was to me), journaling has been one of the most helpful tools for me to manage my mental health in college.
Journaling can take up as much or as little time as you want, which makes it the perfect coping skill for a fast-paced college life.
1. It’s okay to be messy
Journaling is all about getting into your feelings! Your journal doesn’t need to look like all of the adorable scrapbook journals on Pinterest. If you like that look, then by all means, go for it! But, if you’re like me, and that might seem like too much work, and you can simply jot down your ideas and thoughts as they come to you.
2. Write about how you feel
Journaling should be a safe space to write about absolutely anything you feel, so don’t be afraid to write down your craziest thoughts! It’s also important to remember that your thoughts do not define you as a person, and that it’s completely normal to feel one way when you’re really emotional, and then feel differently when you’re in a more stable state of being.
3. Choose a journal you like
Pick a notebook that looks nice and is pretty enough for you to want to pull it out of your desk and actually write down your thoughts. I’ve also found that smaller (usually 6”-8”) spiral notebooks work best for me, as they allow me to lay the journal flat without any effort and easily slip it into a tote or backpack.
4. Be mindful
For me, journaling is a fantastic form of self-care. I can write down all of my feelings and get really introspective about why I feel the way I do. Sometimes it helps just to rant and write down all of the swirling thoughts in your head, but the ideal process of journaling includes self-reflection, which can help you understand your thoughts and feelings. This has helped me become more mindful in my everyday life, and I find myself taking a second to think about why I feel a certain way instead of just immediately acting in a way that may not be conducive to me.
5. Time and atmosphere
I love having a specific time during my day for journaling, and it gives me an outlet every day to spill all of my feelings into. Having designated “journal time” also puts me in the right mindset for being reflective on myself and how I have been feeling recently. I have found that having a cute pen and a nice cup of tea can also put me in a journaling mood, and really make the experience more catered to my needs and how I want to spend my reflection time.
While all of these tips have helped me, these might not work for you, but don’t be discouraged! Instead, figure out what makes your journaling experience helpful to you, and feel free to experiment and try different methods, from journaling prompts to free-form writing. Stay healthy and journal on!