When I was a kid, I had a pink, sparkly diary with a heart-shaped lock on it where I would write my deepest secrets, greatest fears, and biggest crushes. After countless break-ins from my older brother, my diary writing days ended and my diary probably ended up somewhere in the trash. Halfway through high school, my mental health was wavering and I needed an outlet. At this point, my brother had moved out, so… it was time to bring the diary back! I’ve been writing in a journal pretty regularly since I was 17, and I highly recommend it. Here are five reasons why you should start writing in a journal:
1. They’re cute!
I know this might not seem super convincing, but at least for me, the more I like the look of something, the more likely I am to use it. I was never able to use a planner consistently until I got a pretty one with flowers and stickers inside. Now, just like my journal, the planner comes with me everywhere. Ban.do (hyperlink https://www.bando.com/) is a great place to find both!
2. They’re a place to vent
When I feel overwhelmed with feelings or any problems I’m having, opening my journal to write it all down never fails to make me feel better. My thoughts in crisis always look much more irrational on paper than in my head. And, for those of us who talk to a therapist, being able to go back to your journal is helpful to pinpoint specific issues or identify unhealthy patterns of behavior.
3. You can look back on your life
I’ve only been writing in a journal for a few years, but already going back and rereading everything I thought and did in high school is a lot of fun. People say college is the best years of your life, so why not write it all down to show your kids or to reminisce with your friends at a little reunion?
4. You can offer yourself some advice
No one knows you better than yourself. So if you find clarity in a break-up or a good quote about achieving your goals, write it down! You’re pretty much the only one going to read it, so give your future self as much help as you can. They’ll need it!
5. It’ll help you stay organized
If you’re not already convinced, according to lifehack.org, writing in a journal is supposed to increase your focus, and improve your insight skills overall. Imagine how much you can get done without all the mental clutter overwhelming your thoughts! Lots of successful people write in journals, and you can be one of them.
Writing is always something I’ve loved, and writing in a journal is by far my favorite form of writing. Journaling can help improve your mental health in so many different ways, and it’s a great life skill to have. Go run to your local bookstore or order a cute one from Etsy! It’ll be worth it.
Xoxo
Annie
Edited by Shanti Boyle