What Is Journaling? How Writing Can Help You Feel Amazing
Journaling is more than just writing—it’s a way to look after your mind and emotions.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, want to spark new ideas, or just need a safe place to be yourself, journaling can help. Here’s why journaling is so good for young people—and how to start.
Journaling sounds simple, right?
A notebook, a pen, and you. But the secret? It’s not really about how well you write or how much you jot down. It’s about the authentic connection you make with yourself.
The connection — pure and honest — to what’s going on inside your mind and heart.
Even writing one honest word that pinpoints how you’re feeling, can mean more than pages of scribbles that don’t feel real.
Authenticity comes when you are alone, or to spin it another way, all-one.
When you journal, you’re alone — but not lonely.
Most of the time journaling is something you do on your own. But when you write, it’s like having company — a private dialogue with your best friend—the one who never judges you and always listens.
In fact, journaling can make you feel less alone.
Different Ways to Journal
There isn’t just one way to journal. You get to choose the style that works for you.
Here are some popular ones:
Bullet journal – quick lists, doodles, and goals.
Gratitude journal – writing what you’re thankful for.
Morning pages – writing freely as soon as you wake up.
Power Journal — a place to admit what you can and cannot control.
There’s no “perfect” way—your journal should feel natural, fun, and personal.
My Way of Journaling: “Hybrid” Journaling — a mix of all styles!
My style depends on my mood. Some days I make lists. Other days I doodle spidery-type diagrams. I bullet list too. And I might write long paragraphs about how I’m feeling. Or jot down worries that jump all over the place, until I feel better. My kind of journaling is definitely not about being neat or “getting it right”—it’s about being connected, real, honest, and listening to myself. it’s also about valuing what’s going on for me.
Why Journaling Is Good for You
Writing in a journal can:
Help you understand your feelings.
Calm down stress and anxiety.
Boost your creativity and motivation.
Make it easier to see problems clearly.
Bring a little more happiness and balance into your life.
Scientists even say journaling is good for your body, mind, and emotions—it’s like a super-tool for health and well-being. I’d add in, how it’s good for your spirit too.
How to Journal?
The best way to start? Just start. Choose a notebook and pen that feel special to you, and write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or neatness—this is for you, not for anyone else.
Always remember: Journaling isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being yourself.
Every word is valuable and is one step closer to you understanding and seeing you.
If you’re stuck, choose from the Journaling Prompts below to help you get started.
#JournalingJourney #YAWriting #MindfulWriting #SelfDiscovery #WriteYourStory #PersonalGrowth #CreativityUnlocked #MentalWellness #EmotionalBalance #ExpressYourself
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One Honest Word — Write down one word that sums up how you’re feeling right now. Then write a few sentences about why you chose that word. (This is my favourite journaling technique! I also love the other way round — endless expressive writing until I find that one word, that sums up exactly how I’m feeling.)
My Safe Space — Describe a place, real or imagined, where you feel completely safe and free. What does it look like? How does it make you feel?
Mood Map — Think about your day or week. What were your ups and downs? Draw, list, or write about the moments that stood out and how they made you feel.
Let It Go — Write about something that’s worrying you or that you can’t control. Then write a line or two about how you might let it go or accept it.
