A Deep Dive Into The Benefits of Journaling

In a world that is chronically online, journaling can be a fantastic way to unwind and destress. Not only is it a creative outlet in a digital-driven lifestyle, but it is also a method of organisation, helping you stay focused on whatever task is at hand.
Cover photo credit: @lovepipsticks on Pinterest, found here

Different types of journaling include:

- Junk Journaling
- General Planning
- Dotted / "Bullet Journaling" 
- Diaries

Junk Journaling

Junk journaling is a mixture of collaging, scrapbooking, and traditional journaling which is currently having a surge in popularity on social media. Creators on Tiktok, Instagram and YouTube are sharing hundreds of hours of content related to junk journaling, all for the benefit of others.
Photo credit: @martina_calvi_ on Pinterest, found here

Unlike scrapbooking, which focuses on buying aesthetically pleasing items to include, junk journaling focuses on taking ‘junk’ that you have lying around the house (eg. stickers, receipts, old books, train tickets) and putting it into your journal in any way you see fit. The best part is, there are no rules, so you can journal however you like!

The Ultimate Junk Journal - Green

25.00 GBP

Unlike scrapbooking, which focuses on buying aesthetically pleasing items to include, junk journaling focuses on taking ‘junk’ that you have lying around the house (eg. stickers, receipts, old books, train tickets) and putting it into your journal in any way you see fit. The best part is, there are no rules, so you can journal however you like!
Junk journaling forces you to focus on the little things, marking a move away from endless scrolling. Instead, junk journaling lets you keep a physical record of things you’ve done, places you’ve visited, and people you’ve met. By taking what other people see as waste and turning it into something beautiful, you’re also benefitting your own mental health.
Shop the Ultimate Junk Journal here 

General Planning

Using a planner can not only keep your life organised, but can keep your mind organised as well.
Journaling, or planning, is an excellent form of self-care. It can help you achieve your goals, through tracking habits and keeping yourself accountable to your goals. Through tracking, you can feel a sense of accomplishment, as you can see how far you’ve come since the beginning. Planning can also help improve your general writing and communication skills, something that’s increasingly important in the world of work.

Dotted Journaling

Dotted Journaling or "Bullet journaling", established by Ryder Carroll in 2013, is a method of journaling which focuses on maximum efficiency. It describes itself as a ‘mindfulness practice designed as a productivity system’, and is all about using your journal to its full benefit. 

The key aspects involves getting a notebook, then creating an index page and a series of ‘logs’, or tracker pages, for planning. These can be as simple or as complicated as you like, going all the way from a simple to-do list to an intensive daily planning schedule.

Get started on your own bullet journaling journey by shopping our Pre Made Dotted Tracking Journals.

Diaries

Although these categories overlap slightly, keeping a diary is primarily a written exercise that focuses on logging your own thoughts, emotions and feelings. 
Simply writing things down can help declutter the mind and provide a safe outlet for any emotions, intense or otherwise. Studies have shown that writing about our emotions can help to reduce stress in daily life, and improve general mental health. Having a record of your emotions can also help to understand your own stress patterns, giving you useful tools for dealing with difficult times.

Diaries can also provide safe spaces for self-expression. They’re completely private spaces where you can express yourself however you see fit. This can be incredibly beneficial, especially when everyone is so connected to one another online. It’s also really fun to look back and read old diaries, as you remember what you did when you were younger! The best part is, you can write about whatever you like, with no rules or limitations.
These four methods are only a small glimpse of what journaling has to offer. Try experimenting with a few different styles to see what works for you, and remember to keep updated with The Journal Club’s latest product launches by following us on Instagram and signing up for our mailing list.