5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling

Pull out that piece of paper and pen ASAP.

Abigail Cawthorn
May 06, 2019
UNC Charlotte
71
5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Time Journaling
Abigail Cawthorn

I have kept a journal for years. I have written in various types of journals. I have done online versions, kinds that I keep in my phone, and the classic leather journals. This has been one of the best habits I have ever picked up.

Writing in my journal clears my mind. Makes me think about the past, present, and future. Putting my thoughts on paper has caused less anxiety to occur in my mind. I want to encourage people to journal more often.

Now, don't think I journal every day, but I try my hardest to journal when I have the opportunity.

I have encouraged friends and family to journal in the past and I get responses like "I get bored," "I don't know what to write about," or "I don't like reading what I wrote in the past." Here are some tips to improve your journal experience:

1. Listen to music while you journal.

Abigail Cawthorn

I can't express this enough. When I listen to music I enter my safe space. My mind becomes more reflective and even more creative. For a long time, when I would journal, I wrote down what song I was listening to while I started to journal for the day. It is always a great way to start your entry too. You may not know what to write about so sometimes I write about the song or the artist.

2. Include the date.

Including the date in your journal entry will keep your thoughts separate and more clear. I like writing out the full date so I can reflect on the day. This may help you write about your day and what is happening.

3. Include your location.

Giphy

This is another way to start your entry if you do not know what you want to write about. Simply including, "I am sitting at the coffee shop near campus in a chair next to the window" can spark ideas and thoughts.

4. Start with what is happening right now.

Giphy

Start with what is happening right now. If you start with what is happening right now it can help you write about what brought you to this point and what your next move will be.

5. Don't read past entries.

Giphy

Reading past entries can stir up strange emotions. It can make you sad, nostalgic, bittersweet, uncomfortable, embarrassed, and more. Write to write. Don't write to read later in life because you will write what you think you'll want to read. It won't be genuine.

Amazon has great journals for the low. I do suggest that you purchase locally though.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
19173
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
297553
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
92388
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
154811
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
70950
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments