Journaling for mental health: Fun ways to use a notebook

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Journaling for mental health is very much like that diary you kept as a teenager. However, there are many other ways of expressing oneself instead of the regular Dear diary…

In this post, I will try to inspire you to begin journaling in a way that is unique to you. You will find that it is the ideal tool to immediately improve your mental health and it can be used by anyone… teenagers, parents, post-natal moms.

Types of journaling for mental health

Here are some fun ways to incorporate journaling into your life:

Foodie journal

Are you an avid cook? Perhaps you are into visiting quirky restaurants. Document your experiences in a foodie journal. Collect mementos from each restaurant and use stickers for give star ratings.

Recipe book

Keep track of your favourite recipes, make note of compliments beside each recipe and make a list of ideas future variations.

Reader’s journal (or movie journal)

If reading is your favourite pastime, why not use it a tool for therapy? Make lists of books you have read, write a short review or synopsis for each one, creating a must-read bucket list, create character sketches and reflect on themes and characters.

Budget journaling

Become a more financially independent version of yourself. Keep track of your income and expenses, track debit orders and subscription expiries, allocate funds for expenses, goals and savings and keep track of wasteful spending.

Gratitude journal

Find time daily to embrace the goodness in your life and appreciate what life has offered you. Making regular notes about what you are most thankful for makes you a more thankful person in the long run.

Travel logs

Are you a seasoned traveler? Document your experiences in a travel log.

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Brainstorming journal

Make a list of 100 ways to ___! You’ll be surprised how creative you can be if you keep at it.

How do I start journaling for mental health?

The truth is, there is no right answer to this question! Just start… and it will all fall into place. However, before you begin, you may like to read a few pieces of advice from a more experienced journal-ist:

1. Collect all your immediate necessities – a suitable journal, a good quality pen, some felt-tip pens and some highlighters. Optional extras may include stickers, post-it notes and stencils.
2. Consider what time suits you best. You don’t have to do it first thing in the morning. You don’t have to do it last thing at night. Do what works for you.
3. Start small and keep your expectations realistic. The more you journal, the more ideas you will have about what to journal about and how best to go about it.
4. Make journaling a habit, then track your progress in a habit tracker in your journal. This will make you more accountable to yourself.
5. You don’t have to choose just one of the journaling ideas from my list above. Journal about anything and everything that makes you YOU.
6. It’s okay if your journal is messy. You will find that as your thoughts iron out, so will your journaling.
7. Keep your journal in your handbag and use it in different sceneries.
8. Be truthful about what is not working for you and adjust it. Make journaling a pleasure.
9. Stay positive. Avoid negative thought processes, even if you have to force yourself at first. Don’t wallow in self-pity or blame yourself for past decisions.
10. Be you, do YOU!

Stay well, inside and out

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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