3 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Journaling

You may have kept a diary or journal while growing up. We’re not talking about the “Me + You = <3” type of journal entry, but more of the “I need to write down what’s really on my mind” kind, where your honest thoughts and feelings are flowing without any filters. Journaling may seem like an old school practice, but it is such a helpful practice to many that continue to journal into adulthood. Whether you're looking for a way to organize your thoughts, track your growth, or find a moment of calm in your day, journaling can be an easy, supportive tool to use throughout your life—and it can be pretty adaptive. Here are three surprising things that might just change how you think about journaling.

1. Journaling ≠ Writing Only

One of the biggest misconceptions about journaling is that you have to love writing to consistently make entries, but that’s not the only way. Journaling can be as creative as you want it to be. If you love art, then drawing in your journal can be a great way to express yourself. Or if you're into photography or videos, adding photos or making vlogs can capture what you’re feeling too. You can even have a journal by recording your voice and using an app to transcribe your entries into written form.

Think of yourself as an artist and your journal is a blank canvas. There are no existing rules, just what works for you. You can even switch things up from time to time to stay engaged. This approach will help you feel more connected and motivated to keep on making new entries.

2. You’re Not Limited to Just One Journal

Another surprising thing about journaling is that you don’t need to keep just one. Depending on all the things you want to express, you might want to have multiple journals, with each one serving a different purpose. For example, you could have one dedicated to writing a letter to your future self—a space where you share hopes, fears, and dreams in a gentle way.

Another journal could be focused solely on gratitude, where you jot down everything good that’s happened in your life so you can re-read it on days when you’re feeling down. Having multiple purpose-driven journals can provide structure and clarity if you struggle with anxiety, making it easier to manage your emotions and find comfort when you need it.

3. You’ll Gain Insight and Foresight You Didn’t Expect

Journaling isn’t just about recording your thoughts—it’s a way to deep-dive into them in a safe, private environment. Think of your journal as a crystal ball, offering glimpses into your inner world. With a steady stream of entries, you’ll start to notice patterns and gain a deeper understanding of your triggers, thoughts, and emotions. This self-awareness can be incredibly powerful for managing stress and anxiety.

As you look back on your entries, you’ll likely discover insights about yourself, like what calms you down during stressful moments or what strengths you’ve developed over time that you never realized. You’ll also learn how you react and cope with challenges, which can better prepare you to face any potential negative experiences in the future, while also bringing your sense of gratitude and perseverance to the forefront.

Helpful Questions to Ask Yourself

If this is your first time journaling, here are some basic questions that you might find helpful as you figure out what to write:

• What am I anxious about, and how does that anxiety show up in my body or emotions?

• How do I cope with negative experiences, and what strategies have worked for me in the past?

• What strengths have I discovered in myself that I didn’t know I had?

• What thoughts and actions contribute to my self-esteem?

• How can I create a safe space for myself, and what activities or comforts bring me peace?

Getting Started with Journaling

When you’re ready to start journaling, keep things simple. Begin by dedicating just a few minutes each day and pick a specific time to write. Many people prefer to journal at the end of their day, using it as a way to unwind and reflect on the last few hours before heading to bed. Remember that journaling doesn’t need to be a lengthy or complicated task—even a few sentences can sometimes be enough. Stay honest with yourself and don’t stress over whether it's the “right way” to do it. Read through past entries every so often to see if you’ve discovered something new about yourself or found a technique that helps when you're feeling anxious. And as always, be patient and kind to yourself along the way.

Happy journaling!