#Journaling

A mental health and productivity practice of regular written reflection, exploding on social media in the 2010s.

Types of Journaling

Bullet Journaling (2013):

• Created by Ryder Carroll
• Analog productivity system
• Customizable layouts, trackers, collections

Morning Pages (1992, viral 2010s):

• From The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron)
• 3 pages of stream-of-consciousness writing every morning
• Clears mental clutter

Gratitude Journaling:

• 3-5 things you’re grateful for daily
• Linked to increased happiness (positive psychology research)

Shadow Work Journaling:

• Prompts exploring repressed emotions, triggers

5-Minute Journal:

• Morning: gratitude, intentions, affirmations
• Evening: highlights, learnings

Mental Health Benefits

• Processes emotions
• Reduces rumination
• Tracks mood patterns
• Externalizes anxious thoughts

Aesthetic Culture

Instagram/Pinterest fueled “journal spreads” culture:

• Washi tape, stickers, brush lettering
• Minimalist vs. maximalist styles
• Stationery obsession

Resources

• The Artist’s Way (Cameron, 1992)
• The Bullet Journal Method (Carroll, 2018)
• r/bulletjournal
• https://bulletjournal.com