#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