At [allyourtime] we believe that handwriting is not dead. We learn handwriting in our childhood, but nowadays many of us tend to use it less frequently. After a year when the majority of us was glued to computer screens, disconnecting from them is crucial. A method that holds the benefits of handwriting and the pleasure of disconnecting is journaling.

Handwriting and journaling are perfect for disconnecting, but they still have a feeling of productiveness, because by practicing them you can improve your learning, by enhancing your ability to focus. Besides, it slows down mental ageing by stimulating your brain.

Moreover, the purpose of journaling is to clear your mind from anything that is bothering you or has an overwhelming effect on your life. So, it can be said that journaling can contribute to fighting depression, anxiety or stress. 

From a time management standpoint, journaling eliminates distraction, which means that you can focus on things that are important. It can improve your prioritization and organizational skills. Plus, it can make you value privacy again, which in this rapid world is almost impossible.

Journaling

When we hear the word “journaling” we might think of our younger selves writing their secrets into a colorful notebook that we locked with a key, but as we grew up the meaning of journaling changed. Journaling is an act of self expression, where we not only write down our secrets and memories, but we try to better or even heal ourselves. 

If journaling is done regularly, even for 20 minutes, it will improve your overall health. First step is to take a notebook that calls to you and your favorite pen, then sit down without any electronic device around you and start to pour your thoughts down on a piece of paper.

When it comes to journaling, you have the freedom to make it yours. You can give it structure or you can just write down whatever is on your mind. If you choose to write your journal structured there are plenty which you can choose from. Let’s take a look at some!

Classic journaling is when you write a few coherent paragraphs about what is on your mind, how was your day. The main benefit of this is that it gives you enough space to express yourself and let loose of your emotions. A downside is that you might feel pressured to constantly write something meaningful and insightful, which might cause you to lose interest in getting into this powerful habit.

One line method is when you state one sentence about your day. This method is convenient for those who don’t have time for writing pages, but still want to be conscientious. But you have to be careful when you formulate your sentences, you don’t want them to be about what you had for lunch, you have to make them meaningful and they have to represent your current state.

Bullet journal is the newest method, which merges classical journaling, note taking and to do-lists. The most amazing thing about this is that it is really efficient, because every important and main aspect of your life can be easily integrated into it. A huge negative point is that it requires a lot of discipline and the ability of neat writing, because bullet journals are not only efficient, they have to look organized and pleasant too and this rule might cause some distress.

The summer months are a suitable time for taking up journaling! We turn more time and more attention to ourselves, especially during a vacation. So, for your vacation pick a notebook and start journaling to recharge fully.

 Written by: Nagy Edina