Why journaling is the new ‘It’ activity?

Remember how Anne Frank didn’t miss a day to write in her diary which she named, Kitty? Anne wasn’t just scribbling dates and events — she was writing about her hopes, dreams, feelings and fears — like painting her world with words on paper. During the most difficult phase of her life, Anne found solace in her journal which became a way for her to stay connected to herself and it gave the world a glimpse into her immensely powerful resilience. In today’s world, where everyone is constantly scrolling the screens — journaling has become a sweet escape and a digital detox. Surprising, right? The old-school practice of picking up a pen and writing your thoughts in a diary has made a major comeback.

Remember how Anne Frank didn’t miss a day to write in her diary which she named, Kitty? Anne wasn’t just scribbling dates and events — she was writing about her hopes, dreams, feelings and fears — like painting her world with words on paper. During the most difficult phase of her life, Anne found solace in her journal which became a way for her to stay connected to herself and it gave the world a glimpse into her immensely powerful resilience. In today’s world, where everyone is constantly scrolling the screens — journaling has become a sweet escape and a digital detox. Surprising, right? The old-school practice of picking up a pen and writing your thoughts in a diary has made a major comeback.

Journaling might seem like an everyday activity but it is a portal to the inside of your mind, thoughts, ideas and feelings. To put it simply, it is like having a conversation with yourself. It has a history that is as old as writing itself. During Ancient Egypt, people had a lot to say and they used to write on papyrus scrolls such as family details, royal decrees etc whereas the Mesopotamians used clay tablets to write trade deals, weather and more. During those times, journaling was more about writing information and keeping track of it.

Fast forward to the 10th Century, journals became more personal. Scholars and monks started to keep handwritten diaries and notebooks to write their thoughts, dreams and sometimes what they ate for lunch. Over time, journaling became a creative pursuit for writers and artists who used it to record their reflections on life, book ideas, art, travel adventures, etc.

Leonardo Da Vinci filled countless notebooks with his beautiful sketches, innovative invention ideas and notes on everything from anatomy to lenses. His journals were mostly filled with creative ideas that helped in the invention of many world’s greatest discoveries. Then there were writers like Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and a few others who used journals as a medium to reflect on their personal lives.

By the beginning of the 21st Century, journaling made a huge comeback amongst the younger generation. It wasn’t just for scholars or writers, everyone was getting notebooks/diaries to write their feelings, set goals or make to-do lists. The power of journaling is helping many to express themselves, be creative and stay grounded in this fast-paced world. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a way to improve your mental health, or a method to stay organised, there’s a journal type out there for everyone.

Several studies have shown that regular journaling has helped in reducing anxiety and providing a sense of clarity — the best solution for a fast-paced world. According to a study in 2006, over 100 young adults were asked to journal or draw for 15 minutes about a stressful event or their plan for the day, twice during a week. People who journaled saw an immense reduction in anxiety and depression. 80% of the people were doing journaling for the first time and had seldom written about their feelings while 61% felt comfortable writing their feelings down.

It is no surprise that journaling helps in improving mental well-being. One of the most renowned examples is Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, a semi-autobiographical novel. Esther Greenwood, the protagonist, suffers and experiences deep emotional challenges in her life but writing those thoughts and feelings became a way for her to understand and cope with her mental health struggles.