Journaling. It’s that age-old activity that might make you think of a dusty diary locked away under your bed, or maybe a “Dear Diary” moment that feels a little... too 2000s teen movie. But trust me, journaling is having a major moment right now, and it’s not just because of aesthetic bullet journals or TikTok influencers recommending it (though, hey, they’re onto something).

In fact, journaling is like a cheat code for your mental health, creativity, and personal growth. And guess what? It’s also backed by a ton of science. This isn’t just some trendy wellness practice; it’s a legit tool that can improve your brain function, emotional well-being, and even your life satisfaction. So let’s dive deep into how journaling actually affects your mind, body, and soul—and why it should definitely be a part of your routine.

First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the actual act of writing by hand. In today’s digital world, it might feel more efficient to type everything out, but writing by hand activates different regions of your brain. Think of it like flexing muscles you didn’t know existed.

A study from The Writing Revolution (2017) highlights that writing by hand strengthens both cognitive and motor functions, which is why when you journal, you’re not just "writing"; you're stimulating your memory and thinking processes. When you scribble down your thoughts on paper, your brain works on a deeper level to organize ideas, which can improve focus and clarity. So when you’re journaling, you’re literally making your brain smarter!

In addition, handwriting has been shown to help with learning and retention. A 2016 study published in Psychological Science found that people who took handwritten notes were more likely to retain information than those who typed notes (Mueller & Oppenheimer). So not only is journaling great for mental health, but it could also help boost your memory for exams, presentations, or just general life stuff. Multitasking at its finest!

Let’s face it: life gets stressful. Between school, work, relationships, and just... existing in 2025, it’s easy for your brain to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, journaling can act as your personal stress-reliever. Think of it like an emotional purge.

Research from the Journal of Affective Disorders (1986) shows that expressive writing significantly reduces psychological distress. When you write about your feelings, you’re literally creating a cognitive space where your mind can safely process difficult emotions without the judgment of others. Instead of bottling everything up (which leads to anxiety, burnout, and the occasional emotional meltdown), you get to dump all your worries onto paper.

The magical part? Writing allows you to reframe your situation, which is a psychological technique used to change the way you view your stressors. For example, journaling about a bad day might help you identify patterns in your thoughts and behavior, allowing you to understand your triggers better. Over time, this can reduce stress and anxiety levels by providing you with coping mechanisms that work for you.

In fact, writing has been linked to a reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone), making journaling one of the most accessible ways to chill out and calm your nervous system. Just a few minutes of journaling can make a huge difference in how you feel. So grab that journal the next time you’re feeling a little frazzled—it could be your secret weapon against a stressful day!

We all have a creative side—whether it’s writing, drawing, dancing, or making weird TikToks—and journaling is a goldmine for unlocking that inner artist. Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves the space to think freely, without judgment or expectations. Journaling offers that very space.

According to a study conducted by the University of California, journaling activates divergent thinking, which is a key component of creativity (Laird, 2015). Divergent thinking is the ability to think of multiple solutions to a problem, and it’s directly linked to creativity. By journaling regularly, you give your brain the freedom to explore new ideas, make connections between seemingly unrelated things, and get really imaginative.

Plus, it’s a low-pressure way to create. You don’t have to worry about perfection or anyone judging you. Your journal is a safe space for doodles, random ideas, weird dreams, and whatever else you feel like putting on the page. It’s not just for writers—artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs can also benefit from using journaling as a creative outlet.

So, whether you’re jotting down song lyrics, sketching out a business idea, or writing an entire short story, your journal can become a playground for your imagination to roam free. It’s your very own creativity incubator.

One of the coolest—and most mind-blowing—parts of journaling is the ability to look back and see just how far you’ve come. Time moves so fast, and it’s easy to forget where you started. But when you revisit old journal entries from months, or even years, ago, it’s like opening up a time capsule of your past self.

You get to see the raw emotions, struggles, and dreams you had at that time—and then compare them to the person you’ve grown into now. Sometimes, the growth is subtle, and other times, it’s jaw-dropping. This act of reflection can be incredibly powerful because it shows you just how much progress you’ve made, even on the days when you didn’t feel like you were moving forward.

This is something I’ve experienced firsthand as the founder of Living Revive. I’ve kept journals going back to 2019, and let me tell you, it’s crazy to go back and read what I was feeling and thinking at different points in time. In 2019, I was in a completely different headspace—uncertain about my goals, overwhelmed by the challenges of starting a business, and trying to figure out how I could make an impact in the world. Fast forward to today, and I see someone who’s grown in confidence, clarity, and resilience. It’s not always an obvious shift when you’re living through it, but when I look back at those pages, I can see the growth in real, tangible ways.

Sometimes I’ll read an old entry where I was grappling with self-doubt or feeling burnt out, and I’ll just smile because I can now see how I overcame those challenges—how I learned to trust myself more, how I developed better coping strategies, and how I built a community around Living Revive. It’s such a humbling and exciting experience to witness my own evolution.

These journals have become my personal roadmap, showing me how each struggle, each breakthrough, and each tiny step forward added up to who I am now. And guess what? You can do the same. Your past self has so much wisdom to offer, even if it’s messy or uncertain. Re-reading old entries can be a reminder of how far you've come—and give you the motivation to keep moving forward.

So, whether it’s a moment of success you want to relive or a tough lesson you’ve learned, going back to those old journals helps you appreciate the journey. It’s a great reminder that no growth is too small to celebrate. And honestly? It’s super exciting to think about how your future self will feel when they look back at the you of today. Your journal is a time machine, and the possibilities are endless.

One of the best things about journaling? There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. It’s all about finding what works best for you. Just like how you might experiment with different types of exercise or find your unique style of self-care, journaling can be totally tailored to your personality, your needs, and what you’re hoping to get out of it. The beauty of journaling is that there are endless ways to express yourself, whether you’re into structured prompts or free-flowing thoughts. So let’s explore some of the most popular types of journaling, and maybe one (or a few!) will feel like your vibe.

The beauty of journaling is that you can mix and match. You don’t have to pick just one style—maybe you’re into bullet journaling for organization but also love free writing when you need to vent. The key is to experiment and see what feels good to you. It’s a personal journey, and you can switch up your style as you grow.

And if something doesn’t work for you right away? No worries. It’s all about finding what helps you express yourself best. Journaling is your personal space to explore, reflect, and grow. It can change and evolve as you do, and that's what makes it such a powerful tool.

So, go ahead—grab a notebook, start writing, and let the journey unfold. Whether you’re jotting down your dreams, tracking your goals, or just venting about your day, there’s a journaling method out there that’s perfect for you. ✨

At the end of the day, journaling is so much more than just putting pen to paper—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional healing, and personal growth. Whether you're reflecting on your day, diving into your dreams, setting goals, or simply unloading your thoughts, journaling helps you connect with yourself in ways that words can’t always explain. It’s a practice that allows you to track your progress, celebrate your wins, and learn from your struggles. And the best part? There’s no “one size fits all.” The beauty of journaling is that it can be whatever you need it to be, evolving with you as you grow. So, grab your journal, find what works for you, and watch how your thoughts, goals, and life transform over time. Remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about the journey. ✨