Journaling for Young Adults: How Putting Your Thoughts on Paper Can Heal Your Mind

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Written By: Marisa Manns

As a young adult, stress is something you may know all too well. As you begin to have to worry about bigger things, whether its a career, getting through a higher education, moving into your first apartment, or watching your friends start to leave home to also do bigger things – you may feel like your head is absolutely scrambled – and that’s okay. First of all, breathe. But also, you should seriously try journaling.

Journaling is a great way to sort your thoughts out. The best part is, you can write about whatever you want. Nobody has to see your journal besides you. For me, journaling has become one of my favorite parts of the day and has immensely helped me self-reflect and ultimately have a clearer mind.

Why should you journal as a young adult? According to Write to Heal: The Benefits of Journal Writing for the Body and Mind, writing down your thoughts and problems helps to advocate for positive reflection and motives, which greatly aids in decision-making. Journal writing focuses on the writer’s internal sensations, responses, and thoughts. Write to Heal: The Benefits of Journal Writing for the Body and Mind also claims that journaling can help the writer observe experiences more clearly and release stress from their minds.

Journaling does not only give you full freedom to write whatever you want, but you can also journal whenever you want. I’ve found that I enjoy journaling the most either in the morning right after waking up, or at night before going to sleep. As the morning is the start of your day, morning journaling can help prepare you to reach your goals in the day ahead. Nighttime journaling (my personal favorite) is a great way to reflect upon the day and clear your mind before a good night’s rest. In addition to this, you can journal wherever you want; but you may want to journal in private to make the most of it.

In my personal experience, I also love to set the scene. Shut your door and sit in a comfy space (I love to journal in my bed, but you can also sit on your favorite couch or beanbag). I also sometimes light a candle, burn some incense, put my oil diffuser on, or turn on my sunset lamp while journaling. By all means you do not haveĀ to set the scene, but I will say, it’s extremely relaxing, and those are just a few ways you can do so.

As a young adult myself, nearing college graduation, I have a lot on my plate. Finding a career and planning my post-grad life while still trying to focus on the present and finish school out strong is not easy. Its quite stressful. Journaling is a therapeutic activity I do that helps me release these stressful feelings. I’d like to clarify, however, that journaling is not only an activity for stress. I also love to journal about my successes and the things I am proud of.

Journaling your successes will remind you of all the accomplishments you have made. It is a way for you to look back on your personal growth! Make it a priority to be proud of YOU, because during these stressful times, YOU will need to have your own back. So write about that A you got on your test, write about the interview that went really well, write about how you went to the gym for the first time in 3 years, or even about the really good dinner you made last night. Just as journaling is a great space to release your negative thoughts, its also a way to remember your positive thoughts and acknowledge your accomplishments.

So we know journaling is good for self-reflection, decision-making, goal setting, self-awareness, and especially emotional release. Here are some additional compelling reasons why you should consider making journaling a part of your daily routine:

  • Memory Preservation – Keeping a journal allows you revisit past experiences and relive them through your words.
  • Creativity Boost – Journaling encourages free thought, brain storming, and idea generation.
  • Self Discovery – It can help you understand yourself better, uncovering your values, beliefs, and personal growth opportunities.
  • Improved Communication – It enhances your communication skills by allowing you to organize your thoughts and properly articulate them.
  • Accountability – Journaling can help you hold yourself accountable to your goals, habits, and commitments.
  • Time Management – By logging your daily activities and tasks, you can become more efficient.