Diary writing can be useful for lots of people – that’s why many famous people keep diaries. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Marie Curie have all been known to keep journals. Since a diary is a very personal work of writing, there are no rules for how you write in yours. You can use it to journal daily events, to vent, or as a bullet journal. No matter what you use your diary for, it can be helpful to have one. Here’s why:
1. A Diary is a Healthy Outlet for Emotions
Let’s be honest – your friends and family won’t always be there for you when you need them, and therapists usually only meet with their clients once a week. When your loved ones are busy or just don’t have the patience, a diary can help you let your feelings out in a healthy way. Use your journal to weigh out the pros and cons of a situation, to write a letter to someone without sending it, or just to get things off your chest. Remember, no one has to see it!
2. Commit Goals to Memory
Writing things down helps people remember things better than not keeping any record of it. This is especially helpful to those who want to make a list of goals and tasks. By writing them down in a diary, you’re committing to those items on paper. You’ll be able to look back on them as often as you want to remind yourself of the steps you need to take in order to reach your goals.
3. Remember Random Things You Hear
Have you ever heard a hilarious joke, but forgot the punchline an hour later? With a diary, you can write down things you hear that you’d like to remember but might slip your mind due to their lack of importance. A diary can also be helpful to remember the name of a book or a movie someone recommends you, a topic you’d like to research online, or a quote you heard.
4. Diaries Can Be Outlets for Creativity
A diary doesn’t just have to contain writing – you can use it to draw graphs, sketches, and anything else. In fact, many people who use diaries for bullet journaling create beautiful, colourful spreads. Your diary can contain mood trackers, weekly planner pages, and positive messages.
5. You’ll Always Find Reasons to Be Grateful
Many people use their diaries as a daily gratitude journal. By writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day, you’ll likely start to have a more positive outlook on life. Use your diary for just this purpose, or tack on gratitude prompt to your entries!
Keeping a diary isn’t just for loners and writers. Anyone can benefit from a diary, and it can be used however you want. You can use any notebook to start your diary, so grab some colourful pens and get started today!
I don’t keep a diary but the mental health benefits are supposed to be immense – I guess in a way my blog is my diary though as that’s where I often unleash my thoughts, emotions and fears!
I have definitely found keeping a diary has helped me in times where I have felt low or in need of guidance. It’s surprising what falls out of your brain onto the page.
I’ve started a diary many times in the past but end up forgetting about them sadly! They are great for some people though.
I tend to go through phases with them but I figure that it means I don’t always need them.
I haven’t committed to a proper diary but I always carry a notebook with me to jot down ideas I have or random musings. I much prefer a pen and paper too.
Even having your little notebook will be a great help, I love it.
I’ve tried several times to keep a diary but I never manage to keep it up. I admire people who can keep at it.
I have definitely gone through periods of my life where I find it easier than others.
I do try and keep a diary, but find sometimes life gets in the way. Good idea though and helps to achieve goals for sure xx
It can be quite a commitment trying to keep a diary, I know the feeling well x
I have been considering keeping a diary for a little while! As you said they can be great for mental health and I am always looking for ways to improve my mental health!
I think life becomes so busy sometimes it does us good to stop and take stock to settle our minds, I hope you find it helpful xx
The most important thing for me for having a diary is it helps me with my memory! I forget so many things and it is nice to look back and say actually we did this etc etc. I wish I was better at it though! x
Haha I know what you mean, I start diaries and then forget where I put them! x
Even though I don’t keep a diary, I agree with the reasons you’ve mentioned.
They definitely won’t be for everyone but some people find them invaluable.