Journaling can be a helpful way to process your thoughts, reflect on your day, or simply create a moment of stillness in a busy life. But let’s be honest—not everyone has the time (or the energy) to sit down and write pages of introspection every day. And that’s okay. If traditional journaling feels like another item on your to-do list, there are plenty of other ways to pause, reflect, and connect with yourself. Here are some ideas that might feel a little more doable:
Restful Ways to Journal
Bullet Journaling: Quick, organised, and adaptable. Use short notes and symbols to keep track of what matters most—no perfection required.
Gratitude Journaling: Jot down a couple of things you’re thankful for. A single sentence or two is enough to shift your perspective.
Art Journaling: Doodle, paint, or collage your thoughts and feelings. No rules—just a creative way to unwind.
Dream Journaling: Capture your dreams when you wake up. It doesn’t have to make sense; it’s just a way to explore what’s bubbling under the surface.
Travel Journaling: Snap photos, scribble notes, or collect keepsakes from your adventures. Perfect for those who love to remember the little things.
Reflective Journaling: Spend a few minutes writing about what stood out in your day. It doesn’t have to be deep, just honest.
One-Sentence Journaling: Summarise your day in one sentence. That’s it. Done.
Stream of Consciousness Journaling: Let your thoughts flow onto the page without editing. There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
Voice or Video Notes: Not into writing? Talk it out instead. Your phone is a great tool for capturing thoughts on the go.
Notes on Your Phone: Keep it simple. Open your notes app and write what’s on your mind when you have a moment.
Mood Tracking Apps: A quick tap to record how you’re feeling can offer surprising insights over time.
Doodle Journaling: Draw what you feel instead of writing it. Stick figures and squiggles count too.
Photo Journaling: Take one photo a day that sums up your mood or experience. Over time, you’ll have a visual story of your life.
Mind Mapping: Instead of paragraphs, try visualising your thoughts as a diagram. Great for untangling tricky ideas.
Junk Journaling: Collect everyday items—like tickets, wrappers, or notes—and arrange them in a notebook. It’s creative, tactile, and low-pressure.
Journaling doesn’t have to look a certain way or follow a specific structure. It’s about creating a space that feels good for you—a place to rest your thoughts, whatever that looks like.
Want to explore journaling further? Contact The Rest Method to join our monthly journaling community, where we share ideas, tools, and practices to bring more calm and clarity into your life. We’d love to have you with us.
