Journaling involves keeping a diary or journal that explores the thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of your life. It’s also a way to document what you see as you go through life in a creative, easy way. Journaling is a great activity to start in the month of July. It’s right after school lets out and right at the start of a long, lazy break. Summer is a time to step outside your normal routine and let your imagination flow onto the pages of a book that you will keep, treasure and maybe even pass on to someone special someday.
Visualizing and documenting your life can be highly therapeutic. There are many benefits to journaling that might not seem self-evident… “Mindful journaling,” has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, help you achieve goals, boost memory and comprehension, strengthen self-discipline, improve communication skills – and even heal.
If you’re a novice journaler, there are tons of resources to set you on the right track. Don’t be intimidated – you can’t flunk this test! If you’re a procrastinator – or a novice procrastinator
there are even resources to spur you on your way.
Every July University Art has a sale on selected journals, sketchbooks & drawing pads and paper, travel art kits & writing supplies. Browse all of the potential materials you might use to craft your story. Select the art supplies that meet your initial needs and then add different media as your story unfolds over time. Keeping a diary or journal offers a creative incentive to get out (or go get : ) some sketchpads and pencils, watercolors and acrylics, scissors and glue, clippings and camera – and make some art that tells the story of you.
Journals come in all shapes and sizes…paper and leather bound, thick and thin, simple and ornate. Some of the best journals are the ones filled with found objects, random doodles and thoughts, musing on trips you’ve taken, and snapshots of special memories. You can even make your own journal. Take a bookbinding class or gather the art supplies you need to construct a journal that’s truly unique. Bottom line, the only thing that’s absolutely required to make a journal great, is you.
Below are some additional resources that we’ve found helpful to start your journaling journey:
Journaling Tips to Help you Heal, Grow and Thrive
The Health Benefits of Journaling