Cheng Shaye-Ann offers tips on how to be a journal writer, which she sees as an outlet to be your true self without any fear of judgement.

The Case for Journaling

It is easy to get swept up in the madness of university life. We are met with an endless stream of: events to attend, societies to join, people to meet and assignments to complete. As we discover ourselves in this odd limbo between adolescence and adulthood, we are pulled in a million different directions and battle a million senseless struggles, often in silence, as we do our best to pull ourselves together and show that we are staying afloat. Amidst all of this chaos, it is important to take time out for ourselves to do something relaxing. In my opinion, a spectacular way to do this is to journal.

To me, there is almost nothing more grounding than letting myself fall into a pensive mood (pun intended), allowing my thoughts and feelings flow right out of my pen onto paper until I’ve realised that time has just flown by and I’ve filled five pages.

So without further ado, here are some of my top tips to get started on journaling in University.

Preparing to Journal:

1. Find a convenient time to do it

For example, I’ll carve out half an hour in between my morning lecture and lunchtime to journal instead of sitting around in my room on my phone while waiting for my next meal.

2. Find a spot you love with a good view

One brilliant thing about Durham is how spectacularly picturesque it is. There is an abundance of lovely benches to journal at along the river, college and the Botanic Garden. Or if you fancy staying inside, you could opt to write in a cute café, the dining hall, or your room. I’ve even tried journaling in the TLC- they have comfy seats there. Here are a few of my select choices:

3. Set the sonic vibe

Maybe put on some music that gets you in the mood to reflect, or just listen to the surrounding soundscape. You could even create a special Spotify playlist for journaling.

4. Remember to have fun

Journaling is often made out to be this nebulous thing, only fit for people who are “deep” or “good at writing”. The truth is- if you’re a human, you have thoughts. If you know how to write basic words, you can get those thoughts onto paper. Your journal is yours and it doesn’t have to be Pulitzer-worthy. Write what you want, let this be your safe space.

What to Write?

1. Describe your surroundings

You might want to set the scene a little for your future-self reading the entry back.

2. Write about the day

What did you do? Who did you interact with? How did you feel? Why did you feel that way? What are you grateful for? How would you like to move forward?

3. Prompts to Get to Know Yourself

Describe your family members (include stuff like individual qualities, their relationships with each other, their relationships with you, etc)
A scene from my life that I wish I had a video of
Things that remind me of people
My favourite songs, movies and books
When do I feel the most like myself?
What do I enjoy so much that I lose track of time?
Have I forgiven myself for my mistakes?
Write a letter to yourself from 5 years ago

4. Prompts to Grow

Who inspires me? How do I see these qualities in myself?
Am I satisfied right now?
How can I reflect love to the people around me better?
Do I actually want the things I’m chasing?
What am I still holding onto that I need to let go of?
What do I think is a good use of time?
Write a letter to yourself in 5 years

5. Extras

Pinterest is an amazing resource for journal prompts and ideas. You might want to keep a mood or habit-tracker in your journal. Doodle! Draw! Maybe cut out pictures and stick them in! Press in a cool-shaped leaf (would highly recommend this).

Get as creative as you wish. To have something that truly just belongs to you, an outlet to be your true self without any fear of judgement, is truly something precious.

Happy journaling!