08-06-2025
The art of journaling has found a fresh home among young adults
As summer reaches its peak in Oman and schools and colleges close for a long break, it is inevitably a time for a much deserved rest. But it is also a time to rejuvenate – both the body and the soul. At some point in the long break and unrelenting sun, try journaling.
Once viewed as a pastime for tweens, as we now know them, scribbling in secret diaries or public figures writing their memoirs, journaling today is an industry in itself. Thanks to many events like Covid, the focus on mental health and the pushback on technology, journaling is being re-interpreted as a calming and reflecting opportunity.
This is not a coincidence. Self-care, uncertainty of the future, whether professional or personal, and the need for moral clarity where there is little around us, are all factors pushing this trend to becoming a lifestyle for many. In that sense, it is actually a cultural shift.
There is inspiration from all corners of the world: US author-artist Julia Cameron's popular 'Morning Pages' started a trend that famous writers like Indian stand up comedian Vir Das recommends. The technique is to switch off from all distractions for an hour every morning and, well, just write. It is a literal brainstorming that could include thoughts, fears, hopes, motivation and even concrete plans. Das says that he writes up to 3 pages every day – that is a lot of daily reflection.
Journaling is actually restorative in our present world of incessant stimulations. The digital age, ironically, has made this old-fashioned trend revive. Social media is full of aesthetically pleasing journals, layouts and inspiring prompts. Popular hashtags include #bujo [bullet journaling] or #jounrnalinspiration, all showing ways for people to connect.
Journaling doesn't only use words – it can be a mixed method format of scrapbook, sketches and text, along with other forms like actual planning. This is popular among young adults because it allows them to be more authentic – not the perfect digital version that is the aspiration in much of social media.
As people navigate from one challenge and opportunity to another, journaling becomes a way to track goals, manage time and reflect on achievements and aspirations.
There is a format of journaling for everybody: a bullet form for those who think in terms of itemised ideas, gratitude forms to remind us of what we already have, even a feeling tracker format that charts changing emotions in particular days.
Journaling is now frequently recommended by counsellors and even neuroscientists who have found that writing by hand engages all the regions of the human brain that are involved in cognition, memory and reflection.
The best part of journaling is that it doesn't require any equipment – an old paper and pen can be basic and there is no limit to what can be added to it – beautiful scented books, pictures, colours or just plain words – the possibilities are endless. Encouraging youngsters around us to engage in journaling may offer them a space to clarify their thoughts, be creative and just be a place to be themselves.
