Keeping a diary or journal is a fantastic habit that anyone can benefit from.
Seeing the poster for “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” immediately transported me back to the 90s when the first book was released and I was living in London. It bought back so many memories of great times in the UK but also reminded me of my old diary habits. Fans of the original book will know it was written in diary form and this theme continues through the movies as well.
Keeping a diary or journal might sound like something only introspective poets or angst-ridden teenagers do, but it’s actually a fantastic habit that anyone can benefit from. You don’t need to be a writer or have a dramatic life to enjoy the perks.
First off, journaling is an amazing way to clear your head. Ever have those days when your mind feels like it’s crammed full of thoughts, worries, to-do lists, and random “What if?” scenarios? Writing it all down is like decluttering your brain. It gives you a way to lay everything out in front of you and see things more clearly. You can sort through your thoughts, figure out what’s actually important, and maybe even solve problems you didn’t realize you had. It’s like mental spring cleaning.
If you are like me and love a list, keeping a diary is a great way to stay on track. You can use it to jot down tasks, brainstorm ideas, or even plan out your week. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about crossing things off a list. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, even if it’s something small like “buy cat food” or “ring Mum”.
“It gives you a way to lay everything out in front of you and see things more clearly”.
Keeping a journal is also a great way to work through emotions. When you’re going through something, writing down your feelings can be super therapeutic. It can help you uncover how you are feeling and give you a chance to vent. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you focus on the good things in your life by creating a space for you to jot down the positive things you notice each day. Gratitude practice has been found to increase self-esteem and mental strength as well as enhance empathy for others.
Diaries are also a great reminder that we don’t always remember things accurately from the past. I was so surprised to reread one of my old diaries from when I was walking the camino trail to Santiago – I had completely forgotten how sick I was for about a week of it. My brain had glossed over the really hard bits of that trip and just left the lovely romantic memories of the road and the sunflowers and trying to speak Spanish!
“Keeping a journal is also a great way to work through emotions. When you’re going through something, writing down your feelings can be super therapeutic”.
And last but not least, journaling can be a great stress reliever. When life gets hectic, sitting down to write for just 5 or 10 minutes can be incredibly grounding. It forces you to slow down, breathe, and focus on something other than the craziness around you. Whether you’re writing about your day, your dreams, or just doodling in the margins, it’s a little slice of peace in a busy world.
So, if you’ve ever thought about keeping a journal but haven’t started, give it a try! You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it—and how much it helps.
Bridget Jones – Mad About the Boy. Starts 14th February.
Here are some links to help you get started with your diary.
Words by Anne-Maree McDougall
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