Journaling serves as a creative outlet for young adults exploring and discovering new things. (Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images)
- Studies have shown that journaling is a powerful and effective tool for navigating the complexities of modern life.
- Despite the proliferation of digital tools and apps designed to facilitate journaling, the act of writing by hand offers unique benefits.
- Reducing screen time to embrace writing in a physical journal eliminates distractions, and allows for a more focused and uninterrupted journaling session.
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The notes app has been hailed by younger generations as the new journal – a place to store the thoughts they need to express but don’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone else.
Where previous generations put pen to paper in blank books to cope with things weighing on their mental health, some with locks to keep the contents a secret, younger generations turn to their phones, which have become pocket-sized replacements for several tools: cameras, calculators, and calendars.
But what happens when the tool you turn to for relief has also been found to be a source of strain on the mental health you’re trying to preserve?
Prolonged screen time, continuous digital interactions, the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and the transition to adulthood are just some of the factors contributing to a mental health crisis among young people.
According to Lillian Henderson, marketing director of Southern and East Africa at BIC, several studies have shown that journaling is a powerful and effective tool for navigating the complexities of modern life, particularly for young adults.
A study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that adolescents who spend more time online tend to report more symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast, conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress are alarmingly prevalent among young adults.
And the number of teens experiencing depression and anxiety has significantly increased in recent years, according to a 2024 study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Journaling helps improve mental health
Healthline asserts that journaling provides a much-needed pause to help people deepen their self-discover and get to know themselves much better, including their preferences, pain points, fears, and dreams. Journaling also offers many psychological benefits, including helping young adults process emotions and reduce stress, making it a lifeline for those facing mental challenges.
Self-identity and emotional regulation are everyday struggles for young adults, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights the exploration of identity as a stress factor during adolescence. Regular journaling promotes self-reflection, leading to self-awareness. This heightened awareness helps people identify behavioural patterns, make informed decisions, and cultivate healthier habits.
A 2024 WebMD article on the Mental Health Benefits of Journaling considers journaling an effective tool in helping people attain self-awareness and regulate and control their emotions more effectively.
Journaling provides a safe, private space for expressing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Writing about experiences helps young adults process complex emotions and gain clarity, ultimately leading to better emotional health.
Journaling also significantly reduces stress. Purdue University notes that journaling has long been a method of outwardly expressing thoughts and emotions and, in this way, reducing stress and anxiety. Writing about stressful experiences helps organise thoughts and provides a sense of control—particularly beneficial for young adults facing academic and social pressures. Regular journaling helps mitigate stress and build resilience.
Additionally, journaling is a creative outlet for young adults to explore and discover new things.
It unlocks creative potential through poetry, sketches, brainstorming, or imaginative writing. An Edutopia survey argues that writing without an audience allows students to be bold and tap into their creativity and curiosity.
Writing by hand or digital journaling?
According to Henderson, the act of writing by hand offers unique benefits that digital journaling cannot replicate.
“One reason pen and paper writing still holds significant value is that it promotes physical connection.”
The tactile experience of writing by hand can enhance the emotional connection to words. This is because the physical act of writing slows down thought process and allows for deeper reflection and a more meaningful engagement with one’s thoughts and feelings. This physical connection can make the journaling process more impactful.
“Young adults need to prioritise a physical journal to fully immerse themselves in the benefits of journaling. High quality stationery enhances this experience,” she said.
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The benefits of journaling with pen and paper are also directly related to how much it reduces the screen time of young adults, who spend a significant amount of time on screens for both academic and social purposes.
Digital devices are rife with distractions, from social media notifications to email alerts. Taking a break from screens to journal can provide a much-needed respite from digital overload.
Ultimately, incorporating journaling into daily routines equips young adults to navigate modern life with greater resilience and mental clarity.
– Information supplied by BIC.