By: Briani Questelles
There is a new wave of self-care that is ironically not really new at all, casual journaling. Diary-keeping has been around for decades and is often shown in popular media. While it is great for self-care and meditation it has been given a new purpose thanks to the coronavirus.
Since the first outbreak of coronavirus to now, our world has changed significantly. Journaling during this time is a great way to make yourself a part of history. Believe it or not, your daily struggles and complaints may actually be of interest to many historians in the coming decades.
Journaling is an art form as old as writing itself and it can be argued that every bit of a person's journal is essential for understanding them as a person, the time period they live in, their culture and the worries and doubts of the time.
With the rise of coronavirus, many people are starting to realize that the world they live in isn't what they thought it was. Hospitals are running low on supplies, there is a newfound appreciation for essential workers, world leaders being overwhelmed, protests are occurring to reopen the economy, the list goes on.
Tips on How to Start Journaling:
Journaling is a personal activity that many use to relieve stress and reflect on their lives. Similar to how there are many different types of people, there are many different types of journaling styles.
“Some people go all out for their journals but I don't really care that much,” said frequent journaler 19-year-old Nicole Ramos.
A journal can be dressed up or down as much as the writer seems fit. It is important to remember that your journal is for you, and can be personalized to fit your character.
It may take a while to find a journaling style that is right for you, and the thought of journaling as often as every day may be daunting on most, but journaling does not have to be a daily thing.
“I try to describe the situation for me to later remember everything,” said 20-year-old Anika Holinski. Her journal is a personal memory holder and she writes in it every few weeks to a month.
Things you can write about to get you started:
How was your day?
What made this day special?
Where are you now, physically and mentally?
What are your plans for the future/ future goals
Write a letter to yourself 6 months to a year in the future
Your opinion: social issues, celebrities, political policies
Write a letter to your younger self
Write about your favorite things
If you're looking for journaling prompts many YouTubers and influencers are participating in 30-day journaling challenges.