4 types of unique journaling ideas for teens
Teenage can often be a tough, transitional phase for children. Caught between balancing rapid physical development like puberty and deep emotional changes such as mood swings, it can be an exciting, confusing and even an uncomfortable phase for them. Add to it the social pressures of performing well in studies and extracurricular activities that put undue pressure on them. Put together, all this can lead them to overthinking, grappling with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed beyond control. To help them cope better with such emotions and thoughts, as a parent, you can encourage your teenager to try journalling.
What is journaling?
In simple words, journaling means keeping a written record of your thoughts and feelings as you go about your daily routine. The beauty of journalling is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It's a deeply personal experience that might manifest itself in a variety of ways.
Types of journalling
The captivating activity of journalling is not restricted to one or two forms alone. In fact, with the changing times, different people have tried out journaling methods best suited to their liking and temperament. Some of the unique ideas for journaling are here.
Bullet Journalling
Filled with dots in a grid pattern, bullet journaling can help your teenager stay organised and process their thoughts better. To begin with, give them a dotted notebook and pen. You may help them create an index of what the journal would contain. To-do lists, exam calendar, sleep log and wish lists are some popular ideas to get your teen started with bullet journaling. For instance, ask your teenage kid to create a spread on two opposite sides of the journal by defining the important days of the month on one side and related time management goals on the other accordingly.
Gratitude Journalling
Often teenagers feel cranky and disheartened by any situation where they are unable to perform at their optimum. In such a case, helping them bring mindfulness to their regular routine can be a good idea. To do so, you may have a brief conversation with your teenage kid about life in general. Next, you can give them a journal prompt like ‘What is something that you’ve done this week to make you feel good about yourself?’This will help the adolescent be thankful for what’s going right in their life despite the challenges.
Art Journalling
Some adolescents connect better with art such as drawing and painting over other forms of self-expression. If you have an art lover teen at home, bring him/ her notebook and art supplies of their choice. Encourage them to begin with an art journal prompt such as their favourite childhood memory or something that would make them happy. Tell them to draw as they please and add a quote or two, if they wish to.
Nature Journalling
This type of journaling can assist your teenager in slowing down and smelling the proverbial roses. Simply put, the practice of following wherever our curiosity leads us and documenting the discoveries that we make outdoors is the concept behind nature journaling. Going for a walk in the nearby park, you may motivate your teenager to draw the creatures, landscapes, and textures that they see when amidst nature. It can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and how it makes them feel.
What are the benefits of journaling for teenagers?
Here are some common and well-known benefits of journalling for adolescents.
- Journalling helps your teenager sort their jumbled up feelings and overwhelming thoughts
- It helps them in keeping a track of progress made regarding any goal that your teen might have had for themselves
- Being a form of brain dump activity, journaling is known to reduce stress and anxiety as the disturbing thoughts get transferred from their mind on to paper
- It can also serve your teenage kid with getting some clarity and inspiration about their next step in the direction of their dreams