20 Ways To Creatively Add To Your Journal.

Hello,

As a social worker who has worked with many individuals struggling with mental health, I've seen the benefits of journaling firsthand. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-growth, self-discovery, and self-love. 

One way to enhance your journaling experience is to find creative ways to add to it.

 

Adding a creative touch to your journal can truly enhance the reflective process, allowing you to explore emotions, organise thoughts, and even uncover new insights in a way that feels personal and fulfilling. Journaling is more than just writing; it’s a powerful method for self-discovery, growth, and self-love, particularly for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

Here are 20 creative ideas that you can use to jazz up your journal and make it uniquely yours:

1. Use paperclips to attach little mementos, like ticket stubs or postcards, to your journal pages.

Not only does it make your journal look really cool and personalised, but it's also a great way to keep track of memories and experiences. I love looking back on my journals and seeing all the little things I've collected over time. Whenever you have something small that you want to hold onto - a movie ticket, a concert wristband, a postcard from a friend - simply clip it onto the appropriate page in your journal.

What I love about this technique is that it's so simple and easy to do, but it makes a big impact. It adds a layer of texture and depth to your journal, and it helps to bring back memories and emotions that you might have forgotten about.

2. Create your own bookmarks using pretty scrapbook paper or washi tape.

Have you ever thought about creating your own bookmarks using pretty scrapbook paper or washi tape? Not only is it a simple and inexpensive DIY project, but it's also a great way to add a personal touch to your journaling experience. All you need is some scrapbook paper or washi tape, scissors, and a ruler. 

3. Use ribbon markers to easily find important pages in your journal.

Have you ever found yourself flipping through the pages of your journal, trying to find a particular entry or piece of information? It can be frustrating and time-consuming, ribbon markers can be really useful here. Using ribbon markers is a simple yet effective way to keep track of important pages in your journal. Simply choose a few different coloured ribbons and place them at the top of pages that are particularly meaningful or contain important information. For example, you could use a red ribbon for entries about your goals and aspirations, a green ribbon for moments of gratitude, and a blue ribbon for pages where you've explored your emotions in depth. Not only will ribbon markers make it easy to find important pages in your journal, but they'll also add a fun and colorful element to your writing experience. Plus, they're an affordable and customisable option because you can choose ribbons that match your personal style and preferences.

4. Draw a weekly or monthly calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments.

I highly recommend creating a weekly or monthly calendar to help you stay on track. You'll need to decide whether you want to create a weekly or monthly calendar. If you have a lot of appointments and events, a monthly calendar may be more helpful. However, if you have a lot of daily tasks and to-do's, a weekly calendar may be a better fit for you. 

5. Use coloured pens or markers to create a unique colour-coding system for different types of entries.

One way to add some colour and creativity to your journal is by using different colours to represent different types of entries. For example, you could use blue to represent your daily reflections, red to represent your goals, and green to represent things you're grateful for. This colour-coding system will help you easily navigate through your journal and find what you're looking for.

Another idea is to use different colours to represent different emotions. For example, you could use yellow for happy memories, purple for sad memories, and orange for moments of anger or frustration. This way, you can see patterns in your emotions and work on managing them in a healthy way.

Of course, there are no rules when it comes to journaling. You can use any colours or system that works for you. The most important thing is to take the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and to prioritise your mental health. 

6. Add inspiring quotes or affirmations to the beginning or end of each entry.

I highly recommend adding inspiring quotes or affirmations to the beginning or end of each entry. Here are three ways Quotes and affirmations can be useful in your journal:

• They can serve as a powerful reminder of your goals and values. When you're feeling lost or uncertain, a well-chosen quote or affirmation can help ground you and remind you of what's important. It can be a simple yet effective way to stay focused on your personal growth journey. 
• They can help shift your mindset. When you're struggling with negative self-talk or limiting beliefs, reading a positive quote or affirmation can help counteract those thoughts. It can be a small but meaningful step towards cultivating a more positive outlook on life. 
• They can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Sometimes, all it takes is a few words of wisdom to give you the push you need to keep going. Whether you're trying to overcome a challenge or simply stay motivated on your path to self-improvement, a good quote or affirmation can be just the thing to keep you moving forward.

7. Create your own custom stickers using printable sticker paper and your favorite images or quotes.

Have you considered making your own custom stickers using printable sticker paper and your favourite images or quotes? It's a great way to not only unleash your creativity but also to spread positivity and inspiration wherever you go. You'll need supplies to add custom stickers to your journal. You'll need printable sticker paper, a printer, and of course, your chosen images or quotes. 

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own custom stickers. Whether you want to showcase your favourite quote or your own artwork, this is a great way to express yourself and spread positivity. 

8. Use washi tape to create colourful borders around your pages.

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to add some colour to your pages, washi tape is the perfect solution! Not only is it affordable and easy to use, but it can also help you express your personality and style in a unique way. Washi tape is a great way to add some visual interest to your pages. Whether you're working on a bullet journal spread, a scrapbook page, or a notebook entry, adding a colourful border can really make your work stand out. With so many different colours and patterns to choose from, you can customise your borders to match your mood, your theme, or your personal style.

9. Use different coloured pencils or markers to create a gradient effect on your pages.

Using different coloured pencils or markers to create a gradient effect on your pages is not only fun but also therapeutic. Using different colours to create a gradient effect allows you to tap into your artistic side and express yourself in a way that you may not have done before. It can make your journal pages pop.  Using different colours on your pages can add depth, dimension, and personality. It can make your journal pages look more visually interesting and appealing. When you look back through your journal, you'll be able to see how your pages have evolved over time.

10. Add pockets to your journal pages to hold small mementos or notes.

By adding pockets to your journal pages, you can create a tangible record of your memories that goes beyond just words on a page. Maybe you want to keep a ticket stub from a concert you went to, or a dried flower from a particularly beautiful hike you took. These small items can serve as powerful reminders of the experiences that have shaped you, and can help you tap into those emotions again later on. Pockets can also be used to hold notes or prompts that you want to revisit later. Maybe you write down a quote that really resonated with you, or a question that you're not quite ready to explore yet. By keeping these prompts in a pocket, you can come back to them when you're feeling more ready to do so.

11. Use stamps to add decorative elements to your pages.

Stamps are a versatile tool to have in your collection. You can use them to add a personal touch to your pages and make them truly unique. Whether you're using stamps to decorate a photo album or to create a beautiful background for your journal entries, the possibilities are endless.

12. Create a habit tracker to keep track of daily or weekly goals.

I highly recommend creating a habit tracker to keep track of daily or weekly goals. Not only is it a simple and effective way to stay organised, but it can also be a powerful tool for personal development and self-love. One of the biggest benefits of using a habit tracker is that it helps you stay accountable to yourself. When you write down your daily or weekly goals and track your progress, you are more likely to stay on track and actually accomplish those goals. It can be incredibly satisfying to see your progress over time and to know that you are taking concrete steps towards your goals.

13. Use different fonts and text styles to add variety to your writing.

It might sound like a small thing, but trust me, it can make a big difference. Using different fonts and text styles can help to break up your writing and make it easier to read. When you have a long block of text in the same font and style, it can sometimes become monotonous and hard to follow. By using different fonts and text styles, you can create visual interest and help you organise your writing and thoughts.

14. Create a mind map or brainstorming page to organise your thoughts.

When we're feeling lost or unsure of where to go next, it can be easy to get bogged down in the details and lose sight of the larger goals we're working towards. By creating a mind map or brainstorming page, you can step back and see the bigger picture, which can help you to feel more focussed and motivated. It can help you to identify patterns and connections in your thinking, sometimes our thoughts and ideas can feel disjointed or disconnected, but when we put them down on paper, we may start to see common themes or threads emerge. This can be incredibly helpful for gaining insight into our own thought processes, and can help us to identify areas where we may need to do some more work.

15. Use watercolours to create beautiful backgrounds for your pages.

Trust me, it's not only a fun and creative activity, but it can also be therapeutic and beneficial for your mental wellbeing. Watercolours are a great medium to express your emotions and feelings. The flow of the paint and the blending of colours can help you release any pent up emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. It's a great way to get in touch with your inner self and let your creativity flow. The vibrant and soothing colours of watercolours can have a positive impact on your mood and mental state. The calming effect of blue or green shades, or the energising effect of warm colours like red and orange, can help you feel more balanced and focused.

16. Create a gratitude page to jot down things you're thankful for each day.

Creating a gratitude page can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be - maybe you prefer a plain notebook or maybe you want to decorate it with stickers and washi tape. The important thing is that it's a space where you can reflect on the good things in your life. Practicing gratitude can help you shift your focus towards the positive. It's easy to get bogged down in the stress and negativity of daily life, but taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for can help you cultivate a more positive mindset. 

17. Use different textures, like fabric or scrapbook paper, to add dimension to your pages.

One of the things that I love most about using different textures on my pages is that it adds depth and interest. Rather than just having a flat page with pictures and words, incorporating materials with different textures can make your pages really pop. 

18. Create a vision board or inspiration page to keep you motivated.

A vision board a visual representation of your goals and dreams. The idea is to collect images and quotes that inspire and motivate you. It helps you to get clear on what you want. When you start to collect images and quotes that represent your goals and dreams, you start to get a clearer picture of what you really want in life. It's like creating a roadmap for your future.

19. Use doodles and illustrations to add personality to your writing.

Doodling can be a great way to express yourself and get your thoughts down on paper. Sometimes, we might not know exactly what we're feeling or thinking, but a quick doodle can help us visualise our emotions and thoughts in a tangible way. This can be especially helpful for those who have a hard time putting their feelings into words. By taking the time to doodle, you might be surprised at what you create. Your doodles could reveal something about yourself that you didn't even know before. Maybe you find yourself drawing a lot of flowers, which could indicate a love for nature. Or perhaps you find yourself drawing a lot of geometric shapes, which could indicate a love for structure and order. Paying attention to these details can help you better understand yourself and your interests.

If you are looking for prompts to help you add doodling to your journal, please check out my blog post on 100 doodling prompts to add to your journal.

20. Add pockets to your journal cover to hold extra paperclips, bookmarks, and ribbon markers.

One thing that can be frustrating is when you lose your place in your journal or can't find the bookmark or paperclip you were using. That's why I highly recommend adding pockets to your journal cover to hold extra paperclips, bookmarks, and ribbon markers. By having pockets on your journal cover, you can keep all of your important accessories in one place. No more searching through your bag or desk drawer for a paperclip or bookmark. 

Final thoughts: 

Hopefully these ideas inspire you to get creative with your journaling! Have fun and make it your own. don't be afraid to experiment. Your journal is your space to express yourself, so feel free to try out different styles and techniques. Maybe you want to try your hand at watercolors or doodling, or maybe you want to write a poem or short story. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to play and see what comes out.

But please keep in mind that it doesn't have to be perfect. It's easy to get caught up in wanting everything to look or sound perfect, but the truth is, imperfection is what makes things interesting. Embrace the messiness and let your creativity flow without judgment.

Happy journaling!