Journaling often gets a reputation for being a bit basic, but the truth is, it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to look after your mental wellbeing—especially for teens. And it doesn’t have to mean pouring your heart out in a diary every night.
Think of journaling as creating space for your mind to breathe. It can be:
- Writing down thoughts when life feels overwhelming
- Reflecting on a favorite book or movie and why it resonated with you
- Doodling or sketching when words don’t come easily
Why bother? Because it works:
Emotional Expression – A safe space to process feelings without judgment
Self-Reflection – Helps you understand yourself better
Stress Relief – Reduces anxiety and makes challenges feel more manageable
Creativity Boost – Improves writing skills and sparks imagination
Getting Started:
- Pick a journal that feels right for you—blank pages, guided prompts, or even digital.
- Set a routine (daily or weekly) to make it a habit.
- Use prompts if you’re stuck:
- What made you smile today?
- What’s one challenge you’re facing and how could you tackle it?
- What’s your happiest memory?
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to make sense. The point is to give your mind a chance to slow down and “package” everything that’s going on.
Start small. One sentence, one doodle, one thought. That’s journaling—and it’s enough.
Not sure where to start? We have created this simple Diary sheet to get you started. You can print it off, or just take a look to get you thinking about what you can do, for you. The hardest part is getting started.