Why journal? There are several great reasons for putting your thoughts and/or daily tasks on paper – or screen:

Improve your memory

If you write something down, you’re more likely to remember it. But unlike a to-do list or a note stuck on the fridge, journalling is about recording your thoughts, memories, and reflections. Whatever you choose to record, it can help improve memory and organise your ideas and thoughts.

Achieve your goals

Some people mix journalling and their task lists, while others write down their thoughts on their progress and desires around those goals. Top-level athletes often have a sports journal to track their progress and motivate them.

Reduce your stress

Journalling can lessen stress and anxiety; writing about things that worry you makes them easier to process and manage, taking strain off your mind.

There are many types of journals: diaries, goal planners, food journals, exercise journals, dream journals, and sketchbooks. What they have in common is that they’re private and informal, like talking to a trusted friend. 

How to journal

• Focus on your thoughts: you can add to-do lists and appointments to your journal. But the main purpose is having a place to write down what's on your mind.
• Use it as an informal hub: your journal will reveal ideas, tasks and thoughts you might want to act on. Add them to a task list or calendar, or a separate note. Don't use the journal only to organise your life; it’s also your confidante!
• Build a habit: the long-term benefits come from consistency, so journal often, preferably daily. If you skip a day, don’t give up. Just get back into it. Even one sentence is a start. There are no rules other than to try and stick to the habit. Perhaps set a daily reminder on your phone.
• Use a pre-dated journal: you can journal in any blank book or Word document, adding dates as you go. But it’s more motivational to use a standard diary with predefined dates, or to create date sections in a digital document beforehand. You’ll be less likely to skip days – but if you do, get back in there!
• Go with what’s comfortable: journalling doesn't have rules. Write about what you want and as much as you want. Write with a pen, type on a laptop, or use your phone. You can record a voice note for something random that pops up, although it's easier to revisit written entries. Draw pictures, symbols, or colour-code your entries. Focus on goals or write a stream of thoughts. Whatever works for you.

Click here for other journalling tips.

Journalling apps

• Google Docs: If you have a Gmail account, you can also use Google Docs. The benefit is that you can access your journal through a browser, so it’s always ready to use. You can also save a document offline and continue writing – even without an internet connection.
• BlackNote: The BlackNote Notepad app is free and it’s a great way to journal on your Android phone. It's intended for notes, but the format also works well for journal entries. You can lock notes with a PIN, ensuring they stay private.
• WhatsApp: Yes, you can use WhatsApp to journal, albeit in its message format. To do this, send messages to yourself. Search for “you” in the app and find the account under your phone number. Only you can see messages sent to that account. If you want extra security, turn on “chat lock” under the account profile.
• Day One Journal: Apple users can download the excellent Day One Journal, which has many features, including a reminder option. And later this year, Apple will release a new Journal app with iOs 17.
• 5-Minute Journaling App: This popular app provides features and widgets to enhance your journaling. Just don’t get overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles

Keep yourself Going With Fibre

While you will journal about your good days and your bad days, the last one we want you to complain to your journal about is your internet connection. So get Vodacom Fibre for fast and secure internet, and get free LTE connectivity for one month while you wait for your installation. To find out whether you have fibre in your area and to apply click here.