5 Ways to Journal for Better Mental Health, Without Lifting a Pen

Don't be fooled into thinking you can only journal with pen and paper. While I'm a huge fan of journaling in a beautiful hardbacked notebook, I know it isn't for everyone. 

I'm here to share 5 ways you can journal without needing to touch a pen!

1. Type it out on your Computer 

The simplest way to keep a journal in the digital age is by using a word processing document on your computer. You don't even need to spend any money, Google Docs is available to everyone with a Google Account and documents can be saved to your drive for easy access. 

Using this simple method will also allow you to add pictures or graphics to your journal without the need for a printer or a huge stash of supplies.

2. Smart Phone Apps

Want something more structured than a word processing document but like the idea of journaling no matter where in the world you are? Why not give an app a go! 

I use apps to keep a short record of the day when I know I wont have time to sit down with my physical journal but want to make sure I don't miss a thing. 

There are a huge variety of different apps out there, most have a free basic interface with an option for added personalisation for a small monthly fee. 

A few of my favourites are - 
Penzu - Available for Android and IOS

Journey - Available on Android, IOS, Chrome and Mac App Store

Grid Diary - Available on Android & IOS

3. Record an Audio Journal

Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to write or maybe you like to show how you are feeling with music. Keeping an audio journal opens up a world of possibilities for recording your day.

You can integrate sounds or songs that sum up how you were feeling that day. Sometimes our minds are taken back to a memory when we hear certain sounds, like the sound of crickets outside your holiday apartment window on a hot Bulgarian night or the sounds of waves crashing on your stormy Welsh staycation. 

An audio journal can allow you to record the voices of your loved ones so they never feel far away, no matter how far apart you are. 

Everything you need to keep an audio journal is already on your smart phone, just search for your audio recorder app. 

4. Keep a Video Journal

Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to sit and stare meaningfully down the camera lens, but you can if you want. 

You could create a video montage of images from a special day out or birthday celebration and add a soundtrack that sums up the day, or a fun way to look back. Or record yourself reflecting on your day out loud, you can use your own photos or find stock photos online that sum up the day. 

5. Create an Art Journal

If you are a more visual and creative person, maybe an art journal is more your style? 

Grab a notebook, any size will do, and get creative. You may want to paint or sketch, or maybe create a junk journal? Combining different colours and textures to represent your feelings. 

What did you think of this blog post? I'd love you to leave any comments or discussion in the comments below.