Why Junk Journaling is the ultimate form of Self Care
Why Junk Journaling is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care
In a fast-paced world where our minds are constantly bombarded by screens, deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists, finding a moment of peace can feel impossible. That’s where junk journaling comes in — a creative, mindful practice that not only helps you express yourself but also nurtures your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here’s why junk journaling may just be the ultimate form of self-care.
1. It's a Creative Outlet That Heals
Junk journaling allows you to freely express your emotions without the pressure of being “perfect.” You can paint, glue, doodle, write, or paste anything that resonates with you — ticket stubs, dried flowers, magazine clippings, or even fabric. This creative expression is therapeutic. It helps you release pent-up emotions, explore your thoughts, and tap into joy.
Think of it as art therapy without the rules.
2. It Helps You Slow Down and Be Present
In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to live on autopilot. Junk journaling invites you to pause. As you sift through scraps, pick colors, or write down a memory, you're engaging your senses and grounding yourself in the moment. This simple act of slowing down becomes a form of mindfulness — which is key to reducing anxiety and burnout.
3. It Honors Your Story
Junk journaling is a deeply personal experience. Each page tells a part of your story — your dreams, struggles, favorite quotes, or moments of growth. Whether you're writing letters to your future self or documenting little joys, the journal becomes a safe, private space where you are completely seen and heard. And that, in itself, is self-love.
4. It Makes Self-Care Feel Fun and Accessible
Let’s face it — not everyone enjoys meditation or long bubble baths. But cutting, pasting, scribbling, and decorating? That feels like play. Junk journaling brings back the childlike joy of creating, and that makes self-care feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
You don’t need fancy supplies either. Old newspapers, washi tape, receipts, and handwritten notes — they all become part of your healing canvas.
5. It Builds a Habit of Reflection
Self-care isn’t just about pampering. It’s about knowing yourself. Through regular journaling, you begin to notice patterns — what stresses you out, what makes you smile, how far you’ve come. This self-awareness is powerful. It helps you make better decisions, set boundaries, and show up more intentionally in life.
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Ritual for Your Soul
Junk journaling is more than a hobby. It’s a ritual — one that brings you back to yourself when the world feels loud. It reminds you that you don’t need to be perfect, productive, or polished to be worthy of love and rest. You just need a journal, a few scraps, and a willingness to begin.
So the next time you’re overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a mental reset, try opening your junk journal. Let your hands do the healing, and let your heart lead the way.
How Junk Journaling Changed My Mental Health Routine
I never thought torn paper, vintage lace, and bits of ribbon would become part of my self-care routine—yet here I am, crediting junk journaling for reshaping the way I take care of my mental health.
💭 What Is Junk Journaling?
Before I dive into my story, let me explain for the newcomers: a junk journal is a handmade book filled with scraps, memories, mixed media, ephemera, old pages, and your own personal flair. It can be anything you want—a diary, a sketchbook, a scrapbook, or even a soul-soothing collage space.
And in my case, it became a healing tool.
🌿 From Chaos to Calm: My Mental Health Before
There was a time I felt completely overwhelmed. My mind raced constantly, my emotions felt tangled, and self-care was just another task I never made time for. I tried journaling before, but staring at lined pages and being told to “just write” never really helped me relax.
I needed something more creative… less structured… something that didn’t feel like work.
That’s when I stumbled upon junk journaling.
🎨 The Healing Power of Messy Pages
The first time I sat down with my glue stick, a pile of old envelopes, and scraps of fabric, something shifted. I wasn’t thinking about my to-do list or trying to fix myself—I was simply present. The act of choosing textures, layering paper, and writing small thoughts felt like meditation through art.
Here’s how junk journaling quietly transformed my mental health:
✨ 1. It Slowed Me Down
Life moves fast. My thoughts used to move even faster. But junk journaling made me pause. Ripping paper, choosing colors, and arranging pieces on a page forced me to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. That sense of slowness helped quiet my anxious thoughts.
✨ 2. It Gave Me a Safe Space to Feel
Some days I use my junk journal to write out emotions I can't say aloud. Other days, I just paste colors and images that reflect how I feel inside. There's no pressure to be neat or perfect—and that gave me the freedom to be emotionally honest.
✨ 3. It Boosted My Creativity (and Confidence)
Mental health is deeply connected to creativity. As I created pages I actually loved, I started feeling proud of myself again—even if no one ever saw the journal. It reminded me that I can make beautiful things, and that I’m more than just my bad days.
✨ 4. It Created a Routine I Actually Enjoy
I now look forward to my “me time.” I light a candle, turn on soft music, and bring out my journal. It's become a weekly ritual that grounds me, especially during high-stress moments.
✨ 5. It Helped Me Practice Gratitude
Many of my pages include little notes of gratitude, even if it's just a scribble:
“Today I drank tea in silence and it felt good.”
Those tiny moments of acknowledgment have helped shift my mindset in a powerful way.
🌼 Final Thoughts
Junk journaling isn’t just an art form—it’s a gentle, soulful way to care for yourself.
It doesn’t matter if you're an artist or a beginner. What matters is showing up for yourself in this small, creative way.
If you’ve been struggling to find a mental health routine that feels natural, nurturing, and even fun—give junk journaling a try. It changed my life, and it just might change yours too.
💌 Want a free junk journal starter kit? Download one from my freebies page!
Let me know in the comments—have you tried junk journaling before? How has it helped you?