I’ve been using my bullet journal for almost a year. The system works for me. This is the longest I have ever kept a journal. The key to the bullet journal for me is its flexibility. I use what works, stop using what doesn’t, and can change my pages any time I want or need to. It feels good to feel organized. My bullet journal makes me happier. The bullet journal system might not work for every one, but I recommend giving it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised to see it works for you too.
What is a Bullet Journal?
The bullet journal craze started with a digital designer named Ryder Carroll. He calls it “the analog system for the digital age.” He continues to adapt his system and has even added an app for those who can’t or don’t want to go strictly analog. Visit his website here.You can also search bullet journals on Instagram and Pinterest to get an idea of how people have taken Ryder’s original idea and run with it. The variety is amazing and inspiring.
Think of the bullet journal as a combination of a list keeper, planner, calendar, and diary. You can make it as basic or as dressed up as you like. Some people prefer basic black. Some people prefer loads of color. You can include drawings and other artwork, photos, quotes, and even receipts and ticket stubs. Mine goes with me everywhere.
See the difference between basic and colorful?
How My Bullet Journal Makes Me Happier
Organization Means Less Worry
I’m a list maker and I get a lot of satisfaction from crossing off the things I’ve completed. Staying organized makes my life easier.Just being honest here. I make lists because I’d lose my head of it wasn’t attached. In my life, if it doesn’t get written down, it probably won’t happen. My bullet journal is the place I can write everything down. It keeps me organized. Being organized helps lessen my anxiety and stress. With my bullet journal, I know I’ve got things written down. It’s taken care of.
Letting Go of Perfection
My bullet journal also helps me with my perfectionism. Looking at all the beautiful bullet journal posts out there, it is easy to get discouraged. I will never have the perfect journal. My writing is too sloppy. My time is too precious to spend hours designing amazing new layouts. I’ve learned to be content with what I can do instead of criticizing myself for not doing it “better”. Letting go of perfection is one of the healthiest moves I’ve ever made. You can read more about my journey with perfectionism here.
Creativity Feels Good
I have always enjoyed making things. I think being creative is part of who we are as human beings. It is in our nature. When I start, work on, and/or finish a project, I feel good. It doesn’t matter if it’s painting the living room a new color, making a great meal, practicing my hand lettering, making a card for a friend, or writing a blog post. There is scientific evidence that the act of creating improves our brain function and lifts our mood. I wrote a post last year on this subject. You can read it here. Using the bullet journal system requires your creativity. You can use a little or a lot. Like I said, the system is flexible for your wants and needs.
Keeping Track of Important Things
One of the most popular extra pages in a bullet journal is trackers. My daughter keeps track of her water intake and moods in hers. I keep track of my medicine, my migraine frequency, and my exercise, among other things. I have a section in my daily pages titled “Health and Happiness” This is where I keep track of the things I know will make me healthier and happier.
There are many kinds of trackers out there. Here’s mine (not so perfect and that’s okay),and a couple of other cute ones.
Having It All…In One Place
Keeping everything in one place simplifies things. Simplifying things make me happier. My to-do list is always handy. I do my meal planning ahead of time (this is a life changer). I have a gratitude section that helps me looks for the good in my life.
My bullet journal is also my daily diary. I have started and stopped keeping a diary for years. With this system, I have kept a daily diary for almost a year now. Usually it’s just a couple of lines, but I’m doing it.
I use my bullet journal for inspiration. I include inspirational quotes (one of my favorite things) and I schedule blog work in it too. When I get ideas that I want to explore, I have a “brain dump” section to keep my notes handy.
Writing is Beneficial
We live in an age where almost everything is typed. From texts to emails to notes on our smart phones, we hardly ever write things by hand anymore. Studies show that the act of writing something down helps you remember it. Going back to analog is something that increases our brain’s ability to recall. As a reading teacher, I used this to help my students learn their sight words. The more senses you can use while putting knowledge into your brain, the more likely it is to stay there and be recalled when needed.
Bullet Journal Posts
I’ve written about my bullet journal before and will certainly do so again. Because my bullet journal makes me happier, I think it’s important to share. I’ve also written about other types of journals that you might find beneficial. For three types of journals for self-care, look here. I also wrote about my favorites sites for bullet journal supplies and inspiration. One of my earliest posts was on the benefits of gratitude journals.
Other Blogs About Bullet Journals and Happiness
Check out these other blog posts to learn more about bullet journals, happiness, productivity, and mental health.
Hopefully you’ve been inspired to try a bullet journal. I started by looking on Pinterest and following a few blogger. It wasn’t hard at all. My bullet journaling has evolved as I have figured out what I like and don’t like, and what works for me at any given time. I’m sure it will continue to evolve. That’s what the system is all about. It’s part of the reason my bullet journal makes me happier.
Thanks for reading and please share.
