The Timeless Therapy of Journaling
November 11, 2025
by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired
Biography: Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer. She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.
“Delightfully timeless.”
——-
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about journaling, especially now that we live in a world of constant notifications and digital overload. Sitting down with a pen and a blank page feels almost old-fashioned…like a slow exhale in a fast-paced world, but this “old school” habit isn’t just charming. Journaling is genuinely good for your brain, your mood, and your overall well-being, especially as the days grow colder and darker.
A Pause For Your Mind
Journaling offers something rare in today’s world…a pause. It gives your thoughts a place to land, rather than swirl endlessly in your head. Studies have shown that expressive writing, which means simply putting your feelings and experiences into words. can lower stress, improve mood, and even strengthen your immune system. Writing activates parts of the brain linked to emotional regulation and problem-solving, helping you make sense of your experiences rather than getting stuck in them. It’s also an easy, accessible way to check in with yourself. All you need is a notebook, your favorite pen, and a few quiet minutes. Think of journaling as your mind’s daily “declutter” clearing mental space so you can focus, feel calmer, and move through your day with more clarity.
Comfort During the Colder Months
Winter tends to pull us inward, both physically and emotionally. The darker days can bring feelings of isolation or low energy, making it harder to stay upbeat and on a positive note. Journaling fits perfectly into this slower season because it’s introspective, cozy, and grounding. Curling up under a blanket with a warm drink and your journal can turn a quiet evening into something deeply restorative. It’s also a healthy outlet for processing the emotions that often surface during the colder months and the holidays. When you take time to write, you create space to reflect on what you’re feeling instead of bottling it up. In that way, journaling can become a kind of emotional maintenance practice, keeping your mental health steady through the ups and downs of the season.
Inspiring Yourself to Write
The beauty of journaling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it, but sometimes, that blank page can feel a little intimidating. A few simple ways to spark inspiration include starting with a simple check-in where you ask yourself a simple question about how you are feeling in the moment, or what’s been on your mind. Let your answers flow without editing or judgment. Gratitude journaling is another easy way to get started. Listing a few things you’re thankful for, no matter how small, can shift your focus toward positivity and train your brain to notice more of the good. Now, if words aren’t coming easily you can still journal in your own way like, doodling, making lists, or writing single sentences or small poems…sometimes just scribbling will let out some pent up emotions, so scribble away just like when we were kids!
More Than Words on a Page
Journaling can also be a creative outlet. Some people use it as a place to write poetry, sketch ideas, or jot down dreams. Others treat it like a conversation with themselves, and a place to process thoughts privately and honestly. However you choose to approach it, journaling offers a safe space to be completely real. There’s also something special about handwriting. When you write by hand instead of typing, you slow down enough to connect with your thoughts in a different way. Research even shows that handwriting can boost memory, focus, and emotional processing which are benefits that scrolling or typing can’t quite replicate. It’s a reminder that slowing down has its own kind of wisdom and healing.
So in a time when the world feels unpredictable and noisy, journaling can be a small but powerful anchor. It can help you tune in, reflect, and nurture your mental and emotional health one page at a time. Over the weeks or months ahead, those pages can become a record of your growth and a gentle reminder of how far you’ve come and what you’ve overcome. This winter, as you reach for warm drinks and soft blankets, consider adding journaling to your routine. Let it be your quiet way to unwind, reset, and reconnect with yourself!
