Journaling as a Leisure Activity

What do you do for leisure?

When I was a kid, one of my favourite leisure activities was journaling. There was no

phone, no social media, and no cheap dopamine scrolls that we do now during leisure

time. Journaling was something that came naturally to me. I never forced myself to do it.

And this is how I used to spend my time.

What does journaling for leisure mean?

By definition, journaling is putting your thoughts across on paper to process your

emotions. However, journaling is not limited to writing, but it is a form of meditation that

soothes your mind and helps you in overcoming emotional fatigue, boredom, loneliness,

disappointment, fear, and so on. All of it influences mental health. However, journaling as a leisure activity gives us a different lens to approach it: as something we do not to

be better, but simply to be.

Journaling for leisure feels like a return to childhood. A return to curiosity, to self-play, to

freedom from burnout, optimization, and the rat race. Not a means to an end, but an

end in itself.It starts with a simple question: what do I feel like doing today? Doodling,

writing, handwriting poetry, and cataloging travel destinations and expenses or books I

want to read. All this is directed not by a calendar or time but by mood and moment.

It does not require you to be a writer. In fact, some of the best journaling happens in half

sentences, incomplete sketches. It is like talking to a version of yourself that is not trying

to prove anything. Allow your journaling to adapt to changes in time, emotions, mood,

and roles. You can write a grocery list on one page and vent out your emotions on the

other.

How I Journal During Leisure Time

Journaling for me is not a task that I have to do no matter what, but a gentle way to

connect with myself. It is something that I turn to when I want to pause, reflect, or simply

be in a moment. Here are some of the ways I journal during my leisure time:

1. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I let it out through writing. Sometimes I start with a

few keywords or doodles (especially when I am low on time) in my diary. Later I

revisit them and expand them into full reflections. This helps me understand

myself better and articulate my thoughts.

2. When I go to the park, I carry my journal with me. I sit quietly and observe my

surroundings: plants, trees, people, and animals. I first draw them and then

describe them in words. It is a grounding experience for me that turns a simple

walk into something more mindful and memorable.

3. When I lie in bed, thoughts often get tangled in my mind. To give it structure, I

always have a diary beside my bed, and I write down whatever surfaces: any

thought that is bothering me, anything from my day-to-day life, conversations,

memories, or ideas. It’s raw and unfiltered. It helps me sleep better and reduces

my screen time before bed. Pro tip: always keep a diary beside your bed.

4. When I cook an aesthetically pleasing breakfast, I often click the picture for my

illustrated journaling. I like documenting my day. It gives me joy and helps me to

slow down to appreciate the little things that I am grateful for.

5. When I sit on my balcony, I keep a notebook with me. I have trees in front of my

house that surround me with fresh air and the sounds of birds chirping. This

helps me to write or draw whatever comes to my mind. It could be a poem, a passing thought, or anything happening in front of me. This whole setup opens

up a creative space to express myself better.

Journaling as a leisure activity is not a mandatory act but an act of attention. As Mary

Oliver said, “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” When you journal, you start to

appreciate small moments, patterns, and inner truths; you grow more devoted—to

yourself, to your growth, and to life itself. Journaling becomes more than a task. It

becomes a daily ritual of care and self-love.

You can follow me on instagram @thegardenofwords_