How to Keep a Diary or Journal (for Teenagers)

Co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 Approved

It's a good idea to keep a journal because when years have passed, you will find it interesting to read what you have gone through. You can see how you dealt with it, and discover ways to deal with similar situations in the future. If you have been through something unusual or difficult, you might even choose to publish parts of the book. It's also nice to get your feelings out, and written down, as it helps you understand yourself better. If you want to keep a journal but don't know where to start, this article is for you!

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Keeping Your Own Diary or Journal

1
Buy a diary or journal. This is only necessary if you don't have one already. If you want to keep a journal, buy a nice-looking journal or you can even use a spiral notebook. Try bookstores and regular grocery stores and check the section with books or school supplies for notebooks. Consider how you are going to decorate the book when you are buying it. Also consider the size, shape, and colors.^{[1]
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2
Decorate the outside. Do this to your liking. It should reflect your personality! Draw something, write your name, and/or write "My Diary/Journal". Decorate with stickers or similar, and you can even spray perfume on to give it a special scent.
- On the first page, you should write something, if you lose or forget the diary somewhere, to notify those who find it that it is yours, to please return it to you, and to ask them kindly to not go snooping in your private journal. Write down your: Name, E-Mail, and Telephone number but never your address.
- On the first page, you can also write down a little about yourself, like age, interests, favorite food, color, music, TV show, and friends. This will remind you in the future of what you were like.^{[2]
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3
Remember to write. Write regularly in your Journal or Diary - this does not have to be every day. When something different or exciting happens, write it down. If you feel too tired to write, remember to do so the next day. It's the special days and feelings that count the most.^{[3]
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- Don't force yourself to write each day, it will take the joy out of writing and discourage future entries
- If something small happens, but you still want to write it down, do it! It doesn't matter if your entries are long and detailed, as long as it reflects who you are.
4
Take care of it. Keep the diary/journal at hand most of the day so you won't forget it at home, school, the park, etc. Have it in your bag or similar, and remember a pen, so you can write if you get bored. It's also very good to write down ideas, poems, lyrics, or drawings. Having your book on you will make your creativity grow, and keep boredom from taking over your day.
5
Know the idea of a diary or journal. The idea of a Diary/Journal is fairly simple: Write down whatever you want! What happened today, how you feel, ideas, poems, short stories, anything. It's yours! Diaries can be useful to let out your anger, also. You can also use a journal to take down useful notations about some of your interests, like what animals you have seen, where, what time, and in what condition. Doing this often will give you a chance to overlook a situation, which can be useful.^{[4]
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6
Be careful where you place your diary. In or under your pillowcase, on your desk, anywhere you feel it is safe. Nosy or curious friends/family might want to take a look at your diary, and it's advised not to put it anywhere they might find it.^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What are a few therapeutic benefits of journaling?

Catherine Boswell, PhD
Counselor
Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.

Catherine Boswell, PhD

Counselor

Expert Answer

Until we can understand our behavior and emotional responses, and from whence they came, we cannot begin to change our lives in ways that promote greater peace and happiness. People who journal daily, or when needed, find it greatly improves their quality of life. Dedicated quiet time promotes focus and insight. The linear words on the page untangle the spin of intersecting thoughts in our heads. Languaging feelings by putting them in words can: inform decisions; identify key questions in planning next steps; clarify priorities; assure that we can dream bigger dreams.
Question

What if I have problems? Like family and social problems? Should I write them down as well?

Kira Me

Community Answer

Yes, you can write about anything you like in your diary. Writing about your problems can help you process them and relieve some of the negative emotions.
Question

I always want to write in my diary at school, but I can't because everyone bothers me at recess. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try finding a quiet place to write. The school library is a good place, or you can ask a teacher if you could quietly work in their room.