Table of Contents
What’s the difference between diary and journal?
A journal and a diary are similar in kind but differ in degree. Both are used to keep personal records, but diaries tend to deal with the day to day, more data collection really, and journals with bigger picture reflection/aspiration. Journaling has a range of benefits. Just writing a few minutes a day may help you reduce stress, boost your well-being, and better understand your needs. Journaling provides a concrete method for learning who we are and identifying what we need. You can absolutely journal on a computer or other electronic devices. In fact, some people swear by these methods as a way to keep their journals organized and effective. Due to how much newer electronic journals are than pen to paper ones, it can feel almost wrong to go this way. Bottom line: Journaling provides a safe environment that enables you to face your traumas. When that happens, remarkable healing follows. Indeed, studies find that journaling can reduce pain, improve depression, and even lower markers of inflammation. Journaling can also provide clues as to what makes your pain worse. Studies have shown that the emotional release that comes from keeping a journal helps to lower anxiety and stress, and even helps you achieve a better night’s sleep. Studies show it’s better to journal at night because it gives you an outlet for emotions and thoughts that might otherwise keep you awake.
What is the difference between a journal and a diary?
A journal and a diary are similar in kind but differ in degree. Both are used to keep personal records, but diaries tend to deal with the day to day, more data collection really, and journals with bigger picture reflection/aspiration. Journaling is something that either feels childish or intimidating to most of us, but the incredible benefits we get from it are well-documented. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably started a journal at some point or kept a diary when you were a kid. Writing a diary allows you to focus on your writing without worrying about your audience or what anyone else will think. And doing it regularly helps to improve your thinking processes, and can even help you become more creative in how you think. This can be important for a number of reasons. Writing in a journal a few times a week, such as every other day or 3-4 times per week, is often an ideal amount for most people. Journals are very personal and done entirely for oneself. So, no one, besides yourself, can know how often you should write in your journal.
Is it better to write or type a diary?
For almost everyone, typing journals is quicker than writing them by hand. As technology continues to improve and children are introduced to typing even earlier, the difference in speed for most people is only likely to increase. Writing, like anything, improves with practice. When you journal every day, you’re practicing the art of writing. And if you use a journal to express your thoughts and ideas, it can help improve your communication skills. Many studies suggest that there are brain-friendly benefits of writing out letters, notes, essays, or journal entries by hand that you can’t get from typing. Writing by hand connects you with the words and allows your brain to focus on them, understand them and learn from them. Although there’s not officially a “right” age to start journaling, in my experience sooner is better! As soon as little ones can hold a pen (or a crayon, a paintbrush, etc.) let them get started on a journal by allowing them to sit in front of a blank page and get creative.
Is journal and diary the same?
A journal and a diary are similar in kind but differ in degree. Both are used to keep personal records, but diaries tend to deal with the day to day, more data collection really, and journals with bigger picture reflection/aspiration. Rereading Journals is a Valuable and Powerful Activity. We not only keep journals and find the process of writing in our journal valuable. We also often reread our journals, for all sorts of reasons. This rereading experience can be just as valuable and powerful as the initial writing experience—sometimes, even more so … Studies show it’s better to journal at night because it gives you an outlet for emotions and thoughts that might otherwise keep you awake. Track emotions One of the biggest benefits of journaling is the ability to track your emotions. Writing your thoughts down helps to process what you feel and why. By tracking your emotions, you can work out patterns. It is easier to establish what triggers positive feelings and what triggers negative feelings.