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After living through a year like 2020, it only makes sense that people would want to both process their complicated emotions tied to the pandemic, and document history for posterity by journaling. Putting pen to paper has long been seen as a way to ease anxiety and to unwind after a long day. And after a year of working from home, it can be tough to break away from the always-on-call mentality. “Work-life balance is being expressed by paper,” Andrea Bell, the director of insights at trend forecasting company WGSN previously told T&C. She and her team have been tracking the rise in stationery for years. “Work is digital and personal affairs are put on paper, it helps create a boundary between the two while giving us a feeling of certainty in uncertain times.”
Also, as we live through hopefully once-in-a-lifetime moments like the easing of lockdowns, vaccination appoints, the start of a new normal, and the return of leisure travel, a journal can make for a historical artifact, and a family heirloom. (No pressure!) With all that in mind, here are our favorite journals to use as you wish: for chronicling emotions, documenting your day, or simply jotting out a list for the grocery store.
Adam J. Kurtz 1 Page at a Time: A Daily Creative Companion
If you enjoy doodling just as much as writing down words, take a look at Adam J. Kurtz's 1 Page at a Time, which comes 365 creative prompts to encourage journaling, drawing, and more.
Rifle Paper Co. Five Year Keepsake Journal Set
Ready to fully commit to the journaling lifestyle? This set of volumes has room to chronicle five years of time, and will look quite impressive up on the bookshelf.
Flatiron Books The Wisdom Journal: The Companion to The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey
Flatiron Books The Wisdom Journal: The Companion to The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey
“Sixteen years ago I started a gratitude journal, and I believe it was the single most important thing I’ve ever done,” Oprah Winfrey once said. “Every day, for years now, I’ve written down five things to be grateful for.”
Sound advice from the Queen of American TV.
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day
Don't have much time in your schedule for journaling? Consider investing in The Five-Minute Journal, which requires just a few precious moments to create a healthy daily habit.
Potter Style Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal
Make journaling a family affair with this kid-friendly notebook with questions and prompts to document your memories.
Your first vacation post-vaccination is going to be a major moment. Remember it by documenting the trip in the pages of a handcrafted periwinkle blue notebook.
If your best ideas come to you in the shower, you want want to invest in a waterproof notepad, à la this one from Rite in the Rain.
After a year like 2020, many of us have so much to be thankful for. Make gratitude a part of your daily routine, by documenting blessings in a graphic journal like this black and blue notebook.
Perfect for taking notes on-the-go, this sweet style tucks perfectly into a purse, carry-on bag, or, as the name implies, a pocket.
The classics are classics for a reason, and more than 12,000 five star Amazon reviews are a great indicator that this simple gridded notebook is a good place to start on your journaling journey.
A monogrammed notebook like this chambray style makes for a perfect personalized gift for the writer in your life.
Ensure no dream slips away to day break by leaving a gorgeous blue dream journal on your bedside table. When you wake, jot down what you remember for a look at your inner psyche.
Transform yourself from a lover of reading to a lover of writing with a notebook covered with classics like Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, and Through the Looking Glass.
As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects
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