Bullet Journaling for Stress Relieve

Bullet journaling is known to help one calm their thoughts and reduce anxiety, being a therapeutic way to stress relief. As an avid bullet journalist through the years, Astha Chand shares with us her love and experience with bullet journaling

In conversation with Astha Chand, Bullet Journalist, Instagram- @asthacreates

What is Bullet Journaling for you?

My bullet journal is a productivity tool and a place where I keep everything that my brain is saying to me! I like to think of it as the most customizable planner— something that you can adapt and customize as you go, making up your own rules. You can keep it simple, or get creative. I plan, I write my to-do lists, I journal, sometimes a doodle, track important dates/events, plan my goals, and just overall stay organized.

How long have you been bullet journaling?

I have been bullet journaling for over five years now and it has completely changed my life.
I’ve been a fan of all things stationery since I was a little girl and I loved having planners growing up. However, I hardly ever stuck to a planner because something or the other just did not work for me. I spent many years of my life wishing there was a way to stay more organized. I was definitely struggling because I would constantly forget things I was supposed to do, my stress and anxiety were sky high and I just felt very overwhelmed. Thankfully, one day, I stumbled upon a YouTube video about bullet journaling and there was no looking back!

How do you think this helps to reduce and relieve anxiety and stress? Has it helped you in doing so during your journey with it?

Bullet journaling has helped tremendously with reducing and relieving my stress and anxiety over the years. By writing everything down in my bullet journal, I don’t have to worry about missed meetings or losing sticky notes. I am also so much more organized and productive than I ever was before.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed about something, I write it down. It is a place where I can pour my soul whenever I need to and make myself feel better, without emotionally burdening anyone else. I also feel that the process of creating and using a bullet journal is very therapeutic and calming.

Is there something you would like to say to someone who is just starting out or thinking about bullet journaling?

First of all, I would say congratulations to anyone that is thinking of starting a bullet journal. It’s an incredible step that you’re taking and if you can stick it out, your future self will thank you!

Second of all, I would say please do not get overwhelmed by all the pretty photos you see online of bullet journals, your bullet journal does not have to look like anyone else’s.

Start by understanding why you want to start a bullet journal and take one step at a time. Remember, there is no need to complicate this— this is your bullet journal and it has to work for you, no one else.

Benefits of Bullet Journaling:

There are so many benefits to bullet journaling. It has helped me organize my thoughts, and plan and track my goals— no matter how small. Also, because it is entirely customizable, I have been able to adapt it to my needs and wants anytime. It has helped me effectively evaluate my thoughts and feelings and not let them get in the way of my relationships. I have been able to use these organizational, problem solving, and productivity skills in my work life as well.