10 Powerful Reasons Why Journaling Is Good For Introverts

Combing through my childhood treasures one day, I happened upon my little red book. I wasn’t prepared for the flood of emotions that came as I thumbed through the flimsy pages one by one. So many forgotten moments in time that would have never again seen the light of day had I not stumbled upon this blast from the past. I was 14 years old when I put pen to paper to jot down my life in words in my little red book, my diary. So, I invite you to explore with me all of the reasons why journaling is good for introverts. It was good for me back then and even better for me now.

Hi, I’m Vicky, and I am an introvert!

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What is journaling?

Journaling is the act of creating a journal, defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use. It’s an age-old practice that has recently risen in popularity. Many have come to realize the benefits of journaling, benefits my 14-year-old self didn’t recognize at the time, but my present-day introverted self is exceedingly grateful for.

Journaling can take many forms. Traditionally, it has been associated with the use of words, but it is not limited to this at all. In fact, the beauty of journaling is that it can take whatever form you want it to. Some choose to write, while others choose to make drawings and other pictorial representations. Dare I say, there may even be some people who journal with symbols or emojis, an example of which I would give anything to see! Fascinating!

Why should introverts journal?

1. It is a form of self-expression

Many thoughts swirl around in an introvert’s head. Journaling allows us to organize these thoughts in a way that we will understand and that others will understand if we choose to share those thoughts with them. Making entries in a journal also allows introverts to have a safe space to think freely and to be themselves with no judgment from others.

2. It is an activity for alone time

Alone time is a necessity for introverts. We allow ourselves to recharge during this time, especially after a long day or a social event. This time alone can be filled with various activities. Some choose to read a book while others listen to music. Some take a long bath while others sip their favorite drink while watching their favorite show. And some of us like to write, like in a journal. Honestly, I can do it for hours. It brings me such joy. Of course, some introverts choose to do nothing at all, which is okay too!

3. It allows for self-discovery

Introverts are quite in tune with themselves, but there is much to learn in an ever-changing world. Like my diary entries as a teenager, journal entries now teach me a lot about myself. Sometimes, it’s not so much the words that I put down but the emotions these words evoke that give me the most information. Any scenario that conjures up a negative emotion will most likely never be revisited. I have become very aware of the boundaries of my comfort zone, my likes and dislikes, and the values I choose to center my life around. Somehow, putting my thoughts down on paper brings a level of certainty, truth, and reality to the fore.

4. It is a place to record memories

My 14-year-old self did just that. As events unfolded during my teen years, I wrote them down. There was no elaborate analysis or introspection that took place, though. My diary, as I called it, served as a mere canvas on which I could paint the goings on in my life. And what a beautiful collection of memories live between the covers of my little red book! These memories allow me to take a walk back to my childhood years when my parents were both alive and life was simple and carefree.

For the introvert, some days can be more challenging than others. Reading through some journal entries can be just what is needed to boost their mood. This is why on each page of my journal, I add a simple note at the top that says Good Day, so I will know exactly where to go to give myself a pick-me-up.

5. It is a tool to help introverts keep themselves accountable

Living the introvert life can be complex, but it is a title I wear with pride. One of the characteristics of introverts that I cherish the most is our ability to take a hard look within to learn more about ourselves and how we handle different situations. When this self-introspection is used positively rather than critically, it can be a tool used to make changes and foster real growth.

Every day, I use a little section in my journal just for that. I identify things I handled well and give myself a pat on the back. I also identify things that need to change and make them future goals. Some things take longer to fix, and that’s okay. The important thing is recognizing that change is required and taking the appropriate action.

6. It can help improve communication skills

Finding ways to dodge social events is my superpower. This was my opening statement in my last blog post, The Introvert’s Practical Approach To Social Events, and it is one of my defining characteristics. Unfortunately, some social situations are unavoidable. Rest assured, though, I tried my darndest to get out of them!

I have found journaling a valuable resource for tackling dreaded conversations. No, I don’t walk in with my journal- that would be weird- but I do plan ahead before the event. I imagine possible situations and conversations that may arise, and I come up with actionable ways to handle them. Sometimes, I end up putting my foot in my mouth during conversation, but then again, who doesn’t from time to time?

Journaling has helped me organize my thoughts. Like I said before, introverts have a lot of thoughts in their heads! Writing these thoughts down and exploring how they all fit together helps me make sense of things and deliver these thoughts in an easily digestible manner. The immediate reward is that I don’t appear completely frazzled and disorganized. Hello, confidence boost!

7. It can be a relaxing/calming activity

In a noisy, extroverted world, introverts often desire calm. Writing is my hobby, so journaling puts me in a happy, relaxed, and calm frame of mind. For other introverts, it can be calming by just allowing them to vent about things that are bothering them. For others, it gives them an escape from the outside world where they can focus on themselves and tune out the distracting surroundings, hence bringing about a sense of peace.

8. It can be a creative outlet

Journaling can help writers hone their skills. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and for introverts that journal without words, the same applies. They can discover what techniques they prefer and identify the ones they are good at. The best part is that journaling provides a space free from judgment so the creative juices can flow freely and without abandon.

9. It is like having an imaginary friend

You might know that introverts usually have a few close friends rather than many friends. Some introverts are more blessed in the friend department than others. Isn’t it human nature to want to share our thoughts and ideas?

Isn’t that what we do when we journal? I realize there is a huge difference between confiding in a human and putting your thoughts in a journal. I do, I really do, but let’s embrace the similarity here. As introverts, jotting words on the pages of our journals helps us unburden ourselves and let it all out. While there is no substitute for genuine human connections, journaling is a great stand-in for those of us waiting to find that one special friend.

10. It can help build connections with others

Have you ever heard of collaborative journaling? I recently learned about it, and I must admit that I am quite intrigued. It is basically a shared journaling experience with someone else. If you’ve ever had a pen pal like I did when I was younger, you’ll be able to envision what collaborative journaling is like. The main difference is that journal exchanges happen much faster, thanks to the digital world. But I must admit that there was something thrilling about putting a stamp on an envelope, sending it off, and then waiting for a reply.

Collaborative journaling can be a way to explore friendships with new people or deepen connections with existing friends or family members. There is an app I recently learned about called Waffle, where this can be done. I have not explored that option yet, but maybe one day!

How to get started

Here are a few things to decide:

• What to journal in: a book or a digital device. (book for me, this was an excuse for me to go shopping at the bookstore)
• What is the best time of day for you to journal?
• Where should you journal? Choose a quiet, comfortable space.

After you have answered the above questions and gathered the appropriate materials, JUST START!

It doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair in grammar and correctness; simply do what feels right.

In Conclusion

As an introvert myself, I highly recommend journaling. There is no right or wrong way to do it, and you will eventually discover what journaling style works best for you.

Happy journaling!

And, of course, if you have found this blog post helpful, please let me know in the comments.

Much peace and love to you all!