A Quiet Place for the Mind

How journalling can support mindfulness and emotional wellbeing

In our first Leaf Note, we explored what journalling actually is and discovered that there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Your journal might contain words, photographs, collage, doodles, treasured memories or simply a collection of beautiful things that make you smile.

But there is another reason why so many people are drawn to journalling… It gives us somewhere to pause.

When Life Feels Full

Our minds are rarely quiet. We think about what we need to do, conversations we've had, things we're worried about, people we care for and what tomorrow might bring. Add phones, emails, social media and the constant stream of information around us, and it can sometimes feel as though our brains never really switch off.

Journalling creates a small interruption to all of that.

Opening a notebook, choosing a pen and focusing on a page asks us to do something very simple: pay attention to what is in front of us.

For a few moments, we can stop consuming and start creating. And that is where journalling and mindfulness can meet.

What Does Mindfulness Actually Mean?

Mindfulness doesn't have to mean meditation, sitting cross-legged or somehow managing to empty your mind completely.

At its simplest, mindfulness is about noticing the present moment.

When you're choosing pieces of paper for a collage, arranging embellishments, doodling around the edge of a page or concentrating on the movement of your pen, your attention naturally settles on what you're doing.

You notice colours. Textures. Words. Thoughts. Feelings.

Instead of racing ahead to the next thing, you're spending a little time in the now.

Giving Your Thoughts Somewhere to Go

Thoughts can feel bigger when they're swirling around in our heads. Writing them down gives them somewhere else to live.

You don't need perfect words or solutions. Simply begin:

Today feels…
Something on my mind is…
Right now I need…

Seeing your thoughts on paper can bring clarity, perspective and a little breathing space.

Not Every Page Needs to Be Deep…..This is important.

Journalling for wellbeing doesn't always mean exploring your innermost thoughts. Sometimes it's simply about doing something that brings you joy.

Play with stickers, create a collage, add a favourite photograph, experiment with colour or simply doodle.

Creative journalling gives your hands something enjoyable to do while allowing your mind to slow down.

Joy is good for us too.

A Place to Notice the Good Things

Our journals can also help us notice the small things that might otherwise pass us by.

The first cup of tea in the morning.

A song on the radio.

Sunshine through the window.

A kind message.

Something that made you laugh.

A quiet moment with someone you love.

Recording small moments of gratitude doesn't mean pretending that difficult things aren't happening. It simply allows the good things to have a place on the page too.

Try ending a page with:

Today I'm grateful for…

and write down just three things.

They don't have to be profound. Sometimes a really good biscuit is more than enough. You could then decorate those words with journalling paper or stickers…..or not at all!

Five Minutes Is Enough

One of the easiest ways to turn journalling into another source of pressure is to decide that you should be doing it every day.

You don't have to… .There is no journalling attendance register!

Your journal is there when you need it. Five quiet minutes can be valuable. So can an entire Sunday afternoon surrounded by paper, pens and glue.

Try creating a tiny ritual around it. Make a drink, put your phone to one side, find somewhere comfortable and choose something from your Polly's Paper Garden collection. Then simply begin.

A Little Mindful Journalling Exercise

If you'd like to try something today, turn to a fresh page. Take a moment before you write anything.

Notice where you are…..Notice how you're feeling.

Then complete these four sentences:

• Right now I feel…
• Something taking up space in my mind is…
• Something good in my life today is…
• One small kindness I can give myself is…

You can stop there… Or decorate the page, add colour, doodle around your words, layer papers or add something from your Polly's Paper Garden box.

There is no finished version you are trying to achieve. The process is the point.

Your Journal, Your Quiet Corner

Your journal won't make difficult days disappear, but it can offer something wonderfully simple: a private space to pause, reflect, express and create.

Some pages may help you understand your thoughts, some will capture precious memories, and others may simply bring you joy. Every page has value.

So when life feels a little noisy, put down your phone, pick up a pen and give yourself a few quiet moments.

Your journal doesn't ask anything of you. It simply gives you somewhere to be.

Jules & Polly x

Plant thoughts with kindness, nurture them with reflection and watch yourself bloom.