One man’s trash is another man’s… journal?

Photos courtesy of Pexels

The new trend in journaling encourages documenting life by holding on to the little things.  

A notebook full of movie tickets, scraps of paper, stickers and newspaper clippings may seem like junk to most, but it’s the latest mindfulness trend across social media platforms. 

Junk journaling is all about self expression. Like many other forms of journaling, there really isn't a distinct right or wrong way to go about it. The one specific thing that is connected across all junk journals is that they are made using “junk” or trash pieces and other recycled materials. 

Platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram have brought the practice back into popularity because of the increase in self-help journaling as well as the current trends of maximalism. Your junk journal can be another accessory to add to the mix! Pinterest has also helped the increase in junk journaling because it is heavily inspired by collage work and branches off from scrapbooking. 

Pieces like receipts, food stickers, postcards and old packaging are great items to incorporate in a junk journal. Using items like letters and photos also adds a personal element to the journal and makes it feel more unique. 

The main objective of junk journaling is that you don't need to go out and buy a bunch of supplies to create memorable pieces because you are using items found in your everyday life.

It really focuses on changing your perspective on how trash can be turned into something meaningful and treasured.

Junk journaling is beneficial as a method of relaxation and decompression to help get our minds off the stress factors of our lives. Especially as a college student, the more hobbies that benefit mental health, the better! It is also a really sustainable way to preserve memories and record thoughts and ideas. 

“The act of creating a junk journal can be deeply therapeutic, allowing you to explore your emotions, process experiences and cultivate mindfulness,” says licensed psychotherapist Randi Owsley from the Women's Mental Health podcast

It is super easy to get into junk journaling because you really only need a journal to get started! Using materials from home and expressing yourself with your spreads creates the personal touches and uniqueness for your journal.

When starting any art project, it can seem overwhelming because the hardest part is starting. As a beginner the best thing to do is just experiment! Have fun with it and really let the creative juices flow.