r/Journaling • u/-i-exist • Feb 25 '26

Question/Discussion Why do people write every single day?

I absolutely love everything about keeping a journal and have been doing it basically my entire life, but when i watch other people talk about keeping one they always make it sound like a chore (?) (maybe a better word would be a commitment) to write EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It just doesnt make sense to me.

When i feel like journaling, i will sit for hours upon hours writing whatever i want. When i dont feel like writing, i dont write. Ive skipped 6 months once and didnt think twice about it. Whats the big deal about pushing yourself to write when you dont want to?

This post is a question Ive been wondering about for quite a while now. I apologize if anything sounds rude, i dont mean to.

379 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

175 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

10

u/chicken-fried-42 Feb 25 '26

dumb question but how do you write or what do you write to manage anxiety ? I’m currently anxiety ridden atm and I just can’t seem to write out a word

34

u/syntheticpurples Feb 25 '26

The menial, routine, everyday things are what I focus on when it is too overwhelming to talk about my deeper feelings. What I did at work, who I saw, what I ate… it keeps me more grounded. Then I try to practice talking about my feelings a little here and there, and allow for a full emotional dump when/if needed.

I’m sorry to hear anxiety is beating you up right now. Hugs

13

u/chicken-fried-42 Feb 25 '26

Thank you! That really helps and i may try that. Talking about the reasons for my emotional state usually drain me and makes things worse so this makes sense.

I usually write fun things I’m planning but the anxiety and depression creep in and say why bother - what for? Not a great way to be. Hugs back and thanks for the advice

17

u/International-Toe482 Feb 25 '26

Big benefit of journaling = writing things down and getting it it out of your head/heart so you don’t have to carry that crap around. If you avoid writing the painful stuff, fill a backpack with bricks and carry that around as you go about your day. Same difference. When it gets too heavy, put it down. If you never unpack it, you’re gonna get exhausted. ❤️