Notebooks; can you ever have too many? I would happily say, no, never, it’s a simple impossibility. There is no facet of life which can’t be served by a good notebook. Keep them on your desk, in your purse, on your bed side table, at work, at school, while you travel; they can be a constant and ever present existence in your world helping you create a positive mindset shift and increase your productivity.
It can be overwhelming though to know where to begin when a pile of empty notebooks stare back at you. How do you start the journey? What do you use it for? How do you justify the existence of so many in your home? Well, we’ve already partially answered that last part, but let’s talk about the many different ways that a notebook can be used and how it can serve you.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Bullet Journal
Without question my most favourite way in which to use a notebook. Bullet journaling is a concept created by a man called Ryder Carroll. His YouTube video introducing the concept of the Bullet Journal method has been viewed over 13 million times.
Bullet Journaling has streamlined my productivity so immensely over the lasts several years and it’s a great way to utilise a notebook to the absolute maximum. It encourages the concept of using one notebook to serve a multitude of tasks, from planning and life management to specific goals that you may have.
The bullet journal community online has various versions on display, from the super minimalist to the absolute maximalist. You can definitely find a version that can suit your needs, or create one of your own.
Recipe Log
There are some extremely functional recipe journals out there which you can use to record your kitchen creations. There is nothing quite as satisfying though as going old school, just like mama, pulling out a notebook and jotting down everyone’s favourite weeknight recipe or a fun dessert. These collections become a timeless memory that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Prayer/Quran Journal
Based on your choice of faith you can use a notebook to study the word’s of your Creator, write down affirmations from Him or record your prayers and requests. A journal such as this can be incredibly freeing because it gives you the opportunity to unburden and find release. Faith is a deeply personal thing, one that not everyone can share with others. In such a case having the support of a notebook such as this can bring about a calm and sense of peace.
Gratitude Log
A gratitude journal is a deeply rewarding way in which to use a notebook. As often as possible note down the good of the day. Maybe in the moment, maybe after the fact, maybe a few days later; but write down in either list form or long form, whatever it is that you are thankful for. These when looked back on can offer much perspective on a day of struggle, and also encourage you to reflect on your 24 hours and find the good. That mindset shift is deeply rewarding.
“Everyday may not be a good day, but there is something good in everyday” – Alice Morse Earle.
Photo by Jessica Delp on Unsplash
Media Consumption Journal
If you’re anything like me and you enjoy reading books, watching movies and tv shows and listening to podcasts than this may just be what you need to do with your next empty notebook. A media consumption journal is exactly that, a place to create spreads, notes, and share thoughts about the media that you consume. You know when you read a book or watch a movie and you feel like you’re just simply not done with the characters yet? Your journal is a great space to relive your memories with them and calibrate your thoughts.
Similarly when you listen to a podcast or a TED Talk and feel like there is a take away that you simply have to contain somewhere; that’s where your journal comes in.
Travel Diary
Wanderlust, its a beautiful thing and one that many had to put a lid on during the Covid-19 pandemic. Having a travel journal can be a great a space to record your memories of a trip. The special details that can come together and offer something to look back on once you’re in the comfort of your own home again.
There is also something beautifully poetic about sitting in a foreign country, at a cafe, with a notebook pouring your soul on to the page. What can I say, I’m a romantic.
Work Log
All play and no work makes Jack a very poor man, so let’s get back to a productive suggestion. A notebook can be a great tool for the workplace. Note taking, planning, budgeting; any and all tasks that pertain to work life can be stored in a notebook. Having an index at the beginning where you can record the contents of each page can make it that much easier to navigate.
Morning Pages
The concept of morning pages was introduced by Julia Cameron. The idea is to start your day by pouring out three pages of stream of consciousness writing. You don’t pause to fix your spelling, check your punctation etc, you simply write; for three pages. That free flow of thought, completely unhindered, allows you to get your creative juices flowing, and that is what you take with you into the day ahead.
I have a dedicated notebook for my morning pages and I truly believe in the benefits that it has offered for my creative release.
Stop by my YouTube Channel and check out the latest review of notebooks from The Bind.Co
There you have it; eight suggestions of how you can use the empty notebooks that you have laying around your house. I find the idea of putting pen to paper one of the most transformative experiences; it’s a beautiful notion and it offers so much insight into our past selves. So don’t wait, pick an idea, pick a notebook and just start writing.
Are you a notebook junkie like me? How do you use them? Tell me in the comments.
Mums The Word 