Bullet Journaling and Its Benefits
Bullet journaling is a planning system and a lovely tool for a student’s life. At its roots, the bullet journal is an endless to-do list. However, many use it as a way to de-stress, organize, and express themselves. The bullet journal can be essential for a high schooler.
Bullet journaling can be thought of as “figuring out how life works in a journal”, says Laura Jones (‘21). The bullet journal is a system that enforces organization and productivity skills. According to the official bullet journal website, the major features include “topics, page numbers, short sentences, and bullets”. Topics are usually daily lists, compiling tasks, notes, events, and appointments. These are organized by using page numbers and bullets. The page numbers comprise the index, which is the table of contents for all topics. The bullets are the symbols used to signify the different categories of items, like your events and tasks, and they also help to display the status of a task, such as “completed” or “in progress”. Often bullet journalists make keys to tell what each symbol means. Additionally, there are monthly calendars. These features are not required, and many bullet journalists create their own systems to fit their needs. While bullet journaling can seem intimidating, it is actually quite facile. By writing down all tasks, it is easy to get into the habit of list-making and time management. The bullet journal is a great utility in prioritizing. As a frequent bullet journalist, I have found it becomes a reflex to manage time in a balanced and concise manner. A bullet journal makes life less overwhelming by allowing a visual depiction of the tasks at hand. This can provide a beautiful sense of control within productive chaos.
Bullet journaling can benefit mental health. As priorly stated, the bullet journal minimizes stress and provides a sense of manageability. It also can serve as an outlet. While Sam Arneson (‘19) utilizes his bullet journal primarily as a planner, it also provides sketchbook and diary features. I write a few lines at the end of each day to record, reflect, and reminisce. I also use a gratefulness tracker to lighten my mood. Many bullet journalists, including Sam, use quote pages. These pages and spreads are encouraging and can be embellished or minimal. There are many ways to plan and motivate, and the bullet journal leaves so much room for interpretation.
Bullet journaling has no one style, nor one “correct” way. Laura uses a color code, dedicating certain colors to aspects of her life, like theatre and finals. She describes her style as “organized”. Sam creates a monthly theme, with corresponding art and lettering. I make a trichromatic color scheme to organize my months, filled with quotes, trackers, pasted-in images, lettering, stickers, and washi tape. Bullet journaling is a unique and personal process and can be interpreted in so many different ways. Style can be inspired or naturally occurring.
A successful bullet journal is one that is useful and fun. It is not just another task, but a real experience, a way to feel calm and centered. The only materials necessary are a pen and notebook. Bullet journaling is what you make of it, but it is often a recursive and enjoyable system. I encourage you to explore the bullet journaling world. Check out online communities (the official website is a great starting point) and test some pens and journals if you can (my recommendations are the Gridded Essentials Journal in A5 and the Zebra Sarasa Clip in black with a 0.4-millimeter tip)! Have fun and stay true to yourself! Good luck!
