Some of us love collecting old ticket stubs or handwritten letters, while others just find it better to bin them rather than hoard them to eventually forget they exist. What if we told you there's a better way to hold on to those memories rather than throwing away old postcards and letters?
The new trend of junk journaling might be just the right way to find the perfect home for these memories.
Junk journaling comprises recycling sentimental objects to create aesthetic and artistic collages, which work in the same way as writing a journal entry. The only difference between a junk journal and a normal journal entry is that junk journals document visuals through items like dried flowers or photos, which hold significance of a particular event.
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What Is A Junk Journal?
A junk journal is a handmade book filled with personal and recycled materials to store memories and ideas. As the name suggests, the pages are filled with material that is usually thrown away. For instance, newspapers, old train tickets, plane tickets, fabric scraps like lace and ribbons, stamps, and more.
You can make a junk journal as unique as you wish to, by adding mementoes like photographs, dried flowers, brochures, souvenirs from a trip, etc.
Add to that some washi tape and stickers, and you have a visually appealing journal with you.
Why A Junk Journal
1. Hold Memories
Junk journals work as miniature time machines. Once you create one, you can flip through pages and be transported back to the emotions you felt on your first date or the memories of that unforgettable trip.
2. Relax and Unwind
Another reason why junk journaling is considered helpful is that it helps one stay relaxed. When you are stressed about something, you simply wish to engage in something relaxing. Going through old materials, flipping through magazines, and creating something unique can feel quite therapeutic.
3. Bond With Your Loved Ones
Creating a junk journal book can be a fun activity to do with family, friends, and close ones. You can relive fun moments together that will help strengthen your relationships.
How To Junk Journal
1. Think About The Purpose
Before starting a junk journal, think about its purpose. For example, consider if you are making it a travel junk journal or a gift for someone.
2. Gather Materials
Look around your home for potential items required. For instance, look for stamps, train tickets, and old mementoes that you would like to add to your journal.
3. Sanitise Them All
As it's better to be safe than sorry, make sure to sanitise all your vintage items before placing them in your journal.
4. Set The Tone
Pick a theme for your journal; like which colour palette you would like to follow to make a journal, and which method you will use to put everything together. Decide it well before implementing the plan.
5. Put Everything Together
The best part about junk journaling is putting all the stuff together. Once you have made a layout and picked up a theme, sit and get it all together to make your dream junk journal.
A junk journal is a great way to incorporate art into your daily life as it not only allows you to be creative, but also helps soothe the mind and categorise your thoughts.
To Reduce Stress
Junk journaling is a form of self-reflection that can reduce stress and improve mental health.
NDTV spoke with certified psychologist Aashika Jain on how the trend can help keep one relaxed and reduce stress.
She says, "I feel like junk journaling is one of those trends that truly supports mental health in a meaningful way. It's not just about being creative or crafty; it's about giving yourself the time and space to breathe, reflect, and let go. In a world that's constantly pushing us to be polished and perfect, junk journaling feels like a rebellion—a beautiful, messy, and liberating one."
She adds, "From a mental health perspective, I see so much value in this practice. The act of gathering scraps—like old ticket stubs, notes, or even random bits of paper—and turning them into something personal and expressive can be incredibly grounding. It's almost symbolic in my perspective, taking the 'junk' in our lives and transforming it into something meaningful."
"I think what makes it so special is that it's imperfect by nature. It gives people permission to explore their feelings without judgement or pressure. You don't have to write perfect sentences or draw perfect lines. It's all about how you feel in the moment, and that kind of raw, honest expression can be deeply healing," says Jain.
Calming, Meditative Process
Junk journaling is also a way to process emotions and de-clutter the mind, says Jain, "I often tell people that documenting your interests, memories, and even your fleeting thoughts is like leaving breadcrumbs back to yourself. The physical act of the whole process of journaling, cutting, gluing, and creating tactile elements is both calming and meditative. It brings you into the present moment—a skill that so many of us struggle with these days."
She recommends journaling to help overcome stress, anxiety and other problems.
"For those who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or just ‘stuck', junk journaling offers a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with yourself. It's not about how the final product turns out; it's about the process and what it brings out in you. That's why I truly believe this trend is more than a creative phase - it's a tool for mental clarity, emotional release, and, most importantly, self-compassion," says Jain.
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