Journaling as a Mindfulness Tool: How to Start

Journaling is emerging as a go-to mindfulness practice in Geelong, with both individuals and wellness organisations citing the simple act of daily writing as a powerful tool for managing stress and boosting mood.

The renewed interest comes as Geelong residents grapple with rising anxiety and uncertainty-whether it’s the aftermath of major local incidents, cost-of-living pressures, or the persistent overload of digital life. Practicing calm may sound abstract, but journaling offers a concrete, low-cost way to anchor the mind, say those running wellness programs across the city.

Local Resources Turn to the Page

From the Highton Library’s monthly Mindful Journaling Hour (10:30 am on fourth Saturdays, $2 gold coin donation) to guided sessions at the Geelong Wellness Hub on Moorabool Street, the city is embracing pen-and-paper mindfulness. At Barwon Health’s Community Health branch in Belmont, staff are quietly recommending journaling as part of mental health recovery plans, particularly for young adults facing study or job insecurity. Meanwhile, some walkers along the Barwon River trail are known to pause at park benches with their notebooks, taking 10 minutes to reflect after their morning laps.

Journaling’s effectiveness isn’t just anecdotal. According to 2025 figures from Beyond Blue, over 35% of Victorians reported daily anxiety, but studies from Deakin University (published in 2024) found that adults who journaled three times a week saw a 23% drop in perceived stress scores after 10 weeks. A basic lined notebook from Officeworks on Malop Street costs under $5-making this one of the city’s most accessible wellness tools. Several neighbourhood programs, including the Kardinia Park Community Initiative, now include guided journaling prompts in starter packs for new residents.

How to Get Started

Experts recommend keeping things simple: try setting aside five to ten minutes in a quiet local spot-say, near the rose garden at Eastern Park or with a takeaway coffee at Waterfront Café. Start with prompts like, “What am I feeling right now?” or “What’s something I noticed today?” The goal isn’t perfect prose; it’s regular, honest reflection. Apps like Day One are popular, but handwritten notes help avoid digital distractions.

For ongoing motivation, locals can join small groups through Geelong Regional Libraries’ adult learning program or tap into free weekly digital prompts via Barwon Health’s Mindfulness Newsletter (sign up on their website). As winter continues and many lean into indoor routines, a notebook and pen might be the simplest way to build calm, one page at a time.