A pen glides across the pages of a notebook as doodles creep into the margins, a journal filled with thoughts that are both messy and meaningful. When life gets overwhelming, students may turn to texting or mindlessly scrolling, while others turn to journaling.
For a few students at Coppell High School, journaling has become a sanctuary for processing and reflecting on their thoughts, helping teens manage stress before it builds up.
“I write my feelings and my emotions in my journal, but I also fill it with doodles, playlists and quotes,” sophomore Aliyah Syed said. “It is not really just a diary, but a scrapbook where I put everything I feel.”
Beyond recording memories, studies have shown journaling can relieve stress. In a 12‑week study by PubMed Central, adults who wrote in an online journal reported feeling less stressed and anxious. This trend is reflected in teens.
“Writing all my emotions down is a good stress reliever for me,” Syed said. “With my journal, I get to reflect on what I was feeling. I feel surprised and amazed at how things change.”
Over time, journaling helped Syed recognize her growth.
“Looking back, I can really see how much I’ve grown and how differently I handle things now,” Syed said.
For sophomore Shivaani Rajasekaran, the practice offers clarity.
“I wanted a place to write stories and things that happened so I wouldn’t forget them,” Rajasekaran said. “It makes me happy to look back and read what I wrote two years ago; I want my future self to see what I’m doing now,”
What started as a way to reflect on the past has become a way to untangle present issues.
“Writing helps me solve problems,” Rajasekaran said. “What feels like a big deal in the moment usually is not when I look back.”
Journaling is not reserved for stressful moments, it can be used to mark achievements. After crushing a presentation, Rajasekaran turned to her journal to capture her pride.
“I wrote so much in my journal just to remember that feeling,” Rajasekaran said.
Between classes, extracurriculars and managing friendships, taking a few moments to compose thoughts offers quiet in a chaotic world, even for those who are not particularly fond of writing.
“I would not say I love writing, but I do like journaling just because it gives me a place to clear my head,” sophomore Shruti Borra said.
Creative Writing and AP Literature teacher Matthew Bowden encourages his students to experiment when writing.
“A journal is a great place to try different things because you’re still developing as writers and wanting to figure out who you are and what voice you have,” said Bowden.
This exploration leads to improvement.
“The more you write, the better writer you become,” Bowden said.
Whether it is venting about your day or celebrating small wins, journaling provides teens a much-needed space to pause and reset. Self-care does not have to be a spa day; sometimes, it’s simply finding peace through words.
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