There tend to be two types of journal users. The first are those who like to immerse themselves in the whole experience- the aesthetic journaling enthusiasts. For them, journaling is a ritual. They have beautiful set ups with scented candles, calming music, thoughtfully chosen stickers/tapes and enjoy every aspect of the process. Every detail that they add is intentional and the journaling process itself becomes a meditative and creative escape. 

The second category of people are- the minimalists with packed schedules and little time to spare. For them, journaling is straightforward and purposeful. They know why they need to use a journal- to speak their mind and they do exactly that without fancy spreads or set ups. It is quick, honest and effective.

The beauty is that both these styles of journaling are equally valid and beneficial. A few focused minutes with a journal can offer that calm and clarity that the mind craves.

Why 10 minutes is enough

Ten minutes might not seem like much, but it’s more than enough to create a meaningful journaling habit. You can use those moments in the early morning, during your commute, on a work break or just before sleep. It could be all it takes to ease your mind and improve your well-being. Wondering how? Here are a few reasons:

1.      It helps you slow down

Those ten minutes that you spend with your journal diary is when you slow down and step away from the chaos around you. It’s just you, your thoughts and the comfort of ink meeting paper.

Everything that you do while writing is something to enjoy as it is a very tactile experience. The way your hand curls around the pen, the gentle pressure that you apply and how willingly the ink flows to give shape to all your unspoken thoughts. With each line, you are not just writing, you are also thinking, unravelling and reflecting.

This magic just doesn’t lie in the words, but also in the tools that you choose for the process. Choosing a good quality journal and pen can make the process more enjoyable. The Neorah Page a Day Journal will be a great choice as you can capture and reflect on all your daily reflections for a whole year in one beautiful, bound space.

At the heart of all this is the paper quality. When the paper is smooth and thick it can transform writing into an immersive experience. With Neorah journal you can feel the smoothness of the paper from line to line as your hand glides across the notebook.  It can handle different types of ink and fountain pens without bleeding or feathering.

Also it’s perfect lay flat binding ensures an uninterrupted connection between your heart and hand.  So, in just ten minutes a day, you can write something profound and meaningful.

2.      It offers an emotional release

Writing is a powerful form of emotional processing. During those few minutes with your Everyday journal, you're not just putting words on a page, you are listening to your mind, untangling emotions and giving them space to breathe. By translating the chaos in your mind into clear thoughts, journaling helps you feel lighter and more in control.

3.      It builds a mind-body connection

When you write with full attention, you begin to strengthen the connection between your body and mind. By giving shape to your thoughts and emotions through words, you engage the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking. This process supports emotional regulation and improves problem-solving abilities. Over time, this helps you better understand your inner world and gain clarity about the situations you are navigating.

4.      Capturing the cognitive afterimage

What happens when you look at a bright light for a long time and close your eyes? The effect of light lingers even after some time. That lingering impression is called an afterimage. The mind works in a similar way with certain memories and experiences. Some moments leave emotional traces that surface unexpectedly.

By writing down these glimpses of cognitive afterimages in your journal notebook whenever they occur to you, you preserve those insights and keep them close.

 What to Write in Ten Minutes

If you are wondering what to write in such a short time, here are some meaningful ways to write in your journal:

1.      Expressive writing

Expressive writing is writing freely about what’s on your mind, not just about what happened, but also about how you are feeling.

Studies show that this kind of writing reduces the activity in the pituitary gland and hence less cortisol or the stress hormone is released. As a result, you'll experience a sense of relief and feel emotionally lighter, as if a weight has been lifted off your mind.

2.      Recording experiences

Sometimes a powerful moment or idea crosses your mind and you want to hold onto it. Your journaling notebook can be the place where those thoughts live raw, spontaneous and deeply personal.

3.      Reflection

When you are confused, writing things helps bring order to your thoughts. You start to see things more clearly, make connections and often uncover insights you didn’t expect.

4.      Gratitude

Spending even a few minutes listing things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset. It might feel forced at first, but with time, gratitude journaling can help you develop a more positive and grounded perspective on life.

Journaling doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Just spending ten minutes a day with your journal notebook can help you feel calmer, more focused and more in control of your thoughts. It’s a simple way to take care of your mental health. Even on busy days, those few minutes can make a big difference. Start small, stay honest and let your journal be your quiet space to breathe.