Write Under Different Conditions

Have you been writing in your journal for a while, and find that you always tend to write 
about the same things? If so, this can lead to boredom and quitting very quickly. A good 
way to get out of this dull mindset is to try writing in a different condition, mood, or 
space. Here are some ideas to help you find new conditions for writing in your journal.


Good and Bad Moods

The first way to write under different conditions is to consider what mood you like to 
write in. Everyone has their preference, and this often depends on the type of journal 
writing you do. For someone who likes to talk about their day and write out goals in their 
journal, they might write when they are in a happy or optimistic mood. On the other 
hand, someone who uses the journal to vent their frustrations tends to journal more on 
bad days or when they are under a lot of stress.

Think about when you typically journal as far as your mood goes, and do the opposite. 
Try journaling when you are sad and crying, when you are angry, when you are happy 
and excited, and when you are tired. Look at how different your writing is! This can be a 
really fun experiment, and helps you understand a little more about yourself.


Inside and Outside

Take your journal inside and outside, then look at the differences. You can even do this 
at the same time. Start by getting comfortable and cozy inside your home, curling up on 
a couch and writing in your journal. Just write the first thing that comes to mind, doing a 
little ‘stream of consciousness’ type of journaling.

Next, take your journal outside, whether it is in your backyard, sitting on a park bench 
nearby, or even driving a little further. Write another stream of consciousness page 
when you are outside. Did your writing change? Were your thoughts somehow 
influenced by being inside versus outside?


Sunny Day and Rainy Day

The weather can also be a condition that changes how you journal and what you 
choose to write about. It also affects people’s moods and energy levels, so that also has 
an affect on your writing. Try writing in different weather conditions, such as sunny days, 
snow days, rainy or gloomy days. Make a note of what the weather condition was and 
where you were writing at the time so you can look back and see how different your 
journaling experience was.


