March 15, 2025 • 13 mins
https://lestallion.com/collections/journal-notebook-for-teens
The humble journal might be the most powerful tool we're overlooking in supporting teenagers through the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence. Join us as we unpack the science and psychology behind teen journaling, with special attention to the thoughtfully designed Lestallion journals that have become more than just attractive notebooks – they're portable therapists for today's overwhelmed youth.
When teenagers put pen to paper, something remarkable happens in their brains. The prefrontal cortex – responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making – activates in what one guest describes as "taking your emotions to the gym." This neurological workout strengthens mental resilience while providing a safe, private space to process the overwhelming experiences of adolescence. Beyond venting frustrations, journaling helps teens organize chaotic thoughts, gain perspective on difficult situations, and literally rewrite negative thought patterns into more constructive narratives.
The physical nature of journals like Lestallion's creates a sacred disconnect from digital distraction, allowing teens to reconnect with themselves in profound ways. From goal-setting features that build agency to creative spaces that unlock self-expression, these journals transform internal chaos into clarity. Perhaps most surprisingly, research shows that regular journaling doesn't just benefit individual teens – it ripples outward, creating more empathetic young people who report feeling more connected to peers and more willing to help others in their community. Whether you're a parent, educator, or teenager yourself, this episode reveals how the simple act of journaling might be the missing piece in navigating the complex journey through adolescence. Ready to see what stories are waiting to be told? Grab a pen and discover the transformative power of putting thoughts on paper.
Other Episodes
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16794255-journal-for-mothers-empowering-modern-mothers-through-reflective-writing
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16794259-journal-for-adults-how-journaling-can-tame-information-overload
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16794261-journal-for-fountain-pens-why-notebooks-are-a-fountain-pen-enthusiast-s-dream
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16796379-journal-for-couples-how-lestallion-s-a5-journals-are-transforming-relationships
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, so today we're going to be looking at
teen journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
And we're going to be talking about those journals
from Lestallion, yes, the oneswith, like the really nice faux
leather covers Right, they lookreally cool.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
But it turns out that there's a lot more to those
journals than just the nicedesign.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
We're going to find out why journaling is such a
good tool for teens, and it'snot just about writing down
frustration.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Yeah, down frustration yeah it goes way
beyond that.
These journals are designed ina way that makes them especially
useful for teens, right, butlike, before we get into the
specifics, of the journals yeah,um, maybe we should zoom out a
little bit and look at thebigger picture.
Okay, so you know, adolescenceis a time with like a huge
amount of growth and changeright but with all that change
come some unique challenges.
I can imagine.
Like imagine, you know, being ateenager and trying to deal with
all of these emotions andsocial pressures and trying to
(00:52):
figure out who you are, all atthe same time.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Yeah, it's like trying to solve a Rubik's cube
while you're riding a rollercoaster.
Yeah, like it's just a lot todeal with all at once, totally.
I remember when my nephew alexwas about 14, he was going
through something similar ohyeah he was having a tough time
fitting in at school.
His grades were slipping.
He seemed kind of lost and itwas really hard to see him
(01:15):
struggling like that yeah, andthat feeling of being
overwhelmed is really common forteenagers.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You know they're dealing with all these new
experiences and expectationsRight and their brains are still
developing, like all of thetools that they need to handle
all of that.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
So that's where journaling comes in Exactly
Gives them a safe space to, sortof, process all those emotions.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Yes, it's a place to just like untangle their
thoughts and start making senseof everything.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
So it's kind of like having a private conversation
with yourself, but on paper.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Exactly, and you know , what's interesting is that the
way a journal is designed canactually make a difference in
how well that works.
So, for example, lestallion'sjournals.
They have numbered pages and atable of contents.
Now you might think that's nota big deal, but for a teenager
who's feeling lost andoverwhelmed, having that
structure can actually makejournaling seem a lot less
(02:07):
intimidating.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Oh, that's a really good point.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
I know that, like even for me when I'm feeling
stressed, just organizing mydesk can make me feel a lot more
in control.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Like if I can create a sense of order in my physical
space.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Right.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
It kind of helps to calm the chaos in my mind.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, totally, and that feeling of control is
especially important for teens.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Yeah, because they're dealing with so much
uncertainty already.
Absolutely so the design of thejournal helps with organization
and makes it easier to getstarted.
But how does journalingactually help teens work through
difficult emotions?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Well, there's actually a really fascinating
neurological process thathappens when you write about
your feelings.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Oh, really yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
So when you put your feelings into words, you
activate the prefrontal cortex.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
And that's the part of the brain that's responsible
for.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
It's the part of your brain that's in charge of
planning and decision making.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Oh, okay.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
And also emotional regulation.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Wow.
So it's like you're literallytraining your brain to handle
those big feelings better.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Exactly.
It's like taking your emotionsto the gym.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
By writing about your feelings, you're building up
your mental muscles to managestress and difficult situations.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
And that helps you develop a much stronger sense of
self-awareness.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I could see how that would be so empowering for
teenagers.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Especially since they're still trying to figure
out who they are and where theyfit in the world.
I remember when my daughter wasabout 13, she started keeping a
journal.
I didn't want to pry oranything but I did notice a
change in her.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Oh really.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
She seemed calmer, more confident, and she was able
to talk about her feelings moreclearly.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I think the journal gave her the space to work
through things on her own terms.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
That makes sense, and you know even that smooth,
high-quality paper thatLestallion uses in their
journals it really like invitesyou to express yourself freely
without worrying about beingjudged Right.
There's no pressure to make itperfect.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
To get it out.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Exactly, you just get it out and that can be so
freeing, just to release allthose pent up emotions.
Okay, it's like you're clearingout all the clutter in your
mind to make space for newperspectives and new insights.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Like those, journals are like little portable
therapists.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
They provide a safe space for teenagers to explore
their inner world.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
And they help them develop those emotional
intelligence skills that are soimportant.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
So we've talked about the structure of the journals
and how they help with emotions,yeah, but what about the
content?
What are teens actually writingin these journals?
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Hmm, that's a good question.
I mean, it really varies fromteen to teen.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Some teens might use their journals to vent about,
you know, like a fight with afriend or something like that.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Others might use it to process anxieties about
school or the future.
And then there are some whowill fill pages with poems or
song lyrics or even like createtheir own fictional world.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Oh wow.
So it's not just about likeserious stuff, it can be
creative too.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Yeah, absolutely, and that creative outlet is so
important for teenagers.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
I bet.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
It lets them tap into their imaginations and try out
different ways of expressingthemselves, and they can even
discover hidden talents, youknow.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
I've seen teenagers who really struggle to
communicate verbally, but whenthey're given a chance to
express themselves throughwriting or drawing, or even like
collage in their journals, theyjust blossom.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
That's amazing and, you know, it makes me think
about this study I read, whereresearchers found that
expressive writing, likejournaling, can actually reduce
symptoms of anxiety anddepression.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Really.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Yeah, they think it's because writing helps us make
sense of our experiences andreframe negative thoughts.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Right.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
And it also helps us gain a sense of control over our
emotions.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
That makes a lot of sense, because it's like you're
taking all these messy thoughtsand feelings and you're putting
them down on paper in a way thatyou can understand.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
That process of organizing your experiences can
be so therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
It allows you to step back and gain some perspective.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
And you can even start to challenge those
negative thought patterns thatmight be holding you back.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So it's like you become the editor of your own
story.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Exactly, and speaking of stories, the Stallion has
this really interesting featurein their journals.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
There's a section dedicated to goal setting and
tracking progress.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
It encourages teens to think about what they want to
achieve, break down their goalsinto smaller steps.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And then use the journal to keep track of their
progress.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
It's a great way to build a sense of agency and
accomplishment you know, thatreminds me of my friend's
daughter, sarah oh yeah she wassuper shy and really struggled
with public speaking oh no butshe loved to write, okay, so she
started using her listallionjournal to write down all her
anxieties about speaking up inclass that's a good idea.
Yeah, and then she startedusing the journal to actually
(06:59):
practice her presentations.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
She would write down her talking points and even
visualize herself giving thespeech confidently.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
It was incredible to see her transformation.
She went from being terrifiedto speak in front of the class
to leading group projects.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
And even joining the debate team.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
That's amazing and it's a perfect example of how
journaling can help teens buildconfidence, and that belief in
their ability to succeed.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Totally so.
It's not just about dealingwith the past.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Or venting frustrations Right.
It's also about looking aheadand figuring out how to create
the life you want.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Exactly.
It's about giving teens thepower to shape their own lives.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
I like that, and it seems like the physical journal
itself plays a role in thatprocess.
Oh for sure, I know some peopleprefer digital journaling.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
But there's something about physically writing things
down that feels more realsomehow.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I agree, and for teenagers who are constantly
bombarded with digitaldistractions, having a physical
journal can be a great way todisconnect from all that noise
and reconnect with themselves.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Like creating a sacred space for self-reflection
.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Exactly, and you know Lestallion's journals with
those beautiful covers and highquality paper Right.
They really enhance thatexperience.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Yeah, it's like they're inviting you to slow
down, savor the moment andreally connect with your
thoughts and feelings.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Totally, and even those little details like the
ribbon bookmark and the backpocket for keepsakes.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
I love those.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
They add a personal touch that makes the journal
even more special.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
So we've covered the emotional benefits, the creative
outlet, goal setting and eventhe importance of the physical
journal itself.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Right.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
But how does all of this connect to the bigger
picture of how teenagers growand develop?
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, on a cognitive level, journaling helps to
strengthen those criticalthinking skills.
Okay, it encourages teens toanalyze their experiences,
identify patterns and drawconclusions.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
That makes sense.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And it also helps them develop self-awareness,
which is essential for makinggood choices and building strong
relationships.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
So it's not just about getting things off your
chest.
It's about learning how tounderstand yourself and the
world around you.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Exactly, and those insights can be really valuable
as teens navigate the challengesof growing up.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
You know, it makes me wonder about the role of
parents and teachers inencouraging teens to journal.
How can we support them in thisprocess without, you know,
being intrusive or pushy?
Speaker 2 (09:30):
That's a great question, and I think it's
important to remember thatjournaling is a deeply personal
practice.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
It should never feel like a chore or an obligation.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
The key is to create a supportive environment where
teens feel safe to expressthemselves without feeling
judged or criticized.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
So leading by example .
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Maybe sharing our own experiences with journaling or
talking about the benefits in anonjudgmental way.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Exactly, and it's not about telling them what to
write about or how often to doit.
It's about giving them thetools and the space they need to
explore their own inner worldat their own pace.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
It's like planting a seed and trusting that it will
grow in its own time.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Beautiful analogy.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
And speaking of growth, I'm really interested in
exploring the social andemotional impact of teen
journaling.
Okay, we touched on this alittle bit earlier, but I think
it deserves a closer look.
Sure, you know we talk a lotabout the challenges of social
media and technology for teens,but it seems like journaling
could actually be a really goodway to deal with some of those
(10:29):
pressures.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, that's a really good point.
I mean, in a world whereeverything is so curated and
filtered, you know, journalingoffers a space for teens to be
real and authentic, to bevulnerable and messy.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Right.
It's a reminder that it's OK tonot have it all figured out.
You know to have doubts andfears and insecurities.
Yeah, it's like giving thempermission to just be human, to
embrace all of their emotionswithout feeling like they have
to put on a perfect face for theworld.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Exactly, and that self-acceptance can be
incredibly freeing and it canalso help teens develop more
empathy and compassion forothers.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
That's interesting, how so.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Well, when you're comfortable with your own
imperfections, you're morelikely to be accepting of the
imperfections of others.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
That makes sense.
It's like journaling createsthis ripple effect that starts
with the individual but thenextends outwards to their
relationships and even how theyinteract with the world extends
outwards to their relationshipsand even how they interact with
the world.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Exactly, and there's actually research that backs
this up.
A study in the Journal ofAdolescence found that teens who
journal regularly reportedfeeling more connected to their
peers, more understanding ofothers' perspectives and even
more willing to help people inneed.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Wow, that's pretty amazing.
So journaling doesn't just helpteens understand themselves
better, it also helps thembecome more engaged and
compassionate members of theircommunity.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Yeah, it really is a beautiful thing to see and I
think it speaks to the power ofself-reflection to create
positive change in the world.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
You know, it makes me think about the role of
storytelling in all of this.
We've talked about journalingas a form of self-expression,
but it's also a way for teens tocreate and share their own
personal narratives.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Absolutely, and those stories can be incredibly
powerful.
They can help teens connectwith other people who are going
through similar things.
They can challenge stereotypesand even inspire others to take
action.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
I remember hearing a story about a young woman who
started a blog where she sharedher experiences with anxiety and
depression.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Her honesty and vulnerability really resonated
with thousands of readers and itled to this whole online
community where people couldshare their stories and support
each other.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
That's a perfect example of how journaling can
break down stigma and create asense of belonging.
It's like all these individualstories come together to create
this tapestry of shared humanexperience.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
That's a beautiful way to put it.
So, to kind of sum everythingup, it seems like teen
journaling is a lot more thanjust a trend or a fad.
It's a really powerful tool forself-discovery, emotional
growth, creative expression andeven social change.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Couldn't agree more.
It's a gift that we can give toourselves and to the young
people in our lives.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
And if you're looking for a journal that's
specifically designed to supportthis journey, I highly
recommend checking outLestallion.
Their journals are not onlybeautiful, but they're also
created with a deepunderstanding of what makes
journaling work for teens andremember.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
the most important thing is to encourage teens to
find a journaling practice thatfeels right for them, whether
it's daily reflections, creativewriting prompts or just a place
to write down their thoughtsand feelings.
The key is to make it personaland meaningful.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
So, as we wrap up our deep dive into the world of
teen journaling, I want to leaveyou with this question what
story are you waiting to tell,and how can journaling help you
unlock that narrative and shareit with the world?
Speaker 2 (13:42):
That's a beautiful question to think about, and I
encourage everyone listening tograb a pen, open a journal and
start exploring your own uniquestory.
You never know what you mightdiscover.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep writing and
keep those stories flowing.
All right, so today we're going to be looking at
teen journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
And we're going to be talking about those journals
from Lestallion, yes, the oneswith, like the really nice faux
leather covers Right, they lookreally cool.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
But it turns out that there's a lot more to those
journals than just the nicedesign.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
We're going to find out why journaling is such a
good tool for teens, and it'snot just about writing down
frustration.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Yeah, down frustration yeah it goes way
beyond that.
These journals are designed ina way that makes them especially
useful for teens, right, butlike, before we get into the
specifics, of the journals yeah,um, maybe we should zoom out a
little bit and look at thebigger picture.
Okay, so you know, adolescenceis a time with like a huge
amount of growth and changeright but with all that change
come some unique challenges.
I can imagine.
Like imagine, you know, being ateenager and trying to deal with
all of these emotions andsocial pressures and trying to
(00:52):
figure out who you are, all atthe same time.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Yeah, it's like trying to solve a Rubik's cube
while you're riding a rollercoaster.
Yeah, like it's just a lot todeal with all at once, totally.
I remember when my nephew alexwas about 14, he was going
through something similar ohyeah he was having a tough time
fitting in at school.
His grades were slipping.
He seemed kind of lost and itwas really hard to see him
(01:15):
struggling like that yeah, andthat feeling of being
overwhelmed is really common forteenagers.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You know they're dealing with all these new
experiences and expectationsRight and their brains are still
developing, like all of thetools that they need to handle
all of that.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
So that's where journaling comes in Exactly
Gives them a safe space to, sortof, process all those emotions.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Yes, it's a place to just like untangle their
thoughts and start making senseof everything.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
So it's kind of like having a private conversation
with yourself, but on paper.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Exactly, and you know , what's interesting is that the
way a journal is designed canactually make a difference in
how well that works.
So, for example, lestallion'sjournals.
They have numbered pages and atable of contents.
Now you might think that's nota big deal, but for a teenager
who's feeling lost andoverwhelmed, having that
structure can actually makejournaling seem a lot less
(02:07):
intimidating.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Oh, that's a really good point.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
I know that, like even for me when I'm feeling
stressed, just organizing mydesk can make me feel a lot more
in control.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Like if I can create a sense of order in my physical
space.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Right.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
It kind of helps to calm the chaos in my mind.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, totally, and that feeling of control is
especially important for teens.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Yeah, because they're dealing with so much
uncertainty already.
Absolutely so the design of thejournal helps with organization
and makes it easier to getstarted.
But how does journalingactually help teens work through
difficult emotions?
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Well, there's actually a really fascinating
neurological process thathappens when you write about
your feelings.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Oh, really yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
So when you put your feelings into words, you
activate the prefrontal cortex.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
And that's the part of the brain that's responsible
for.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
It's the part of your brain that's in charge of
planning and decision making.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Oh, okay.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
And also emotional regulation.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Wow.
So it's like you're literallytraining your brain to handle
those big feelings better.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Exactly.
It's like taking your emotionsto the gym.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
By writing about your feelings, you're building up
your mental muscles to managestress and difficult situations.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
And that helps you develop a much stronger sense of
self-awareness.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
I could see how that would be so empowering for
teenagers.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Especially since they're still trying to figure
out who they are and where theyfit in the world.
I remember when my daughter wasabout 13, she started keeping a
journal.
I didn't want to pry oranything but I did notice a
change in her.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Oh really.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
She seemed calmer, more confident, and she was able
to talk about her feelings moreclearly.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I think the journal gave her the space to work
through things on her own terms.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
That makes sense, and you know even that smooth,
high-quality paper thatLestallion uses in their
journals it really like invitesyou to express yourself freely
without worrying about beingjudged Right.
There's no pressure to make itperfect.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
To get it out.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Exactly, you just get it out and that can be so
freeing, just to release allthose pent up emotions.
Okay, it's like you're clearingout all the clutter in your
mind to make space for newperspectives and new insights.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Like those, journals are like little portable
therapists.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
They provide a safe space for teenagers to explore
their inner world.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
And they help them develop those emotional
intelligence skills that are soimportant.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
So we've talked about the structure of the journals
and how they help with emotions,yeah, but what about the
content?
What are teens actually writingin these journals?
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Hmm, that's a good question.
I mean, it really varies fromteen to teen.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Some teens might use their journals to vent about,
you know, like a fight with afriend or something like that.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Others might use it to process anxieties about
school or the future.
And then there are some whowill fill pages with poems or
song lyrics or even like createtheir own fictional world.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Oh wow.
So it's not just about likeserious stuff, it can be
creative too.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Yeah, absolutely, and that creative outlet is so
important for teenagers.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
I bet.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
It lets them tap into their imaginations and try out
different ways of expressingthemselves, and they can even
discover hidden talents, youknow.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
I've seen teenagers who really struggle to
communicate verbally, but whenthey're given a chance to
express themselves throughwriting or drawing, or even like
collage in their journals, theyjust blossom.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
That's amazing and, you know, it makes me think
about this study I read, whereresearchers found that
expressive writing, likejournaling, can actually reduce
symptoms of anxiety anddepression.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Really.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Yeah, they think it's because writing helps us make
sense of our experiences andreframe negative thoughts.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Right.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
And it also helps us gain a sense of control over our
emotions.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
That makes a lot of sense, because it's like you're
taking all these messy thoughtsand feelings and you're putting
them down on paper in a way thatyou can understand.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
That process of organizing your experiences can
be so therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
It allows you to step back and gain some perspective.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
And you can even start to challenge those
negative thought patterns thatmight be holding you back.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So it's like you become the editor of your own
story.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Exactly, and speaking of stories, the Stallion has
this really interesting featurein their journals.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
There's a section dedicated to goal setting and
tracking progress.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
It encourages teens to think about what they want to
achieve, break down their goalsinto smaller steps.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
And then use the journal to keep track of their
progress.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
It's a great way to build a sense of agency and
accomplishment you know, thatreminds me of my friend's
daughter, sarah oh yeah she wassuper shy and really struggled
with public speaking oh no butshe loved to write, okay, so she
started using her listallionjournal to write down all her
anxieties about speaking up inclass that's a good idea.
Yeah, and then she startedusing the journal to actually
(06:59):
practice her presentations.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
She would write down her talking points and even
visualize herself giving thespeech confidently.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
It was incredible to see her transformation.
She went from being terrifiedto speak in front of the class
to leading group projects.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
And even joining the debate team.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
That's amazing and it's a perfect example of how
journaling can help teens buildconfidence, and that belief in
their ability to succeed.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
Totally so.
It's not just about dealingwith the past.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Or venting frustrations Right.
It's also about looking aheadand figuring out how to create
the life you want.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Exactly.
It's about giving teens thepower to shape their own lives.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
I like that, and it seems like the physical journal
itself plays a role in thatprocess.
Oh for sure, I know some peopleprefer digital journaling.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
But there's something about physically writing things
down that feels more realsomehow.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I agree, and for teenagers who are constantly
bombarded with digitaldistractions, having a physical
journal can be a great way todisconnect from all that noise
and reconnect with themselves.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Like creating a sacred space for self-reflection
.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Exactly, and you know Lestallion's journals with
those beautiful covers and highquality paper Right.
They really enhance thatexperience.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Yeah, it's like they're inviting you to slow
down, savor the moment andreally connect with your
thoughts and feelings.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Totally, and even those little details like the
ribbon bookmark and the backpocket for keepsakes.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
I love those.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
They add a personal touch that makes the journal
even more special.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
So we've covered the emotional benefits, the creative
outlet, goal setting and eventhe importance of the physical
journal itself.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Right.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
But how does all of this connect to the bigger
picture of how teenagers growand develop?
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, on a cognitive level, journaling helps to
strengthen those criticalthinking skills.
Okay, it encourages teens toanalyze their experiences,
identify patterns and drawconclusions.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
That makes sense.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And it also helps them develop self-awareness,
which is essential for makinggood choices and building strong
relationships.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
So it's not just about getting things off your
chest.
It's about learning how tounderstand yourself and the
world around you.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Exactly, and those insights can be really valuable
as teens navigate the challengesof growing up.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
You know, it makes me wonder about the role of
parents and teachers inencouraging teens to journal.
How can we support them in thisprocess without, you know,
being intrusive or pushy?
Speaker 2 (09:30):
That's a great question, and I think it's
important to remember thatjournaling is a deeply personal
practice.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
It should never feel like a chore or an obligation.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
The key is to create a supportive environment where
teens feel safe to expressthemselves without feeling
judged or criticized.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
So leading by example .
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Maybe sharing our own experiences with journaling or
talking about the benefits in anonjudgmental way.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Exactly, and it's not about telling them what to
write about or how often to doit.
It's about giving them thetools and the space they need to
explore their own inner worldat their own pace.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
It's like planting a seed and trusting that it will
grow in its own time.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Beautiful analogy.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
And speaking of growth, I'm really interested in
exploring the social andemotional impact of teen
journaling.
Okay, we touched on this alittle bit earlier, but I think
it deserves a closer look.
Sure, you know we talk a lotabout the challenges of social
media and technology for teens,but it seems like journaling
could actually be a really goodway to deal with some of those
(10:29):
pressures.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Yeah, that's a really good point.
I mean, in a world whereeverything is so curated and
filtered, you know, journalingoffers a space for teens to be
real and authentic, to bevulnerable and messy.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Right.
It's a reminder that it's OK tonot have it all figured out.
You know to have doubts andfears and insecurities.
Yeah, it's like giving thempermission to just be human, to
embrace all of their emotionswithout feeling like they have
to put on a perfect face for theworld.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Exactly, and that self-acceptance can be
incredibly freeing and it canalso help teens develop more
empathy and compassion forothers.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
That's interesting, how so.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Well, when you're comfortable with your own
imperfections, you're morelikely to be accepting of the
imperfections of others.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
That makes sense.
It's like journaling createsthis ripple effect that starts
with the individual but thenextends outwards to their
relationships and even how theyinteract with the world extends
outwards to their relationshipsand even how they interact with
the world.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Exactly, and there's actually research that backs
this up.
A study in the Journal ofAdolescence found that teens who
journal regularly reportedfeeling more connected to their
peers, more understanding ofothers' perspectives and even
more willing to help people inneed.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Wow, that's pretty amazing.
So journaling doesn't just helpteens understand themselves
better, it also helps thembecome more engaged and
compassionate members of theircommunity.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Yeah, it really is a beautiful thing to see and I
think it speaks to the power ofself-reflection to create
positive change in the world.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
You know, it makes me think about the role of
storytelling in all of this.
We've talked about journalingas a form of self-expression,
but it's also a way for teens tocreate and share their own
personal narratives.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Absolutely, and those stories can be incredibly
powerful.
They can help teens connectwith other people who are going
through similar things.
They can challenge stereotypesand even inspire others to take
action.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
I remember hearing a story about a young woman who
started a blog where she sharedher experiences with anxiety and
depression.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Her honesty and vulnerability really resonated
with thousands of readers and itled to this whole online
community where people couldshare their stories and support
each other.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
That's a perfect example of how journaling can
break down stigma and create asense of belonging.
It's like all these individualstories come together to create
this tapestry of shared humanexperience.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
That's a beautiful way to put it.
So, to kind of sum everythingup, it seems like teen
journaling is a lot more thanjust a trend or a fad.
It's a really powerful tool forself-discovery, emotional
growth, creative expression andeven social change.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Couldn't agree more.
It's a gift that we can give toourselves and to the young
people in our lives.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
And if you're looking for a journal that's
specifically designed to supportthis journey, I highly
recommend checking outLestallion.
Their journals are not onlybeautiful, but they're also
created with a deepunderstanding of what makes
journaling work for teens andremember.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
the most important thing is to encourage teens to
find a journaling practice thatfeels right for them, whether
it's daily reflections, creativewriting prompts or just a place
to write down their thoughtsand feelings.
The key is to make it personaland meaningful.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
So, as we wrap up our deep dive into the world of
teen journaling, I want to leaveyou with this question what
story are you waiting to tell,and how can journaling help you
unlock that narrative and shareit with the world?
Speaker 2 (13:42):
That's a beautiful question to think about, and I
encourage everyone listening tograb a pen, open a journal and
start exploring your own uniquestory.
You never know what you mightdiscover.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep writing and
keep those stories flowing.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com