Journalling has been proven to be beneficial to mental health. We can use journals as a tool for self-reflection and to help us analyse feelings and situations – and this can really start at quite a tender age. We know quite a few children who are still suffering the after-shocks of lockdown, unsure of their place in the world, but writing it down can be easier than trying to express how they’re feeling in (spoken) words.

 We’ve given quite a few HappySelf Journals to friends and family (of all ages), over the past (enduringly difficult) year or so. They’re beautifully-designed, a pleasure to use, and we like the values expressed at the front of each journal. Really, guidelines for life.

• Be grateful

• Be kind (to yourself and others)

• Choose positivity

• Honesty (always)

• Learn something new every day

• It’s not meant to be easy (it’s important that you don’t give up)

• Do the right thing (you know what that is)

• Be curious

• Be present in the moment

• Enjoy the little things in life

• Keep it simple

HappySelf was founded by former art historian and productivity consultant, Francesca Geens, with the journals based on scientifically proven methods that promote happiness and develop positive habits and mindset.

We also like the way Francesca and her team seek to give back. As they explain, ‘We recognise that not everyone can afford our journals and from the start we have been committed to making our journals available, for free or heavily discounted, through charities and schools to get them into the hands of those children that need them most.’ (The journals are recommended by paediatricians, psychologists and teachers.)

They continue: ‘We regularly support a range of charities with donations of journals or a share of our profits. These include Barnados and Action for Children as well as a range of smaller charities and family support services.’

Four different types of journal are available: My First Journal, for ages 3-6; Junior Journal (ages 6-12); Teen Journal (12+, below) and Grown-Up (um, for grown-ups). There are daily quotes, affirmations, prompts – what ‘Top 3 Things’ are you grateful for, today – and so much more, all beautifully and invitingly designed.

Even better, for us: they mean using paper, and pen, and imagination. More important than ever, in this crazy, demanding, digital world we find ourselves in.

Happy journalling.

£24.90 each – buy here

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