Hate Writing/Journalling? Here’s What to Do Instead When Writing Things Down Feels Like Torture.
Journaling sucks for a lot of people. Here’s how to get the same benefits — without ever touching a notebook.
Can’t stand journalling?
Neither can I!
Hate the idea of writing your thoughts down, or typing them out?
Fuck, yes!
You’re not alone…
So let’s explore some real alternatives that’ll still give you all the mental health, self-help, and confidence benefits without putting pen to paper.
The problem you’re solving?
Most people don’t like journalling, but they feel like they have to because every self-help guru pushes it like it’s the only way to get your head straight.
If you’re not into handwriting or typing, and you’re sick of being told that journaling is your salvation, then this is for you.
Deep down, you know that journaling is great for self-help and mental health.
At least, that’s what every internet guru rams down your throat, isn’t it?
But you absolutely hate it.
Handwriting makes your fingers feel like they’ve been cursed by an evil wizard, and typing?
Yeah, not much better, mate.
So, what do you do when everyone’s telling you to write things down, and you just can’t stand it?
What are the 5 questions people who have this problem ask about it?
Do I really need to journal to improve my mental health?
What’s the alternative to writing things down?
How do I get mental clarity without a notebook?
Will I see any progress if I don’t journal?
What’s the easiest way to track my thoughts or emotions without wasting time on a notebook?
Solution?
No, you don’t have to journal!
Forget journaling.
There are more efficient ways to do this.
You can get all the mental clarity, stress relief, and confidence without touching a pen.
The key is finding what works for you, instead of forcing yourself into a routine that feels like punishment.
There are plenty of alternatives, without making you dread the process.
Here are the alternatives that’ll get you results.
The alternatives to journaling (when the idea of writing makes you want to scream)
1. Voice Notes: your personal, portable therapist
Hate writing?
Cool, just talk instead.
Pull out your phone, hit record, and ramble.
It’s journaling without any writing involved.
You might end up with some pretty profound stuff — or you’ll cringe when you listen back.
Either way, it’s a win because you’re still processing your thoughts.
You can dump your thoughts in real time, process everything as you speak, and save yourself the headache of staring at a blank page.
Easy.
Done.
2. Ditch writing for mind mapping
If getting your thoughts down feels like a chaotic storm, a mind map is your umbrella.
It’s like throwing spaghetti at a wall, except it makes sense.
You can draw ideas, make connections, and process your thoughts visually.
No sentences required, just lines, doodles, bubbles, and random scribbles.
I use Microsoft Whiteboard (Free App) for mine: Linky
3. Walk instead of sit: self-help on the move
Hate sitting still with a pen?
Get moving.
A walking meditation lets you clear your mind while physically getting out of your space.
No, I don’t mean falling asleep while you walk, that would be dumb!
You let your mind wander, and by the time you’re back, you’ve mentally sorted through your thoughts without jotting down a single word.
Plus, it’s great for stress relief.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have clarity without having to jot down a single word.
Plus, you get the physical benefits.
It’s a two-for-one: healthy body, healthy mind.
Here’s a link to Google Maps which will show you walks in your local area:
4. Talking it out: the non-journalling journal
Find a friend, therapist, or random person who owes you a favour and talk things through.
It’s like a real-time, back-and-forth journaling session, but with someone who can throw in a bit of feedback or just nod along while you vent.
You’ll find clarity without picking up a pen.
You don’t have to process things in a vacuum.
Talk it out with someone you trust.
You’ll get insights you can’t get from scribbling in a notebook — and it’s faster.
The more you talk, the clearer you’ll get.
[SKIP TO SECTION 5] — if you’re not interested in talking to someone.
## Finding Someone to Talk To: Services and Communities
This section is for readers interested in finding services and communities for conversation and support.
If you’re not interested, feel free to-[SKIP TO SECTION 5].*
### Services and Communities
There are several services and platforms where you can find people to talk to, whether you need emotional support, companionship, or just someone to chat with. Here are a few options:
Therapists and Counselors:
Professional therapists and counsellors offer a safe space to talk about your feelings and concerns.
You can find them through services like BetterHelp or Talkspace.Mental Health Helplines:
Organizations like Mind provide helplines where trained staff are ready to listen and offer support.Companionship Services:
There are services specifically designed to provide companionship.
For example, Papa connects older adults with “Papa Pals” for companionship and assistance.Online Communities and Forums:
Platforms like Reddit have communities where you can find people to talk to. There are also dedicated forums for various interests and support needs.Here are some specific subreddits where you can find people to talk to or get support:
r/Needafriend: A place where people post looking for friends and conversations.
r/KindVoice: A supportive community where you can request or offer a kind voice to talk to.
r/CasualConversation: A subreddit for casual, friendly conversations on a variety of topics.
r/Depression: A supportive community for those dealing with depression, where you can share your experiences and get support.
r/Anxiety: A place to discuss anxiety and find support from others who understand.
r/MentalHealth: A broader community focused on mental health support and discussions.
r/ForeverAlone: A subreddit for people who feel isolated and want to connect with others in similar situations.
These communities are great for finding people to talk to and getting support. If you’re looking for something more specific, you can also use the Reddit search feature to find subreddits that match your interests.
Heads up: Don’t let these spaces drag you down.
Subreddits and online communities can be helpful, but let’s be real — too much of them can turn into a mental cess pit.You start off looking for advice, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in other people’s negativity.
If you’re not careful, you’ll end up marinating in someone else’s misery.
So, yeah, use them when you need to, but don’t live there.
You’ve got your own progress to focus on — don’t get sucked into someone else’s storm.
Peer Support Groups:
Many organizations offer peer support groups where you can share experiences and talk with others who understand what you’re going through.
For example, Side by Side by Mind is an online community for mental health support.Social Apps:
Apps like Hey! VINA and Bumble BFF are designed to help you meet new friends and find people to talk to.These services can provide a valuable outlet for conversation and support. If you need immediate help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health helpline or a trusted professional.
### Services and Communities — END
5. Create instead of write: when words fail, doodle
If words fail you, try creating.
Sometimes, it’s not about the words.
Grab a pen and doodle.
Or paint.
Or throw some clay at a wall (preferably outside your landlord’s sight).
Let your emotions out in colours and shapes.
It’s expressive, and you’ll feel just as unburdened as you would after writing a 5-page journal entry.
You’ll still get the benefits of self-reflection, but it’ll feel a lot less like a chore.
6. Apps for reflection: self-help without the paperwork
If all else fails, let technology do the work.
Plenty of apps help with mindfulness, reflection, or emotional tracking — without requiring paragraphs.
They give you prompts, audio options, or even meditative exercises that fit into your self-help routine without the handwriting or typing hassle.
You get the same benefits but way more efficiently.
6 reasons why ditching the notebook is the smartest move you’ll make this year
You’ll finally stop wasting time trying to journal when it doesn’t work for you.
You’ll feel less stressed about “keeping up” with self-help trends that don’t fit your style.
You’ll still get clarity, self-reflection, and personal growth — without a pen.
You’ll save time by using methods that actually fit your lifestyle.
You’ll stop feeling guilty about not doing things “the right way” and find what works for you.
You’ll make faster progress by not forcing yourself into routines that feel like homework.
You don’t have to journal to get your head straight
Journaling might work for some, but if it feels like torture for you, there are a bunch of alternatives.
The important thing is to find a way to process your thoughts and emotions that fits your style — whether it’s through talking, doodling, or simply walking.
So, stop forcing yourself into the journaling box and start doing something that actually helps you untangle that mental mess.
Stop wasting time with things that don’t work for you
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to journal to get your head straight.
If it’s not your thing, don’t do it.
Find something that works.
Voice notes, walking, talking to someone, mind mapping — it doesn’t matter, as long as it helps you make progress.
Do what works for you, and stop forcing routines that don’t.
That’s how you actually get ahead.
Stop Overthinking and Start Taking Action
Still sitting there, wondering if you should journal?
Mate, it’s time to move.
If writing feels like pulling teeth, then ditch it.
Seriously.
You’ve got the tools now — voice notes, mind maps, a good walk, hell, even a mate to chat with.
Stop waiting for some magical epiphany to come from a blank notebook.
Start doing something that actually gets results.
Pick one of these alternatives right now and try it for a week.
See how much clarity you gain by just talking it out or taking a walk.
You’re wasting time clinging to methods that don’t work for you.
Break the cycle.
Take control.
Subscribe to the (UN)BROKEN, and don’t look back.