Reasons why you should start a COVID-19 journal or scrapbook.
COVID-19 or Coronavirus will be a time that will probably be looked back on and talked about for the rest of our lives and possibly even generations. A journal, scrapbook, or diary isn’t for everyone and that’s ok. I’ve heard a lot of people say that once this is over they don’t want to remember it or talk about it ever again while others plan on keeping records of the whole ordeal. Then there are the people that have feelings somewhere in between wanting to record it and not wanting to remember, whatever you choose to do, that choice is ok. Do what you feel is right for you.
For me, I want to put something together. I want to keep memories of the time we spent together and the things we did. This is such a scary, stressful, and unknown time. I know I’ll always remember the stress out of this situation, like being quarantined, but I also want to remember the happy and funny times. So for me, a memory book works.
Why You Should Keep a COVID-19 Journal
When I asked a group of others if they were going to keep a journal someone mentioned the podcast by Gretchen Rubin where she talks about how keeping a journal during this time is important. So, I went over and checked it out. If you don’t want to listen to the podcast there is a blog post written that explains how journal keeping can be beneficial during a time like this.
When I think about the things my grandparents experienced while growing, like the great depression, they are always filled with stories. I’m thankful that they’re still around to tell them, but I know that as they get older they’ll start to forget their stories and at some point, they won’t be here to tell them anymore and all I’ll have left are the few stories they told me. If they had kept journals then their stories could live on for generations and possibly help history.
A journal keeps your story alive, it gives a first-hand experience of what you experienced, how you felt, and how you dealt with it. Writing things down is a great way to get your feelings out and relieve stress, but it’s also a great way to keep memories. Your journal doesn’t have to be filled with all sadness or all happiness, it can be whatever is therapeutic for you and what you want to remember.
How to Keep a COVID-19 Journal
There are many ways you can keep a COVID-19 journal. You could send yourself daily or weekly emails, post on social media, start a blog, or write it down on paper. It’s all about whatever way works best for you.
What to Put in a COVID-19 Journal
For me, I want to remember it all and have it in a journal book for my kids and grandkids to look back on. I never thought I would experience something like this in my lifetime and the whole situation is so surreal. The best way for me to remember the good times and the stressful times is to keep track of them.
In your journal you could add:
- Pictures – The pictures could be of anything. A moment of your family having fun, an empty store shelf, grocery store haul, and so much more.
- Newspaper clippings
- Funny moments. Something silly your kid did, a joke someone told you, or whatever else you found funny during that time. It’s important to remember the good times during tragedy.
- Things that were upsetting or stressful for you
- How you felt
- Write down a recipe you made during that time – maybe you had to throw together a few items from your pantry or you made your own tortillas because you were out of bread.
- Keep track of the projects you did. Maybe you started a garden or you used toilet paper rolls to make something with the kids
- Inspirational Quotes you found helpful during this time
- How did you express self-care – maybe your self-care is the journal
- Happy moments – did you do something kind for a neighbor or stranger or maybe someone did for you
- Events as they happened
- Describe challenges and how you overcame them
- Did you turn to God? Write down your prayers.
- Share what you are grateful for during this time. It could be as simple as a phone call with someone you love
- Write down your dreams
- Write down your fears and if you resolved them, how
- Track what you ate
- Track your outings and how they went
- Have your significant other or kids add memories
- Write a letter to your future or past self
- Share life lessons you learned
- Share things you want to do when this is over – A bucket list
- Draw
- Write down ideas
- Share random thoughts
- Write down things you want to let go or you have let go
- Record your secrets
- Share things your learned
- When it’s over – share what the experience taught you
Journal Supplies
When it comes to keeping a journal all you really need is a place to write down your thoughts and feelings. This could be in an email or with just a piece of paper. However, when it comes to keeping a journal I like to express myself by making it pretty. I use stickers, different colored pens, and a pretty book.
I’m a Happy Planner Girl and find that their notebooks are perfect for me and keeping a journal. I also like their memory keeping books. These are just the planner supplies I use, so feel free to use what is comfortable for you.
- Happy Planner Memory Keeper or Notebook
- HP Sprocket – To print out pictures for my journal. These go on sale so avoid buying at full price if you can be patient.
- Colorful Pens – These are my absolute favorite.
- Stickers – You can use any kind you like (or none), but I use my Happy Planner ones since I have them for my planner.
