If you’ve been keeping a personal journal on paper, you might be wondering whether you should convert this to a digital format. With technology so readily available, you probably already have the tools available to start digital journaling. Here’s everything you need to know about both options.
Pros of Paper Journaling
Back to Basics – Firstly, isn’t it nice to get a break from screens every so often? Especially when working from home, the last thing you need is another reason to stare at a screen. Sometimes, it’s nice to pick up a hardcover journal and start journaling by hand.
Use Handwriting – These days, we don’t often have an excuse to physically write, but journaling gives you this excuse. As well as being an enjoyable experience, using our own handwriting slows us down and allows us to process thoughts more carefully. Also, we’re more likely to remember more and take more of a break from our hectic lives.
Cons of Paper Journaling
Lack of Privacy – Even when you live alone, nothing is stopping your friend popping over and picking up your diary while you’re making a coffee. When living with others, it’s stressful constantly trying to keep your diary from others.
Potential of Losing the Journal – What happens when you take the journal on vacation and lose it? The same could happen when in the office, on public transport, or even just at home. You might lose the journal and you’ve then lost everything.
Requires More Time – We discovered that slowing down can help, but not everybody has the time to write their thoughts down on paper. With a million and one other things to do, you may struggle to find time to continue your journal.
Pros of Digital Journaling
Backups and Security – With digital journaling, you can save the document to the cloud, create backups, and ensure that you never lose access to the journal. Even if the worst happens and you lose every device you own (what a strange situation this would be!), you can still access the document after buying a new device and logging into your cloud account.
Takes Less Space – If you plan to write detailed entries over a long period, this will quickly stack up if you’re using paper. After a few years, you’ll have a whole box full of notebooks. While some like this idea, others feel horrified that their thoughts and opinions are so exposed. Thankfully, digital journaling requires one device and one device alone.
Voice Assistance – With the right platform, you can talk into the microphone and it will transform this into text while you talk. You get the benefit of writing a journal while vocalising problems/concerns.
Always Available – Even when away on a business meeting or vacation, you’re likely to have a device with you and this means that journaling is always an option. You might feel self-conscious pulling out a notepad and writing while lying next to the pool.
Cons of Digital Journaling
More Screen Time – We need and use screens more than ever before, and digital journaling means more time staring at a device.
Security Issues – Unfortunately, there are also security and privacy concerns with devices. This includes physically for people who know your password and also virtually; it’s best to choose a tool with encryption and passwords. The software can also experience bugs, limitations, and restrictions.
Impersonal Entries – Some people find text on a screen more impersonal than using handwriting on paper – you might distance yourself from the entries and struggle to connect with the exercise.
With this information, you can decide the best solution for you!