The Power of Aesthetics in Journaling and note-taking

Or "How the visual appeal of your tools can transform note-taking and journaling into a meaningful ritual".

Every now and then, I try to improve my note-taking and journaling habits. As I previously discussed, I use different journals with various forms and sizes based on my mood of the day. This approach helps me keep journaling enjoyable and effective.

Recently, I realized that part of this method’s effectiveness lies in the aesthetics of the journals (duh) and the tools I use to write in them.
As I often struggle with ADHD, I find it almost magical how much dopamine the right tools can trigger. It’s a spark of joy that makes me feel like I’m doing something meaningful (which, by the way, I truly am, as note-taking and journaling are extremely beneficial for overall health).

In this post, I’ll share my views on this topic, hoping to inspire even one person to enjoy writing again.

Tools as a Reflection of Self

Let’s start with something highly relatable, ADHD or not: choosing a notebook, pen, or app is a way to express yourself. Each person has their own identity (or even multiple ones), and expressing it is one of the healthiest things we can do in today’s society.

I’m deeply convinced that our western, capitalist-consumerist society has gone too far in many areas, one of which is standardizing what people “should be” and how they “should appear.” There are standards for everything, and conformity is often encouraged, even when disguised. Without diving too deep into this, the same applies to journaling and note-taking. There are “standard pens,” classic notebooks, methods, and ways of writing that are deemed “correct.”

Breaking this cycle and expressing yourself through something as simple as a unique pen or a fancy notebook is crucial—it’s a declaration of independence. I use notebooks like my Harry Potter one, which many might consider “childish.” I also use ancient-looking fountain pens and quirky, budget finds from online marketplaces. I have glass dip pens and standard ballpoint ones, and I cycle through them depending on how I feel that day.

This helps me build a deeper connection to the habit while creating something that is entirely my own. I have the freedom to journal and take notes exactly how I want, with no one to judge or dictate whether it’s “right” or “wrong”—because it works for me.

Sensory Engagement

For me—and I suspect for many others—sensory engagement is a significant dopamine boost. There’s a huge difference between holding a sleek glass pen or a hefty metal one. Some days, I crave the solid feel of something weighty in my hand; other days, I just want to admire the cool reflections on the metal of my Chinese-inspired fountain pen.

This applies to my notebooks too. For instance, my Harry Potter notebook has a black cover that reveals a Patronus image when warmed by my hand. Watching it appear after some writing brings me joy. My Zelda notebook, with its soft leather-like cover, feels like something out of a fantasy world. Even my more serious notebooks have paper with unique textures that enhance the experience.

This extends to digital tools as well. I recently bought a simple but cool-looking cover for my Apple Pencil that resembles a wooden pencil. I ended up using it exclusively for four straight days and still love it!

Building Rituals, Not Just Habits

As I mentioned earlier, modern society often forces everything to have a practical purpose. This is unhealthy: taking time to do something simply because it’s enjoyable is an investment in mental health. Mindfully enjoying note-taking and journaling is one of the most natural forms of meditation, engaging both the logical and creative parts of the brain.

It’s well-documented that [handwriting offers numerous benefits](insert link here), partly because it activates multiple brain regions. Any tool or method that deepens immersion without disrupting the practice—and even enhances it—is a step in the right direction.

Crafting Your Personal Space

Over time, collecting tools and notebooks can feel like accumulation behavior. That’s certainly been the case for me. I tend to hoard, and journaling tools are no exception.

Fortunately, I also have moments of decluttering, where I give away, sell, or discard items I no longer need. Only the things I truly love or that hold sentimental value—be it content or memories—survive these purges. These cherished items gradually become more significant and permanent in my life.

It didn’t take long to realize I was naturally creating a personal space, dynamic and fluid yet tailored for calm and focus. My notebooks ended up in one place, my pens in another, and my inks in yet another.

For someone like me, who often struggles to find peace, journaling has become a safe space where my hyperactive mind can rest, focus, and savor the rare but healthy sensation of “having nothing to do.”

Conclusion

To conclude, this is just my way of doing things. Everyone is welcome to try and adapt these methods and ideas to suit their needs. If this inspires even one person to reconnect with writing, I’ll consider it a success.

P.s. You may find this post about modular knowledge interesting too!

Thanks for reading.

Tcsenpai