Journaling can take place anywhere, but designating a special space could make your journaling ritual more enjoyable and effective.
Hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”), is a Danish word that means cozy, homey, warm, and tranquil. And it’s been gaining popularity in recent years. In hygge-inspired designs, special attention is given to elements that bring joy and a sense of coziness. The idea behind it is to encourage the savoring of small joys in life.
In this article, you’ll learn how to design a cozy journaling space that enhances comfort, maximizes joy, and boosts creativity.
Journaling Spaces
I’ve journaled in a lot of unique places over the years. On airplanes. On sandy beaches. And even on picnic tables at campgrounds.
For a while I used the desk in my office, but I was often distracted by the clutter of other projects I was working on.
Then, I migrated to the dining room table, but my dining room chairs were anything but comfortable.
Today, I almost exclusively journal from the plush cushions of my living room couch, where I use a portable lap desk for writing and a small basket to store my supplies.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what I like and don’t like when it comes to my journaling practice.
Before you can design a personal writing space of your own, you need to understand your personal journaling style, too. What does your ideal journaling space look like?
Elements of a Cozy Journaling Space
When most people think about workspace design, they almost exclusively focus on productivity, but your work environment can also affect your health. For example, paying attention to your posture and positioning can reduce your risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
To begin designing a cozy journaling space, you’ll first need to assess which elements are important and relevant to you.
Consider the following essential workspace elements:
Location
The first aspect to consider for your journaling space is location. Do you already have a designated space for journaling? Or do you need to find a new one?
Some people prefer to journal in the same place each day, while others prefer a more portable setup that can be moved from room to room.
The location doesn’t have to be large or fancy, it just needs to align with your preferences and journaling style.
Temperature
While ambient temperature settings have been the subject of debate for years, especially among employees in shared workspaces, researchers have settled on 77 degrees as being the ideal room temperature for productivity.
As you design your journaling space, consider how the room temperature impacts your mood, comfort level, creativity, and performance. Then, make temperature adjustments gradually until you find one that works best for you.
Lighting
Lighting is another important feature in your journaling space.
While softer lighting may make you feel more relaxed, not having adequate lighting can place unnecessary strain on your eyes. Be sure you have enough light to journal comfortably.
Depending on the time of day you typically journal, your lighting options may be different. For example, if you’re a daytime journaler, you might be able to position your writing zone near a window, where there’s a lot of natural light. But if you prefer to journal in the evening, you’ll need an alternative light source.
Here are some different lighting options to consider for your journaling space:
· Candlelight
· Desk lamps
· Glow lights
· Clip-on reading lights
· Fluorescent floor lamps
Seating
Seating is paramount when it comes to writing. Neglecting ergonomics can lead to strained muscles and injuries.
While you journal, pay attention to your posture and positioning. If your back and shoulders feel tight and tense frequently, it might be time to upgrade your chair.
Here are some questions to consider when choosing the right seating option for your journaling space:
· Is the height of the chair adjustable?
· Does the chair have adequate back support?
· Is the chair tall enough to support your shoulders and head?
· Is the chair equipped with arm rests?
· Does the chair swivel to allow for easy changes in tasks?
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to a successful journaling practice. Whether you choose to sit behind a formal desk, sit at the kitchen table, or use a lap desk on the couch, be sure your journaling space allows for a comfortable writing position.
Supplies
You’ll also want to consider which kinds of storage containers you’ll need for your writing supplies. Items like pens, markers, daily readers, extra journals, and reading glasses should all be stored conveniently for easy access.
Background Noise
Do you prefer to journal with a little background noise? Or do you need complete silence to do your best work?
If you’re not sure, pay attention to what’s around you when feel most focused, creative, and insightful.
How to Design a Cozy Journaling Space
Once you’ve decided on the elements to include in your journaling space, begin pulling it all together.
1. Design It
First, create a plan for your journaling space. Some people like to sketch out an image of their design, while others prefer to make lists of the key elements. Whatever your planning style is, make sure you have a clear vision for your space.
2. Create It
Next, begin collecting the design elements you’ve included in your plan, and arrange them accordingly within your space. Remember that you can always make updates and edits over time.
3. Refine It
Finally, after you’ve had an opportunity to spend some time in your space, assess what you like or don’t like about it. It may take some time to find the right design elements that work best for you. But over time, your journaling practice will become more aligned with your unique writing style and preferences. And that can make all the difference for your journaling practice.
Conclusion
Designing a cozy journaling space will not only make your journaling practice more enjoyable, but it may also inspire you to be more creative, productive, and consistent.
Now that you have a cozy journaling space, you’re invited to a journaling retreat. Over the course of this 53-week journaling retreat, you’ll be guided through the process of self-reflection, self-exploration, and personal growth.
And you can get started right now!
Information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as providing or replacing medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Author bio: STACY FISHER, RDN, LD, CDCES is the founder of LivingUpp, a lifestyle design company that teaches women how to use a self-care planning system to create more ease and better health. She is a registered dietitian and lifestyle coach with 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, where she’s worked with large companies such as Dell, Boeing, and Nike. Stacy is the author of The Lifestyle Design Planner, a flexible life organizer for high-achievers who value self-care and simplicity.
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