Self care is important to practise and it comes in so many different forms. Yes, a face mask or a soak in the bath is relaxing and pampering, but have you ever thought about self care ideas centred around stationery?
Stationery self care ideas to me sound so appealing and I was doing some of these without even thinking about the self care benefits they were giving me. If you follow my Instagram or Twitter, you will know I am a huge stationery lover. I am sharing a list of 10 ideas that you could practise as part of your self care routine.
1. Colouring
Bust out those colouring pencils or pens and get creative. It is a therapeutic activity that is been known to have so many benefits including relieves stress and anxiety, improves sleep and focus as well as improves your motor skills and vision. I have always loved colouring even as a child, it is one of my activities I go for if I am feeling stressed and anxious.
2. Treat yourself to new stationery
Why not treat yourself to a new notebook or some cute washi tape? Self care is also about making yourself happy, so treating yourself should be something you do regularly. You can never have too much stationery, am I right? Also having Stationery Week coming up from April 20th – April 26th, you are bound to find some bargains. I am also hosting a giveaway of stationery goodies too, so look out for that!
3. Write in your journal
Writing in a journal is such a powerful form of self care. Putting all your thoughts, worries and feelings down on paper, it can declutter your mind. Some well known benefits of journaling are relieving stress and boosts your memory. I have a blog post next week sharing all the benefits from journaling.
4. Make homemade cards
Making homemade cards for others, is a great way to show you are thinking about them as well as giving you a creative outlet. When I was younger we all used to make homemade cards. Showing gratitude is so important. My mum had and still has so many crafting supplies, so there was always so much to choose from, probably where I get my creative flare from ha ha! Last year during stationery week I shared how you can make cards using a Stampin’ Up kit. You can see all of my card making and what designs I came up with.
5. Decorate a journal or notebook
Decorating a journal or notebook is a great way to make it unique and make it your own. You can use stickers, washi tapes, photographs or even your own doodles. I have done this to a few of my notebooks, my HP Sprocket has been getting a lot of use for this reason. I love having personal photographs on my diary and notebooks.
6. Practise lettering
There are so many different styles of lettering that you can master. Self care can be about developing and learning and not just about pampering, so why not learn a new skill or hobby. I experimented in my bullet journal with different lettering styles, but I am still practising and learning. I recently brought a youtuber I follow Cindy GB’s lettering book, so I am excited to try it out. Why not give it a try?
7. Try scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to keep and store your favourite memories, whether that is photographs or tickets etc. I have always liked scrapbooking, I think from a young age at home and school we were always creating collages and so it developed into making books of these memories. Scrapbooking allows you to channel all your creative energy.
8. Organise your stationery/art supplies
Having a tidy and organised space can help you be more organised in other areas of your life. With all your supplies and tools having their own place, it allows you find supplies with ease. Less clutter reduces stress levels and having a clean desk boosts creativity. I have shared storage ideas for stationery fans, if you are struggling on how you can organise your supplies.
9. Write down one positive thing about each day
Reflecting at the end of each day and taking note of one positive aspect, is a great way to practise mindfulness and gratitude. Even when your day has not gone according to plan, it is important to focus on one good thing that happened rather than the negatives. This exercise is so grounding and humbling.
10. Set up a bullet journal or spend time bullet journaling
Bullet journals are a great creative outlet and the chance to explore your creativity, creating your own individual journal that is unique for you and your needs. Whether that is purely for a planner purpose, or whether you want to experiment with lettering or doodles. If you are wanting to start a bullet journal, I have shared my April set up, which is back to basics due to the current situation, so it is easy to follow. I have shared some bullet journal essentials and the pros and cons of bullet journaling if you are wondering if it is for you.
These are just 10 stationery self care ideas you can indulge in. There are so many art and craft ideas you can try out, YouTube and Pinterest are a hub of inspiration for these and different challenges. There is something so calming and relaxing about being creative.
What kind of stationery related activities do you like to do? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Jenny in Neverland says
I so wish I had the patience to do more things like this! I love journalling because it requires very little creative ability and I’ve started colouring a bit again too! Great suggestions! x
bournemouthgirl says
That’s great that journaling works for you. I am looking forward to doing some colouring during this lockdown x
Monogamist Reader says
I love those skinny washitapes!!!
bournemouthgirl says
Thanks!
My daughter loves this kind of stuff. I’ll have to share this post with her!
Awww thank you!
These are brilliant ideas Lauren, I also find being creative really therapeutic and calming 🙂 My favourites are colouring, scrapbooking and bullet journalling. I’d love to try calligraphy someday, it seems like a really fun hobby. I saw Cindy’s Cute Hand Lettering on Amazon the other day, now I’m really tempted to buy it, thanks for the recommendation! Fab post as always, thanks for sharing your ideas! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I love doing all things related to stationary, it’s so soothing and therapeutic to me. Great ideas here. I love the journalling ideas! x
100% think i need to treat myself to some new supplies!
Why not 😊
I love stationary, and I think these are some really great ideas. I keep thinking about starting scrapbooking or journalling – maybe now is the time! Kirsty // http://www.kirstythroughthelookingglass.com
I so wish I could say I found colouring and stationery-related activities relaxing and calming but I just don’t, unfortunately. I start thinking of all the other things I should be doing instead, which defeats the purpose of the exercise! But that said, I do love seeing other people’s pictures and hearing tips that work for them, so thank you for sharing Lauren 🙂 xxxx
It doesn’t work for everyone. Thank you for reading and commenting! Xxxx
I haven’t tried making my own cards. I’m not the most creative person but I know where to buy cute cards! I tend to go after cards that are glittery and colorful. What bugs me is how many stores sell cards for $5-7+ CAD which is really expensive. It’s a game to me finding cute cards that are affordable and I make a hobby out of it. 💌
Yeah that’s fair enough. It is good fun, to use stickers and pens x
I admit I bought another set of permanent markers the other day because they are limited edition and I didn’t want to run out of my favourite purple marker! 💜
That’s definitely okay! 😊😊
Are you actually suggesting I *use* the beautiful and adorable notebooks and journals I’ve collected over the years? As if they were made to be written in and drawn in, like…well, notebooks and journals!
I unfortunately am far too crazy to journal – seriously, using the journals is very very stressful for me! – but it is a great idea for people – to remember things, to write down bad thoughts to get them out. I do much better with the coloring pages – I can print them, which means I can reprint them, which helps, and it’s very relaxing.
So far, I mostly just fondle my stationary stash once or twice a day.
You have to do what works for you.
I love the idea of writing down one positive thing about each day, especially since yesterday I found myself inexplicably frustrated. Looking to the bright side or just relaxing to color for a bit appeals to me. 🙂
I hope it helps! It works really well!
I just purchased a coloring book off of Amazon not long ago – coloring does wonders for anxiety! Or if you just need a minute for a creative outlet, coloring is perfect. I definitely want to start a gratitude journal soon as well!
I hope the gratitude journal goes well. Colouring is great!
I love colouring and drawing and am encouraging my little ones with creativity, we all escape together!
I have never considered learning lettering, it is appealing and I am definitely going to explore it more. A great post thank you!
Sarah
http://Www.simplysarahjayneloves.com
Thank you for reading and commenting!
That’s good, enjoy the colouring!
I’ve been loving doing lots of creative, arty stuff recently so this was a great post to read. Thank you!
Al x
Lovely ideas! I always make cards for family when it’s their birthdays, it’s so calming putting them together 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Definitely! Thank you for reading and commenting!
I love colouring and journalling but my favourite thing to do is go through all my travel momentos after a trip and make scrapbooks!
That’s fun!
I loved this post!
Great post! Such good ideas, I’ve been journaling and writing down positive stuff each day, sometimes even just writing a bit of a checklist so I feel like I’m getting stuff done.
Yeah these are great ideas!
Love these ideas! I’ve been keeping a journal as a way of releasing emotions which has helped and I’ve also done a bit of colouring. xx
– Charlotte / charlottesspace.com
Keeping journals are so therapeutic and helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting! Xx
I would like to try and practice lettering styles. You make it look so easy. I know I would need some time to practice and then, I would like to use the different letter styles in my journal.
Oh this is such a cute idea! I love stationary and have been meaning to start journaling or BuJoing for ages but I’ve never gotten around to it- I definitely have the time now!
Soph- https://sophhearts.com/ x
Definitely have time now, should give a go and see what you think x
Thanks for sharing! Making cards is so fun. My mom and I used to make our own Christmas cards every year. And she used to scrap book for years and just now got back into it. Also writing in a journal is amazing! I started a blog and it’s kinda my journal and it is a great stress relief to get everything I’m feeling out. Keep up the good work, its amazing!
Thank you for your kind comments. Can you link your blog so I can have a read
I made homemade cards last year and had a lot of fun doing it. I may try to revamp the ones that didnt come out as great as I’d have liked. Thanks for the idea!
Definitely give it a go, why not?
Reblogged this on CoffeeMamma and commented:
I love Everyring stationary!!!
My mom does Stampin Up and has so many card supplies too! Also, I need to check out your craft storage post; I struggle with keeping them all organized. Organizing them all would be a great project to do while I’m stuck at home though!
Definitely check it out and see what you think! Thank you for reading and commenting!
Ahhh i really wanna go and get some new stationary now! I never realised how relaxing stationary based activities can be but they totally are. Also I’ve never bought an adult colouring book so i think i need to get on that as well! Great post this has really inspired me to get more creative x
Definitely give it a go! I have a stationery giveaway over on my Twitter if you are interested x
I love this post – it has given me even more excitement and enthusiasm about starting my new bullet journal 🙌
I’ve always loved colouring in too, so relaxing. My sister bought me a lovely adult colouring book and pencils which I think I will dig out.
Definitely do it! It is relaxing and so calming if you are struggling, you can focus your mind! Look forward to seeing your bullet journal on your blog. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I loved this post! So cute <3
I treated myself to a new bullet journal yesterday – it's going to take all of my self control to hold off on starting it until next month haha
Wow, you have no idea how much I enjoyed this post—mostly cause I am a book-aholic. Coloring books, notebooks, blue books, green books, full books and empty. I don’t know, something about them makes me love them!😂😁
I am a complete stationery junkie. Is there a therapy group for stationery addicts ’cause I’d be in it in a heartbeat?!
I used to love coloring and writing in a journal, but I’ve been so busy with my kids that I’ve forgotten both of these things. I definitely needed a reminder about these two self care activities, so thank you for posting this! Also, I found some new things to try as well 🙂
I didn’t journal for a month or two but back into it now and really finding it helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE new stationary – I want to try them all!!
Thank you! Can you link your blog
I can’t believe I forgot that it is stationary week next week! I feel the need to go and order some new bits to keep me going in isolation. It is just a shame that my Easter holidays from school don’t start till the week after.
I will be trying some of these suggestions during my time off x
Definitely look out for some stationery deals during this week. I hope these ideas help! Can you link your latest post, so I can read and commenting!
Thank you, here’s my latest
https://ourfavouritejar.com/2020/04/17/40-self-isolation-journal-prompts/
Some fantastic ideas here, especially now the days seem long and even longer. Hope your keeping safe 😁
I am, I hope you are staying safe!
I love this. Coloring and journaling are two of my go to relaxing activities.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Great post!
I will be SOO happy if I can actually get to organize all my stationary stuff, right now my supplies are everywhere in different parts of my room and it’s driving me nuts how I have to dig for some things haha!! These are really good ideas, I love making greeting cards too. Thanks for sharing lovely!
I hope you get around to organising your supplies soon! I always do feel more organised knowing all my supplies are in one place x
Lobe this list! These are fun therapeutic activities- good for the mind, heart, and soul ❤
Thank you!
Amazing creativity!! Thanks for sharing this brilliant art.
It’s lovely,
Keep posting such..
I love this list! I am a stationery addict! I have been bullet journalling non-stop since lockdown was put in place because nothing else cheers me up quite the same!
That’s great that bullet journaling is helping you through this lockdown
Thank you for reading and commenting!
How is the bullet journaling going? You managed to get started. I have a stationery giveaway over on my Twitter in case you are interested x
Aww thank you! Scrapbooking and colouring is great! Xx
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog
Scrapbooking is one of my favourite things to do when I’ve got a bit of spare time! I love looking back on all the memories and creating something unique with photos and bits. I also treated myself to a new BuJo recently so I can up the ante with my layouts and things! xxx
That’s awesome! What journal did you get? I look forward to seeing your bullet journal posts xx
I got the Leuchtturm 1917 dotted one in bright yellow – it’s so pretty and having the dotted format makes it so much easier to plan your layouts! I have some pics taken just looking at how I can put a post together on it 🙂 x
I love this idea! I’ve been colouring, crafting and buying stationery for years, but never considered how good it could be for my mental health. Or even considered it a self care activity! I know I always feel so good are a decluttering or organising session too. Can you recommend a good but not too expensive range of colouring pencils, in an array of colours? I saw a Van Gogh colouring book I love and want to do it justice.
I love that there are so many ways stationary can provide self-care! I keep a gratitude journal, and I occasionally do colouring, it is relaxing! I’m a fan of washi tape too and I love those skinny tapes you got.
Sophie | http://thisbrilliantday.com
Thank you for reading and commenting! A gratitude journal sounds good
I love coloring, and making cards is on my list of things to do once this move Is done 😊
I use a bullet journal as my blog planner and I love setting it up! I was going to start a travel scrapbook a while ago and collected stuff for it but never got around to making it, I should really make it. These are great suggestions! x
Sophie
That’s awesome! X