I Tried TikTok’s “Junk Journaling” Trend — Here’s How It Helped My Mental Health

I’ve always been a sentimental girly. My camera roll has 10,000+ photos. My closet is filled with old journals, scrapbooks, and mementos I’ll never get rid of. So when “junk journaling” was all over my TikTok For You Page earlier this year, it felt like the universe was sending me a sign. I had to try it and immediately headed to Amazon and added a pink journal to my cart. Although I knew I would enjoy this new hobby, I had no idea how personally healing it would be.

What is Junk Journaling?

So what exactly is junk journaling? It’s a mix of journaling, scrapbooking, and collaging. The idea is that you use “junk” you collect from everyday life—think receipts, birthday cards, tickets, photos, product tags, plastic bags, hotel keys, etc.—and turn it into art on the page.

All you really need is a journal, something to write with, a pair of scissors, and some kind of adhesive (I love a classic glue stick). From there, you can get as creative as you’d like with fun stickers, cute patterned paper, and decorative washi tape.

Here’s What Happened Once I Tried Junk Journaling

I was instantly hooked. I flew through my first journal in just a few weeks. I didn’t realize how much creativity was just sitting inside me waiting for an outlet. For the first time in years, I had a hobby that wasn’t “productive.” It wasn’t for work, for my kid, or for anyone else—it was just for me.

I love that there are no rules when it comes to junk journaling. Whether it’s through elaborate collages or simple pages sprinkled with stickers, you can document anything, big or small. In mine, I’ve captured milestone moments scrapbook-style, like birthdays and trips to Disneyland (my happy place). But the real magic is in documenting the everyday stuff—the funny things my son says, my current favorite coffee recipe, or the comfort show I can’t stop rewatching.

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Junk Journaling Mental Health Benefits

What started as a creative outlet turned into something deeper. Junk journaling helped me:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety. There is just something about using my hands to cut, glue, and collage that feels so grounding and soothing to my soul, especially in a world where almost everything is digital.

  • Boost my mood. I don’t just love the process of junk journaling. Flipping through old pages still gives me an instant hit of joy.

  • Practice gratitude. When you start documenting your life this closely, you may notice more of the tiny details that make up your days and quickly realize how much there is to be thankful for.

  • Be more present. Junk journaling completely changed how I look at my everyday life. Simple, fleeting moments that I may have otherwise forgotten become small works of art preserved in my journal.

The Takeaway

I’m now on my third junk journal, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Turning “junk” into memories has become one of the most unexpectedly healing things I’ve done (for me) in a long time. It reminds me that even the most ordinary moments are worth remembering. Is it for everyone? Maybe not. But if you’re looking for a fun, creative way to unwind and document your life, it’s definitely worth trying.

This article reflects one individual’s personal experience and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re struggling, consider speaking with a licensed clinician.

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Authored By 

Jessica Estrada

Jessica Estrada is a writer and editor with 15 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She began her career at Racked LA, where she chronicled Los Angeles style and the rise of digital influencers, before joining Los...

Reviewed By

Stephanie Thomas, M.Ed, LPC-S
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor licensed in Texas with over 15 years of experience working as a Clinical Therapist, Clinical Director and Executive Director. I have worked with clients with a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and chronic mental illnesses to include bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I have also served survivors of trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and human trafficking. To better serve the population impacted by trauma, in 2018 I became a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) specialist. My counseling style is warm and empathic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion and cultural competence. My approach naturally combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness and solution focus techniques. If you feel that my background and expertise compliment the changes you are looking to make toward a more fulfilling life, I am here to support, educate and empower you!

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