Ever since I discovered the Bullet Journal Method, I had always tried to use it every day. I tried not to miss a day because I wanted to make a habit out of bullet journaling. In fact, there were days when I had nothing to write so I would jot something down just to fill the day with at least one thing.
Recently, especially around the time of COVID-19, I have noticed that I used my Bullet Journal less during the weekends. At first, it wasn’t intentional. I just didn’t have enough energy and time to plan and reflect on my Bullet Journal. After a few weekends, I decided to stop using my Bullet Journal every weekend.
Ideally, you keep your Bullet Journal close-by during the day so you can capture and track things as they arise, but life is life, and sometimes things don’t get written down.
Ryder Carroll
A visual break
Working from home is not all it’s cracked up to be. You’d think that you would have more freedom when you work remotely, which is partially true, but it can really take a toll on you. The pandemic has proven and shed some light on the difficulties of working from home. Since the shift of work arrangements, my day job demanded more of my time sitting in meetings and writing more on my bullet journal compared to when I was located in the office.
My bullet journal has been filled with day job-related tasks alongside website tasks. I was overwhelmed with the number of things I’ve written on there that I felt there was a need to take a break from staring at my bullet journal.
Not having access to a bullet journal on a weekend was a relief especially during the pandemic. It also promoted work-life balance because it kept my mind (and eyes) away from my notebook.
The existence of an alternative mindfulness practice
I maintain a couple of journals. I use the Bullet Journal for productivity and intentionality while the stream of consciousness journal (or Morning Pages) for mindfulness and creativity.
One of my fears of skipping days is that I might abandon bullet journaling altogether. However, taking the weekends off bullet journaling hasn’t had that effect on me. I have been doing this exercise for a while now and I never had the urge to do without the Bullet Journal or feel that my mind hasn’t been decluttered. This is most likely because I have an alternative mindfulness exercise – which is the Morning Pages (stream of consciousness journaling)
Some might have another way of clearing their heads that isn’t related to journaling. Perhaps, it’s meditating or exercising – these things can be a something that you can use as substitute for the Bullet Journal on the weekends.
Making use of the Monthly Log
I am really not the type of person who has a lot to write about on weekends. I am usually out (but given the current situation, at home doing household chores). Daily logs don’t serve much purpose for me, however, I still make sure that I log important things down in the monthly log.
It [Monthly Log] offers a bird’s-eye view of the things you have to do, as well as your available time.
Ryder Carroll, on the Monthly Log, The Bullet Journal Method
It’s been helpful
During the first few weekends of taking a break was strange because I felt that I had always forgotten something. I was also afraid that I would stop using the Bullet Journal altogether but I’m glad I wasn’t able to kick the habit!
The trick for me was to plan my week on a Sunday night (just a couple of hours before I go to bed). I started to do this recently because I wanted to mentally prepare myself for the next work week.
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