Journaling as a Mindfulness Tool: How to Start in Perth

Perth residents increasingly report turning to journaling as a simple, low-cost mindfulness technique to counter everyday anxieties. Local interest in the practice is on the rise, with this week’s Mindful Mornings event at Northbridge’s City Farm drawing double its usual attendance on Friday.

The reason for this surge is clear. Digital fatigue, family stress, and news of rising youth violence—like last month’s stabbing incident in Melbourne—have left many West Australians searching for tools to manage daily stressors. Mental health educators at Curtin University say that small rituals like journaling can help ground thoughts and soothe agitation, complementing more formal meditation or therapy.

Writing Spaces and Community Events in Perth

Several Perth programs now offer introductory sessions on mindfulness writing. The City of Perth Library, just off Hay Street, hosts a monthly 'Mindful Journaling for Beginners' workshop – free for library members, with the next session scheduled for July 20. Meanwhile, the Perth Wellness Centre on Murray Street incorporates guided journaling into some of its group mindfulness classes, charging $29 per group session. For those seeking inspiration in nature, Kings Park’s Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a popular spot for writing outdoors, with regulars often seen jotting down reflections at sunrise before the Saturday parkrun.

National research supports the local interest. According to a 2025 report by Beyond Blue, 68% of Western Australians who adopted regular mindfulness practices found journaling the easiest to maintain and the most effective in lowering levels of daily stress. Basic supplies are accessible: a sturdy exercise book from Officeworks on St Georges Terrace costs under $7, while Perth’s independent stores like Planet Books in Mount Lawley offer artisan notebooks for those wanting a more personal touch.

Simple Steps to Start—and Keep Going

For beginners, experts recommend setting aside ten minutes each morning—just after a walk on the Swan River foreshore or before heading to work at Elizabeth Quay. Start by jotting down a few sentences about how you’re feeling, or naming three things you notice in your environment. For structure, some locals at the Pigeonhole Café journaling group follow prompts from The Mindful Journal, available for loan at Subiaco Library. Digital journaling apps, such as Day One or My Diary, are also gaining traction—though paper remains the go-to for most West Australians according to a recent poll by Paper Bird Books.

Next week, Mindful Mornings will return to Perth City Farm, with a focus on using writing to process local and global news. Registration is $18. For those unsure where to begin, public drop-in sessions at the State Library are open every second Thursday. Residents are reminded that while journaling offers benefits for wellbeing, those coping with persistent distress should consult a GP or WACHS-affiliated mental health professional for tailored advice.