Bullet journaling has helped Doncaster woman with enforcing structure into her life during lockdown

Bullet journaling was popularised by Instagram many years ago but has had a resurgence during the pandemic because people have been seeking a creative outlet.

Karen Watson, an artist from Bessacer is someone who was inspired by the Instagram trend and has started her own journal to help with structure and mental health during the lockdown.

Karen, who is aged 40, said: “I’m always looking for ways to use art in my day to day life so when I saw the beautiful pages online I was intrigued.

“I read a book on bullet journaling and decided to give it a go.

“It’s helped me put structure back into my life, I honestly didn’t even know what day of the week it was without looking at my kids' school work.”

There are many different ways to use a bullet journal including the traditional diary method, trackers for diet and exercise, and creative artwork.

“I’m a photographer but obviously I have not been able to work for the last three months which means my biggest creative outlet is gone,” she continued.

“I work in composite photography which combines photos with digital drawing.”

Karen owns a studio in Bessacarr called Tiny Stars Photography but says she doesn't have a reopening date.

Karen chooses to stick to a theme for every month in her bullet journal, she has so far explored the use of mandalas, plants, and rainbows.

Karen uses Prismacolor pencils for the art in her journal and has used them to take part in the Doodle Challenge which consists of drawing a different animal every day of the month.

“I find journaling really therapeutic, just taking time out of my day to do something for me is really relaxing,” she continued.

“It’s the same as doing meditation or painting.

“Everyone can get really caught up in life and this is a way to take your mind off the horrendous news in the world.”

You can see more of Karen's art here.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor