We’re huge proponents of setting aside some time in your busy day to unwind and journal—but realistically, that’s not always possible. Sometimes, our sharpest insights, most pressing questions, or best ideas come to us when we’re waiting in the carpool lane to pick up our kids, selecting produce at the grocery store, or three miles into a jog. While the traditional pen-and-paper approach is timeless and valuable, it may not always align with our busy lives.
If you’ve ever sent a voice memo to a friend or family in lieu of a text (or left a voicemail, or, you know, had a face-to-face conversation), then you know the spoken word is a dynamic and accessible alternative to traditional pen and paper. Voice recordings allow you to capture moments, ideas, and emotions in real-time, and are especially useful when you don’t have the time or ability to stop your day and write or type out your thoughts.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of adding voice recordings to your journal in DayOne, and discuss why it’s a helpful practice and how to make best use of the feature.
Why Voice Recordings in DayOne?
1. Convenience
We’ve all had moments when a brilliant idea or an important insight crosses our minds while we’re on the move. With voice recordings in DayOne, you can jot down your thoughts instantly, without the hassle of typing on a small mobile screen.
2. Save Time
Setting aside time to journal isn’t always possible. For those days when you just don’t have the time or energy to write, voice recordings can be a smart alternative that help you stay on track with your journaling practice, even when you don’t have the time to sit down and write. Just hit record and speak your mind.
3. Capture the Authentic Moment
Life’s most profound and fleeting moments can be challenging to capture with written words alone. While focusing on writing effectively isn’t the primary purpose of journaling, sometimes it can be helpful to let go of the pressure of forming sentences, and just speak raw emotion into your microphone.
4. Overcome Writer’s Block
For those who occasionally struggle with writer’s block, voice recordings can be a fantastic way to jump-start your journaling process. It’s often easier to speak than write your thoughts freely—once you get going, you can more easily get back into the writing groove.
Tips for Effective Voice Journaling
1. Find a Quiet Space
When recording your thoughts, try to find a quiet environment to reduce background noise. This will ensure the clarity and quality of your recordings. But don’t stress about it: sometimes the giggle of your toddler from the backseat of your car or the voices of other shoppers at the store contribute to the mood of the message.
2. Date and Tag Your Recordings
Just as you would with written entries, make sure to date your voice recordings and add relevant tags. This will help you find and organize your entries later.
3. Reflect and Review
Periodically listen to your voice recordings and reflect on the emotions and thoughts captured. This can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-awareness.
How to Voice Journal with Day One
Start a new journal entry from your phone, and select “Audio.”
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to grand Day One access to Speech Recognition. Just hit “Ok.”
Step four is choosing how you want to use this feature. Some prefer to keep their voice memos as just that—voice memos they can play back and listen to. Others would rather transcribe their speech, so they can revisit entries at a glance. “Audio only” will retain messages as recordings, and “Transcribe” will convert audio to text. It’s your choice!
And that’s it! You can record anything you want—here’s an example. Save, revisit, and repeat!
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on the go, or someone looking to enhance your journaling experience, voice recordings in DayOne give you a practical and accessible alternative journaling option. Embrace this technology, and your journal will become an even truer reflection of your life’s journey, one voice at a time.
Start (Audio) Journaling Today with Day One
The Day One journaling app makes it easy to build and maintain a daily journaling habit. Daily journaling reminders, daily writing prompts, and journal streaks are designed to help keep you motivated and consistently journaling.
About the Author
Phoebe Kranefuss is a freelance writer and marketer based in Madison, Wisconsin. She’s a lifelong journaler and (almost) daily writer. She studied English Literature at Bowdoin College, is currently pursuing her MFA in fiction at University of Wisconsin–Madison, and has written for and worked with healthtechs including Monument, NOCD, and more.
