How To Use Interstitial Journaling In Notion
What Is Interstitial Journaling?
In short, journaling during breaks or implementing proactive breaks. Interstitial journaling encourages short bursts of reflections as a opposed to one long session at the end of the day to empty one’s mind. For example, a single entry may look like "Call mom," or "I just wrote 300 words!," or "I procrastinated a bit but found this really cool link."
As well, interstitial journaling combines task management with journal reflections to create a better awareness of one’s relationship with their work. This approach isn’t for everyone, but can be useful as a reflection between tasks and projects to prime next actions.
What Interstitial Journaling Looks Like In Notion
Using a non-database approach is the best option for quick entry, inline reminders, links, and timestamps.
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Useful Shortcuts For Interstitial Journaling
Quick timestamp shortcuts are necessary. Reminders are also useful for interstitial journaling. When reminders are set for a particular time, a notification will be sent when prompted.
How to create a toggle quickly: “> + space”
How to create a timestamp: “@ + now”
How to link to another Notion page: “@ + search for page”
How to create an inline reminder: “@ + remind 6pm” or “@ + remind tomorrow 6am”
If you’re looking to implement these proactive breaks into a database structure, I recommend looking at my pomodoro planner. Perhaps the “break” entries can have an added “journal entry” property. Good luck with your Notion journey!