Woman tries viral 'no-contact' journal trend and explains how it may 'heal a lot of wounds'

Embarking into relationships or friendships may not always end on good terms. Sometimes, one needs to cut off contact and prioritize self-care and well-being. However, it is a painful task to let go of the relationship, especially when things are left unsaid. Fortunately, social media offers tips and tricks to soothe and aid the process, making the individual feel better and focus on their mental health. One of the viral tips being passed around for the same on TikTok is the “no-contact journal.” Laura Schmidt, the founder of Lovendu (@lovendu) which sells journals and planners customized to help with well-being and mental health, posted a video sharing a brief introduction of the said journal trend and suggesting how it can help if one is going through a bad breakup. 

Schmidt had posted a video earlier, sharing that she would be purchasing a no-contact journal to go with the trend. Her page is dedicated to various journaling habits and products and she often stresses the need for journaling regularly for self-love, mental well-being and more. Schmidt clarified that the no-contact journal is not limited to exes and those who have ended a romantic relationship alone but is for anyone who has people whom they do not want to or should not contact further. Holding the journal in her hand, she said she would write letters to whom she wished to and post a follow-up video. She also mentioned that she would likely burn the journal, as many people do, as a sign of “letting go.” 

As mentioned, Schmidt held one of the pink journals and explained in the video, “A no-contact journal is used when you’re trying to not contact someone.” Citing an example, she said, “Suppose you’re going through a breakup or there’s an ex and you don’t want to contact them or you want to avoid contacting them, then instead of dropping them a text or DM, you write in your journal what you want to say to them.” She referred to it as the “perfect journal to get over someone.” Often during a breakup or similar situations, the urge to talk to someone is stronger than ever. However, this can be toxic for people’s mental health and slow down the healing process.

That’s when the no-contact journals come into play. As Schmidt explained, people can use the journal to let out all that is inside of them without having to directly communicate it to the person they are not supposed to be in contact with. Sharing how she personally uses the journal, Schmidt said, “My no-contact journal is for anyone who I don’t speak to anymore.” She then revealed that she writes letters to them with what she wants to say to them. “Let me tell you I started this journal a couple of days ago and I’ve only written to one of two people and I’ve cried every single time.”

Elaborating on the same, Schmidt said it was “a good way to process one’s feelings and get the much-needed emotional release.” She concluded the video by stressing the need to avoid contacting a person who comes under the “no-contact” list, especially for one’s well-being. One of the examples from the viral trend includes @tatumtande’s video, where she revealed that she wrote 50 pages in her no-contact journal. It can be concluded that the journal serves as a closure, a mode of venting and letting go as best required for healing.