Bullet Journaling In Nature

Key Takeaway

1. Spending a day in nature can help you keep a clear mind and keep you inspired for bullet journaling
2.  This can help you learn more about the plants and animals you are around
3. There are a lot of different items to bullet journal about in nature
4. Remember to take care of your environment, bullet journaling can help you appreciate it more
5. You can use plants to physically incorporate into your bullet journal

Step Out In Nature With Your Bullet Journal

As a nature lover, spending a day in nature is one of my favorite things to do. Going for a hike and taking in all the sights and sounds of the wilderness is so refreshing for the mind and soul. And what’s even better is that you can bring your bullet journal along to help you stay inspired and focused. There are endless possibilities for what you can bullet journal in nature. You can take note of the plants and animals you encounter, make drawings of your surroundings, or write down reflections on your experience. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take care of your environment and appreciate it more while you’re out there.

One of the great things about nature is that there is always something new to discover. This is why I love using my bujo during a hike. Whether i’m on a day hike or a week-long camping trip, appreciating the beauty of the outdoors helps me to de-stress and unwind. If you’re the type of person who likes to stay organized, you may be wondering how you can keep track of all the new plants and animals you come across. One helpful solution is to bring along your bullet journal.

Using a bullet journal in nature can help you stay organized and learn more about your surroundings. Simply jot down the plants you come across, maybe even drawing them, and use your environment to create a page in your bullet journal. Not only will this help you keep track of your findings, but it will also allow you to gain a greater appreciation for your environment. So next time you head outdoors, don’t forget to pack your bullet journal!

It’s Time To Head Out On The Trail

How To Prepare – Supplies

There are a few key things you’ll want to bring with you if you’re planning on doing some bullet journaling while enjoying the great outdoors. I recommend making a packing list since there will be many little items to think about. First, make sure you have a notebook that will stand up to being lugged around in a backpack – something like a Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover A5 Journal is ideal. You’ll also need a good pen – something that won’t fade or bleed if it gets wet. The Uni-Ball Jetstream is a great option. If you are using pencils make sure to pack an eraser and sharpener. And finally, pack some washi tape and stickers – they’re perfect for decorating your pages and making them unique. (You can find some of my favorites HERE). And of course, don’t leave home without your trusty ruler so you can keep your spreads nice and tidy!

Snacks

Once I have all of my supplies packed, I choose a few snacks to bring along. I like to pack something sweet, like a granola bar or some candy, as well as something salty, like peanuts or pretzels. And of course, I always pack plenty of water. With everything checked off my packing list and ready to go, I’m ready to hit the trails and spend some time bullet journaling in nature!

List of items to go in your pack

1. Something to eat (granola bars, trail mix, slim jim)
2. Water
3. Rain cover for your pack (just in case it rains)
4. Raincoat ( just in case of rain)
5. Hiking stick
6. Hiking boots
7. First aid kit
8. Compass
9. Sunscreen
10. Your journal and supplies (of course)
11. Bug spray (check to see what types are populating your area)
12. Map
13. Camera
14. Bear spray (Just in case Baloo is out for a walk)
15. Hammock  (So you can relax and bujo away)
16. Local plants and animals guide

If it helps you to draw it out, check out this really cool example of a really creative packing list spread.

Hiking Spread

One of the best ways to track your progress and document your hikes is by creating a hiking spread in your bullet journal.

Here are 5 things to include in it:

1. The date and name of the hike
2. The distance of the hike
3. How long it took you to complete the hike
4. What you saw along the way: wildlife, views, flowers, etc.
5. Any memorable moments

Keeping a hiking spread is a great way to track your progress and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your hikes. So on your next trip, be sure to bring along your bullet journal and document your adventure!

Things You May Come Across On Your Hike

Plants

While on your hike you will see a variety of different plants. For example, while walking through the woods, admiring the greenery and the fresh smell of the forest you may spot a mushroom. It has a bright red color with white polka dots on top. You can snap a picture of it and continue on or you can sit and sketch it out in your bullet journal. Look up in a handbook what type it is, and take note of its surroundings. You are learning while relaxing and enjoying.

A few minutes later, you see another mushroom, this one is yellow with black spots. You can repeat your process to make note of it. You will come across so many different and interesting plants and enjoy the process of making notes and sketches of them. Pay attention to the details like the shape, size, and texture of what makes them unique.

I like to take notes of any distinguishing features like thorns or barbs. After a while, you will have a nice collection of sketches and will be very excited to look up what they are when you get home. If you go with a partner or group you can spend a nice evening looking up all this great information and discussing all you learned and your favorite parts of your excursion. Hiking is not only a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also a great way to learn about what mother nature has gifted you in your surroundings.

Animals

When out on a hike, there are all sorts of different animals you may come across. The most common by far are birds. There are all sorts of different birds, from small finches to large eagles. And they come in an array of colors, from the bright plumage of a tropical bird to the more subdued hues of a woodland bird. When you spot one you have never seen before, take out your bujo and sketch it out. See if you can identify it in your handy guide.

Mammals are also fairly common, especially if you’re hiking in an area with lots of trees. You might see squirrels chasing each other up and down trees, or deer grazing in a meadow. And if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a fox or an opossum. So keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to see all sorts of different animals on your next hike so make note of them in your bujo. Who knows, if you frequent the same paths you can now study the different animals you usually see. You may keep noticing the same ones and can even look out for them on future hikes.

I understand for some of us sketching isn’t as much of a joy, but don’t worry you can still use your smartphone to document all that you have seen. Take a picture of the items, use your HP Sprocket and print out the item and place it right into your bujo along with notes of everything you are experiencing. If you don’t have one, it is a really cool pocket-sized and battery-operated printer that fits easily in your pack. You can learn more about the HP Sprocket HERE.

How to use Nature In Your Bullet Journal

Here is a list of some of my favorite examples of how you can take nature and make it a part of your bujo

1. Pressing flowers and incorporating them into the page you are working on is so much fun. Check out this link for more info on how to do it. 
2. Using the pigment from the earth to create art.

Here is an article explaining how to do just that.

4. You can also print with flowers on fabric.

Different Bullet Journals For Different Reasons

I know from personal experience that it can be really helpful to have different bullet journals for different types of content. That way, you don’t end up with a journal that is clogged up with random information and you can be much more orderly with the subject matter. Also, you can customize each journal much more to your particular liking. For example, a habit tracker can have spreads that are more like a grid and easy to track(Check out our article about habit trackers HERE). And, as I pointed about above, a hiking journal can be filled with different pictures, sketches of nature, and even dried leaves you have found along your hike. This one in particular I absolutely LOVE. I feel so inspired when I flip thru it and makes even the toughest of days, nice and calming.

Having different journals also allows you to be creative in different ways of how to track your schedule but also some notes about your day, your mood, life in general, and things you are excited about and looking forward towards. You can have different kits, suck as a travel bullet journal, (Check out our article HERE about different bujo travel kits) for your different bullet journals and fill them with different pens, pencils, and types of stickers and paper due to their particular needs. This also breaks up the rut of feeling like you are doing the same thing over and over. I have a different bullet journal for each travel destination. I use it to record my travel plans, then bujo while on the trip, record my thoughts after the trip is over, and if I ever go back to that area, I use it to refresh my memory.

All of this makes for a much more enjoyable and productive experience. So, if you’re thinking about starting a bullet journal, or only using a single bujo at the moment,  I would highly recommend that you consider having different ones for different purposes. It will definitely make your life much easier!

Conclusion

Picture this…the sun is just peeking over the horizon as you start your hike. The sky is a beautiful shade of pink and orange, and the birds are singing. You follow the trail as it winds through the woods, admiring the different flowers and trees along the way. The path opens up into a clearing, and in the distance, you can see the waterfall.

You sit down and take out your bullet journal and capture the beauty of the scene before you. You write about the sound of the water rushing over the rocks and how soothing, and you can’t help but feel grateful for this moment of peace. As you look around, you notice that there are many different types of rocks, each with its own unique shape and color. It’s amazing to think about how long these rocks have been here, and how many people have sat in this very spot and admired this view. You take a deep breath of fresh air and feel your stress start to melt away. This is exactly what you needed.

Then the next time maybe your day isn’t going exactly as you hoped, you take out your bullet journal and remember this great site, what you were seeing, and how you felt. It brings you right back to the smell and memory of that day. You look at your spread calendar, set aside some time for your next hiking or camping trip, and then add it to your goals list for the month. You smile and realize this is exactly why you enjoy bullet journaling so much and look forward to coming up with new bullet journal ideas in the future.

Also, remember we want to protect nature as much as we can so we can keep enjoying it so please be respectful of your environment while out enjoying it. Check out our friends at Leave No Trace to learn more. If you have any questions about bullet journaling in nature please leave a comment below, or if you have any helpful tips for the community please don’t hesitate to express your tips and stories below.

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