At Watersedge, we love finding new and great resources to support our mental health. When we discovered the Not Your Average Anxiety Journal we knew it was something our clients would find useful. And even better – it was created by two local psychologists from Geelong! We interviewed Psychologist and co-author of the journal Dayle Johnson to find more out about the Not Your Average Anxiety Journal. Keep your eyes out for our review in the coming weeks!
What inspired you to create the Not Your Average Anxiety Journal?
The inspiration for the Not Your Average Anxiety Journal stemmed from years of listening to people who feel stuck in their anxious thoughts. We wanted to create something that goes beyond just writing down feelings.
Our goal was to bridge the gap between understanding and action, providing users with practical tools and a safe space to explore, challenge and ultimately grow through their anxiety.
We love the title, but we have to ask: what makes the journal not so average?
We’re glad you love the title! What sets this journal apart is its unique blend of evidence-based practices and creative expression. It's designed to engage, surprise and encourage a fresh perspective, making it anything but average. You’ll find exercises that prompt deeper self-reflection, innovative ways to practice mindfulness and even prompts to challenge and reframe anxious thoughts. Every page is intentional, guiding users through an interactive journey that isn’t just designed to soothe anxiety but works to transform it.
How can someone use the journal if they experience anxiety?
Using the journal is about finding a moment each day or whenever works best for you. We’ve designed it so people can open up to any page and dive right into the exercise that resonates most in the moment.
Each section offers something different – from grounding techniques to developing your own anxiety plan. It encourages users to pause, process and manage anxiety in a structured but personal way.
What type of practices do you include in the journal?
Inside, you’ll find space to freely write and draw your feelings, along with activities to help you explore your anxiety, understand what it is and discover how best to manage it.
The journal includes a mindful breathing exercise, a body map activity, grounding techniques, a habit tracker, reflective journal prompts and an activity to create your own personal anxiety action plan.
You have worked with communities in the UK and northern Australia, now in Geelong. What are the common struggles people have with anxiety irrespective of location, background, or culture?
Across different locations, one thing remains universal: anxiety often manifests as a fear of not being ‘enough’ or ‘in control.’ People everywhere face internal pressures to meet expectations, along with the uncertainty of life’s twists and turns.
Regardless of background, many individuals feel isolated in their anxiety and struggle to share it with others. This journal aims to bridge that gap, providing a safe place to face those feelings without judgement and in a way that feels manageable and uplifting.
How can someone use this journal as part of their toolkit toward self-care and growth?
The journal can be an anchor in anyone’s (from 13 years old, to adult) self-care toolkit. By using it consistently, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, the user will build a habit of self-reflection and growth.
It allows them to track patterns, celebrate progress and learn techniques that become second nature over time. The journal encourages looking inward with compassion and intention, which is essential for lasting self-care and personal growth.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the Not Your Average Anxiety Journal?
We just want everyone who gets their hands on a copy to know that this journal is for them – their unique journey, thoughts and experiences.
Whether they’re starting to address their anxiety or have been managing it for years, their Not Your Average Anxiety Journal meets them where they are, offering guidance and support along the way. We hope it becomes a companion they can turn to again and again.
The Not Your Average Anxiety Journal by Dayle Johnson and Tabitha Thompson is available now.
Paperback: $37 order here
E-version: $27 download here
