LeStallion
LeStallion
Journal For Meditation - How Journals Revolutionize Meditation
https://lestallion.com/collections/journal-notebook-for-meditation
Forget everything you thought you knew about effective studying. The secret weapon that could revolutionize your learning might be hiding in plain sight: a well-designed journal.
We dive deep into the neuroscience behind why putting pen to paper activates different neural pathways than typing, leading to better retention and deeper understanding. This isn't just about taking notes—it's about transforming passive reading into active learning through a physical process that engages your brain more completely.
Quality matters when it comes to your study tools. We explore how features like numbered pages, tables of contents, and high-quality paper create a foundation for organized thinking. The smooth ivory pages of a premium journal reduce eye strain during marathon study sessions, while options like dot grid layouts give you freedom to incorporate diagrams, mind maps, and visual elements alongside your written notes. These aren't merely aesthetic choices—they're functional elements that reduce friction in your learning process.
The most compelling evidence comes from real stories of transformation. From history majors drowning in primary sources to engineering students struggling with complex formulas, we share how the simple act of consolidating and organizing information in a single, well-designed journal turned academic chaos into clarity. The psychological benefit of seeing your knowledge build page by page creates a powerful sense of progress that digital methods simply can't replicate.
Ready to transform your study experience? Try dedicating a high-quality journal to your next learning project. Experiment with color-coding, mind mapping, or bullet journaling techniques to find what works for your unique learning style. Your future self—the one acing exams and retaining information long-term—will thank you.
Other Episodes
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16823474-journal-for-personal-growth-how-quality-journaling-changes-personal-growth
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16823479-journal-for-anxiety-relief-how-journaling-can-transform-your-anxiety-relief
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16823483-journal-for-travel-how-travel-journals-capture-what-cameras-can-t
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071281/episodes/16823491-journal-for-dreams-the-transformative-power-of-writing-down-your-dreams
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
All right. So you're here with us on the deep dive because you're someone who wants to cut through all the noise and really get to the heart of things.
Speaker 2:Especially when it comes to learning new stuff, right.
Speaker 1:Exactly. I mean, we all want to be able to understand things quickly, thoroughly, but who wants to wade through piles of notes and research?
Speaker 2:Not me.
Speaker 1:Nope, not me either, and that's exactly what we're trying to help you with today.
Speaker 2:Today we're diving back into a topic that can be surprisingly effective for studying.
Speaker 1:The journal.
Speaker 2:Yep, the good old-fashioned journal. I mean you've probably got tons of study materials.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:Notes, articles, research papers, and the hard part isn't always understanding the information itself.
Speaker 1:It's more about how to organize it all, make it stick.
Speaker 2:Right, make it your own. So today we're going to explore how using a journal can really change the game.
Speaker 1:Make studying more focused, more effective and, hey, even enjoyable.
Speaker 2:More enjoyable. That's key and you know, if you've been with us for a while, you might remember us talking about Lestallion journals before.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we have.
Speaker 2:We've mentioned their quality, their design. We've talked about them for creative work, personal reflection, but they're also really interesting for focused study.
Speaker 1:They really are, so let's dive in. How can a well-made journal like a listallion actually help you learn better?
Speaker 2:Well, first off, let's think about the act of writing itself.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:There's a lot of research out there that shows putting pen to paper has some real cognitive benefits.
Speaker 1:It's not just about copying information down, is it?
Speaker 2:Not at all. It's a much more active way of engaging with what you're learning. Interesting you know physically forming the letters with a pen. It actually uses different neural pathways than typing does.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:And that makes your brain work harder to process the information.
Speaker 1:So you're saying it leads to better understanding and remembering things in the long run?
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:I can definitely see that when I'm trying to wrap my head around something complicated, writing it out, even if it's just for myself, helps me understand it better. Right, it's like putting the thoughts in my head into order.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and a study journal gives you that dedicated space to organize your thoughts about the subject, but also to clear your mind of all the other stuff that's distracting you. You know you can jot down reminders, to-do lists, anything that's taking your attention away.
Speaker 1:That's a good point.
Speaker 2:And then you can really focus on what you're studying and, as you see your notes and ideas building up in your journal, you get this real sense of progress, of accomplishment.
Speaker 1:I bet.
Speaker 2:I remember a friend of mine, Alex, who was taking this really tough philosophy course.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:They were reading everything they were supposed to, but they couldn't quite connect the dots, you know. See the main arguments.
Speaker 1:I've been there.
Speaker 2:It wasn't until they started journaling after each reading session, summarizing things in their own words, writing down questions, making connections, that they started to get it.
Speaker 1:That's a perfect example of going from just reading passively to really thinking about what you're learning. So, when we're talking about journals that are specifically designed for this kind of active studying, what features should we be looking for? We've mentioned Lestallion Journal, so what is it about their design that makes them a good fit for learning?
Speaker 2:Well, the great thing about the Stallion Journals is that they have all these little features that seem to be made for someone who's really serious about studying.
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:Like take the cover, for instance. It's that soft faux leather. It's not just pretty, it actually feels really nice to hold.
Speaker 1:It's true, it does.
Speaker 2:And pretty. It actually feels really nice to hold. It's true it does, and that can be really calming you know it helps you avoid distractions makes sense.
Speaker 1:Plus they're easy to carry around, so you've always got your study hub with you and then there's the paper quality, which is something people always talk about with stallion, that thick, smooth ivory paper yeah they use like 120 gsm or more. Why is good paper so important for studying? I mean it.
Speaker 2:It seems like a luxury, but it might seem like that, but the paper makes a big difference to the whole experience. That high GSM means the ink is less likely to bleed through, which, let's be honest, is really annoying.
Speaker 1:Especially, if you like, using fountain pens or markers.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1:Or, if you like, to color code.
Speaker 2:Yes, so you can write on both sides of the page without any problems.
Speaker 1:Without it looking messy.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and the paper's so smooth. It makes writing really enjoyable and less tiring on your hand when you're studying for hours.
Speaker 1:It's true, I hadn't thought about that.
Speaker 2:And you know that ivory color is actually easier on your eyes than bright white paper. Oh yeah, Especially if you're reading and writing for a long time Less eye strain.
Speaker 1:That's so important, especially during those long study sessions. Right, what about the way the journal is laid out inside? I know some listallions have numbered pages and space for a table of contents. How do those things help with studying?
Speaker 2:Those features are actually super helpful.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:They might seem small, but they make a huge difference in how organized and efficient you are.
Speaker 1:How so.
Speaker 2:Well, with numbered pages, you can easily refer back to specific information. Ah.
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:Imagine you're studying for an exam and you need to find something you wrote down weeks ago With numbered pages. You just flip right to it.
Speaker 1:Makes sense.
Speaker 2:And having a table of contents lets you create a structured overview of all your study material.
Speaker 1:Like an index.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You can organize things by subject, topic, whatever works for you. Basically it's your own personal map of all the information you've learned.
Speaker 1:That would save so much time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no more hunting through piles of notes.
Speaker 1:Exactly, it's about having the information you need right at your fingertips.
Speaker 2:It's all about accessibility, Exactly. And another thing Listallion offers is different ruling options like dashed lines.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, the dashed lines. What's the advantage of those?
Speaker 2:Well, they give you the best of both worlds.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:You know they're there to keep your writing neat and aligned, but they're not, as in your face, as solid lines I see. So if you like to include diagrams or sketches or even mind maps in your notes, the dashed lines don't get in the way.
Speaker 1:That's true.
Speaker 2:And you know, some listallions have dot grid layouts. Yeah, that's super versatile if you like making graphs and charts or if you just want more flexibility in how you organize your notes.
Speaker 1:The dot grid is super popular, and I've also noticed that listallion journals have a really durable binding that lets them lie flat. Yeah, that might seem like a small thing, but I imagine it makes writing a lot more comfortable.
Speaker 2:Oh, it totally does.
Speaker 1:Especially when you're studying for hours.
Speaker 2:You don't have to keep fighting with the spine, you know, you can just relax and write. Plus, you've got both hands free, which is helpful if you're looking at other stuff at the same time. That's true, and a lot of listallions even have little pocket in the back. Yeah, super handy for keeping handouts, index cards, all that extra stuff.
Speaker 1:It's those little details that really make a difference absolutely you know we've talked about the features, but sometimes it's easier to understand with an example. I remember back when I was in university I had this crazy course load in history oh, wow it was awful. I felt like I was drowning in readings and lecture notes yeah I had stuff everywhere different notebooks, loose papers, even files on my computer. The struggle is real. Oh, it was when it came time to study for exams. It was a nightmare.
Speaker 2:Trying to piece everything together.
Speaker 1:Exactly. I was so disorganized, so stressed out. A friend suggested I try using just one notebook, one that was really well organized. So I got one with numbered pages and a table of contents. It wasn't a listalien at the time, but it had similar features, I see. I started making sections for each historical period we were studying and using the table of contents to keep track of everything and, honestly, just having all my notes in one place and being able to find things easily made a huge difference To your stress levels. Oh, big time. It helped me study so much better. I went from feeling totally lost to feeling like I was in control.
Speaker 2:That's so great to hear.
Speaker 1:It made me realize how important being organized is. It can really take away a lot of the anxiety that comes with studying.
Speaker 2:It makes it feel manageable.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:You know that reminds me of my sibling, Sarah. They were studying engineering. Oh wow, Super technical stuff Formulas, diagrams, all that. They started using a notebook with a dot grid layout and they loved it. It was perfect for writing out equations neatly and sketching really precise diagrams right next to their notes. Nice, the dot grid gave them the structure they needed but wasn't as restricting as lines. I can see that they said it made it so much easier to picture the concepts. Having the words and the visuals right there on the same page was like a light bulb going off.
Speaker 1:That's amazing.
Speaker 2:It really shows how important it is to find a system and a tool that works for your specific needs, for the way you learn.
Speaker 1:Absolutely so for our listeners who are thinking about starting to use a journal for studying, maybe even a listallion. What advice would you give them?
Speaker 2:The first thing is to be really clear about what you want to use your journal for. Okay, what's its purpose? Is it for lecture notes, summarizing readings, brainstorming, working through problems Makes sense Once you know that you can pick a listallion with the right feature, like, if you need to carry it around a lot, the soft cover is probably best. If you're going to be writing for hours, you'll want the lay, flat, binding.
Speaker 1:Good points.
Speaker 2:Then think about the ruling. Dash lines are good for general note taking, dot grid is awesome for visual stuff. Okay, and from the get-go, use those numbered pages to create an index or a table of contents as numbered pages to create an index or a table of contents as you fill up the journal jot down the main topics and what pages they're on.
Speaker 1:So you're building your own personalized study guide as you go.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and don't be afraid to mix things up.
Speaker 1:Why how?
Speaker 2:Use different journaling techniques. Bullet journaling is great for tracking assignments, deadlines, breaking down big tasks into smaller chunks. Mind mapping, especially on the dot grid, can help you see connections between ideas. I like that, and since listallion paper doesn't bleed through, you can color code to your heart's content.
Speaker 1:Highlight important stuff.
Speaker 2:Yes, make your notes more fun to look at.
Speaker 1:More memorable.
Speaker 2:Right. You can even have dedicated pages for summarizing key concepts after a lecture or a reading, or for planning out essay answers or how to solve problems, and some listallions have tons of pages like 211.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:So you've got plenty of space. And don't forget that back pocket Perfect for storing important handouts or anything you need to reference quickly.
Speaker 1:It's all about being proactive and making your journal work for you.
Speaker 2:Yes, adapting it to your learning style and your classes.
Speaker 1:So what makes Lestallion journals such a good choice for students who want to try this out?
Speaker 2:They're just so well made, durable, practical and designed for focused study.
Speaker 1:It's a good combo.
Speaker 2:The cover is tough but feels great to hold. The back pocket is super useful. You get loads of pages and you can choose the ruling that works for you.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:The lay flat binding is a game changer for comfort. And let's be real, they're just really nice to look at.
Speaker 1:Aesthetics matter.
Speaker 2:They do. Having a journal you actually like makes studying a little less painful.
Speaker 1:You know, we've mostly talked about using journals for taking notes and organizing information in a pretty structured way.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But can a study journal be more than that? Can it help you be more creative in how you learn?
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. A journal can really unlock your creativity. For visual learners. That smooth listellian paper is perfect for doodling and sketching.
Speaker 1:Ah, to help visualize concepts.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it can really help you remember things. Mind mapping, especially on a dot grid, is a great way to explore ideas and how they connect, and color coding can make your notes more engaging and easier to remember so it's about making studying a more active process exactly, not just passively absorbing information, and a good journal, like a list allion, can be used for so much more than just studying. You can use it for personal reflection, creative writing, goal setting, anything where you want to get your thoughts down.
Speaker 1:So it's a versatile tool.
Speaker 2:Very much so.
Speaker 1:So, to sum up, what are the key takeaways for our listeners who are looking to up their study game?
Speaker 2:The main thing is that using a journal for studying can really make a difference. It helps you focus, get organized, remember things better and even be more creative. It gives you a place to actively work with the stuff you're learning, clear your head and see your progress.
Speaker 1:And a well-designed journal like a listallion.
Speaker 2:Even better. Features like numbered pages, good quality paper and different rulings can really help.
Speaker 1:So if you're getting ready for your next study session, think about this how could using a journal make things easier and less overwhelming?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Maybe experiment with different techniques like mind mapping or bullet journaling. See what works for you and the subjects you're studying.
Speaker 2:That's a great idea, and hopefully this deep dive has given you some new ideas about how a simple tool like a journal can make learning more effective and more enjoyable.
Speaker 1:A journal that's designed with intention Exactly Well said. Thanks for joining us for this deep dive on the deep dive.
Speaker 2:It's been a pleasure.