When I was younger, and at times in college, I made attempts to keep a journal. I would put their contents in the category of “warm-up drills.” Some swear by them. Here’s an argument for using one.

The Most Obvious Writing Tool You’re Not Using.
http://writeitsideways.com/the-most-obvious-writing-tool-youre-not-using/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=writeitsideways