Background Collecting data in phenomenological research can be difficult and an often under-explored area of data collection is the use of diaries.

Aim To enable the reader to understand how diaries can be used to collect data in phenomenological research.

Discussion The author discusses how diaries can provide unadulterated insight into a phenomenon.

Conclusion Diaries can be useful to gain a personal insight into a phenomenon.

Implications for practice Diaries can be a challenge for those maintaining them, but offer a personal insight which can be useful as a data collection method and also cathartic for the participant.