1. Write down the basics first
Record the date, approximate time, main symptom, how long it lasted and how much it affected your usual activities. If a 0–10 scale helps, define what the numbers mean for you and use it consistently. You do not have to fill every field, and an approximate time is better than guessing an exact one.
2. Note observations, not assumed causes
You may want to record recent sleep, activity, stress, weather, illness, meals or medication changes. Keep the wording neutral: “Had poor sleep the night before” is an observation; “Poor sleep caused the flare” is a conclusion you may not be able to support. Patterns across many entries can be conversation starters with a clinician, not proof of causation.
3. Capture how a flare affects everyday life
Symptoms can matter beyond a severity score. Add a sentence about whether you had to rest, cancel an activity, miss work, change your plans or ask for help. Functional impact often tells your care team more than a single number.
4. Keep medication details factual
If it is relevant to your record, log the name and timing of medication taken, a missed dose or a change prescribed by your clinician. Record perceived effects and side effects in your own words. Do not change doses or stop prescribed medication based on a diary pattern alone; discuss concerns with a qualified professional.
5. Use condition-specific detail when it helps
- Chronic pain and CRPS: location, type of pain, sensitivity, swelling and changes in function can be useful to describe in a pain diary or CRPS tracker.
- Fibromyalgia: pain, fatigue, sleep and everyday impact can be logged together using the fibromyalgia diary.
- Asthma: record symptoms, inhaler use and any peak-flow readings according to your own clinician's plan. Learn about written asthma action plans.
- Epilepsy: log the event date, duration if known, possible warning signs, recovery and witness observations. See the seizure diary guide.
6. Review your notes before an appointment
Instead of handing over months of unfiltered entries, make a short summary: when symptoms were most disruptive, what changed from your usual baseline, which questions remain and which records you want to share. WellNest can keep symptom, medication and appointment records together and export a PDF to discuss with your GP or specialist. The appointment preparation checklist can help you organise the rest.
7. Choose a routine you can maintain
You might write one entry after a significant flare or keep a brief daily check-in. There is no need to make tracking a full-time job. Write what you know, leave unknown details blank, and take breaks from logging when it becomes burdensome. The best format is one you can use consistently and privately.
Example: a short flare-up diary entry
Date: Tuesday, 6 October · Time: Evening
Symptom: Increased aching pain in left leg, 7/10 compared with usual 4/10
Duration: About two hours · Impact: Cancelled planned walk and rested
Context: Slept poorly the night before; unsure whether it is related
Record: Took medication as prescribed, made a note for upcoming appointment
Fictional example for documentation only; not a recommendation for medical management.
Prefer paper? Start with a free template
You can use the free printable symptom diary template without signing up. If you want the same records alongside medication and appointment logs, see the WellNest symptom tracker app and available plans.
Chris built WellNest after years of managing his own chronic health conditions and juggling scattered notes between appointments.