I guess a lot of people have empty notebooks, journals, or diaries. Well, I’m the same. I had literally five different journals with entries, but they were always sporadic. I would write my thoughts every few months, then move on and say something like, “Journaling is not for me.”
I was like that until I finally sorted my mind and discovered the world of journaling by taking it seriously.
Journaling helps me check in with my mental health and reflect on where I am right now. It allows me to process my past worries and incorporate them into my current mindset.
If you struggle with the same or are new to the world of journaling, this article will teach you how to start a journal from scratch, show different journaling methods and strategies, and recommend some of the best journals.
I’m so excited for you to start your journaling journey, and I’ll be happy to help you along the way.
First find your why
We all have empty journals and a pen at home. But to start journaling in detail and stay consistent, you need to find your “why.”
Dive deep into why you want to start a journal and what benefits you’re hoping to gain.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I want to start a journal?
- What do I hope to get out of it?
Once you find your “why,” it’s much easier to stay committed. But this isn’t just about journaling—it’s true for almost every life situation.
Here are some reasons why you want to start a journal:
- clearity
- clear mind and better emotional itteligence
- being more productive
- find your creativity
My reasons are:
- appriate more the details in life
- showing graditude
- reflect my emotions through the day
All in all I feel more calm with my journal and I’m happy to know my why.
What benefits can you get out of your journal experience
Journaling can offer several benefits, though it also depends a bit on what you expect from it.
First and foremost, in my opinion, the greatest benefit is improved mental health. It can help with stress reduction and provide better emotional clarity.
My second favorite benefit is self-awareness. Trust me, you’ll start reflecting on your behavior and recognizing your actions and patterns.
Other benefits of journaling include:
- Increased gratitude
- Enhanced mindfulness
- Better memory and comprehension
There’s really no downside to starting journaling. It might feel a little uncomfortable at the beginning, but that’s completely normal
How to start with Journaling?
Before we start let’s make something clear: There are absolutly no rules about journals.
There will be errors, maybe ugly handwriting or mistakes and this is all fine. Don’t try to make it all perfect, because starting is already perfect.
No time for perfectionism, yes this journal is for you and you want it pretty but take it with the flow.
There several ways to start. And yes I talked about writing it down but you can also create a digital journal. The speed of a keyboard and easy access is nothing compared to a paper journal. The trick og journaling is to be self aware. How do you feel when writing on paper or laptop. How do you feel afterwards? Experiment with different ways to journal to find the best solution for you.
Different types of journal
There are different types of journals, each with its own benefits.
It depends on what your goals and expectations are.
Daily Journal
A daily journal helps you record everyday thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This type of journal encourages daily reflection and promotes thinking about your well-being.
Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal focuses on the positive aspects of your day or week. It shifts your mindset toward positive thinking and increases overall well-being.
Bullet Journal
A bullet journal is a customizable system for tracking tasks, goals, habits, and notes. It can help improve productivity, creativity, and organization.
When to journal
I know it’s easy to skip journaling and save it for the weekend or rainy days.
Start small with a new habit like journaling so you can stick with it.
Set aside time to journal every day—otherwise, you’re more likely to skip it.
For me, journaling begins when I turn off my phone as part of my evening routine. In fact, journaling is the start of my evening routine.
I like to write down my thoughts and gratitude for the day before I start my skincare routine.
Anyway, set aside 5-10 minutes each day and just write something—really, anything.
Choose a specific time during the day to stay consistent. Make space for journaling in your everyday routine.
What do you need to journal
Let’s be real—colorful and fun supplies make journaling extra enjoyable.
You don’t need 100 pens and stickers to get started, but having a few basics can enhance your journaling experience.
I’ve listed some of my essential journaling supplies below.
These links will direct you to my recommendations:
My favorite Notebook jounral
When you want a blank journal, let’s be real—you also want good quality paper and a nice cover. I can’t stop talking about my Leuchtturm Journals.
The best features are the thick paper and rounded edges. I prefer the plain, high-quality cover and the two bookmarks. I personalized my journal with stickers, which I think is a great way to give it a personal touch.
You can also find other journals that are a bit cheaper.
Click the links below for my journal suggestions:
My favorite is still the Leuchtturm dotted. I love the color variations.
I love also this soft suede looking Journal and it comes in many variations:
My favorite guided Journal
I also tried guided journaling at the beginning, and I loved The Six Minute Journal.
It’s still my top pick when you feel overwhelmed by free writing.
The journal helps set the right tone for your day with gratitude prompts and a positive note.
Living with intention can be hard, but keeping them in mind will boost your mood.
My favorite is the petrol blue version, and I love that it comes in so many color variations.
My suggestion:The Six Minute Journal
You start journaling in the morning by noting an inspirational quote, your gratitude, and what would make today amazing.
In the evening, you sit down again to evaluate your day and reflect on three positive things that happened.
I love it. It’s easy to use, and it’s still your personal journal.
Another option is a gratitude journal. I would choose this one: Daily Gratitude Journal:
Make Journaling Fun
Don’t make journaling feel like a chore.
It’s supposed to be fun and help you organize your thoughts.
Journaling is something you do for yourself.
Your journal should make you look forward to using it.