• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Contact
    • Work with me
  • Shop
  • Freebies!
  • Nav Social Menu

Tami Creates

creating a happy life

  • Creative
  • Happiness
    • Self-Improvement
    • Mental Health
    • Self-Love + Self-Care
    • Positivity
  • Books
  • Lifestyle

Why and How to Start a Journal (+55 Journal Prompts!)

January 19, 2022      Tami R      18 Comments

Spread the love
47
Shares

This post may contain affiliate links. You can view my full disclosure here.

Here's why you should keep a journal, how to start a journal, and 55 topics to journal about!

Lately, I’ve been getting more and more into different types of journals and I’m loving them. So that’s what I wanna talk about today!

In middle school, a lot of us kept a diary. We would write down what happened during the day and maybe rant about things that upset us. Keeping a journal totally doesn’t have to be the same thing!

Journaling can cover a wide range of styles and techniques – especially with how much bullet journaling has been gaining popularity.

One thing that all types of journals have in common, though, is that they’re really good for improving many different areas of your life!

I prefer bullet journaling, and I also have an art journal, but it doesn’t really matter what kind you choose. Journaling in general has so many great benefits for our mental health and personal growth!

Today I thought I’d talk about why it’s such a great idea to start a journal, how to get started, and what to write about!

 

Here's why you should keep a journal, how to start a journal, and 55 topics to journal about!

 

Why should you start a journal?

So many sources say that journaling is great for our mental health, our mood, organization, goals, and much more. Here are many of the benefits and positive experiences keeping a journal can help with:

  • Easier time processing your thoughts and emotions
  • Feeling calmer and more at peace
  • Easier time working through problems
  • Becoming more creative
  • Becoming more mindful
  • Achieving more goals
  • Getting to know yourself better
  • Becoming more confident
  • Developing your writing skills
  • Staying organized
  • Reducing your stress levels
  • Improving your memory
  • Capturing and tracking ideas
  • Practicing gratitude
  • Improving your mental health
  • Staying motivated
  • Increasing your self-love

 

How can you start a journal?

A lot of people just don’t know where to start when it comes to journaling. What kind of journal should I use? What should I write about? When should I write? So…

• Consider the type of journal that you’d like to keep:

There are many formats that you can use for your journal. If you prefer a digital journal, there are apps you can use. Or you can keep it on your computer. If you prefer a pen and paper journal, you can go with a classic journal, a bullet journal, or a sketchbook. You could also just use a plain notebook.

Some people even narrow down their focus to things like:

  • Bible journals
  • Gratitude journals
  • “Interactive” journals
  • Book review journals
  • Dream journals

There are so many different types of “niche” journals that I can’t even list them all, and I don’t even know of them all, haha. Figure out what you wanna do and what works for you!

 You might like: Bullet Journal Essentials for Beginners 

• What to write about:

A lot of people just do “stream of consciousness” writing in their journals. They just free-write about whatever is on their mind and keep going until they’re done. Some people time themselves too. That’s a great way to clear your mind and let go of your emotions. I don’t usually do this unless I’m feeling particularly scatter-brained.

Other people dedicate certain days to certain topics – such as relationships, career, health, etc. and just write about whatever is going on in that particular area of their life at the time. That’s another great idea if you’re stuck on topics to write about, but I don’t do this either.

I actually use my journal to make lists, drawings, plans, and other random things. I also use it to re-evaluate my goals, do brain dumps, and brainstorm about things. This is great for my creativity, self-improvement, relaxation, mental health – lots of things. For example, I made a long list of things to do when I’m feeling anxious or depressed.

It all really depends on what works for you. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to use a journal. It’s supposed to be personal, after all. You could just do a combination of everything. It doesn’t have to be deep or profound writing. My system is to just do whatever I feel like I want to do that day. I feel like that’s the best technique!

• How to make journaling a habit:

If you want that long list of benefits from journaling, you can’t just write in your journal once every 6 months. You’ve gotta make it a habit! Something that you do every day (or at least every week) without worrying about forgetting.

To start things out, try to write in your journal at least 2-3 times a week, for about 15-20 minutes a day. Start small, set journal writing goals that are realistic for you, and pretty soon you’ll have a habit.

Also, pick a certain time of day to do it. First thing in the morning might be best so you can get it done instead of worrying about forgetting or squeezing it in later in the day. Plus, doing it in the morning can really set the tone for a better day. Also, add it to your daily to-do list or set a reminder on your phone to help you remember.

If you keep at it, it’ll become a habit for you soon enough!

 

A few other tips

  • Try out different types of journaling to figure out what’s right for you.
  • If you can, keep it with you because you never know when inspiration will strike.
  • Block out distractions so you have peace of mind when you’re writing.
  • If you want to get more creative and make your journal prettier, buy journaling supplies like washi tape, stickers, good pens, and other fun things.
  • Don’t worry about doing it the “right way” or doing it perfectly; remember it’s for you, no one else.
  • Just do it – that’s the best way to get anything done!

 

55 journal prompts!

If you click the graphic below and sign up for my newsletter, you can receive a free printable with 55 journal prompts for creativity, inspiration, and personal growth – plus loads of other freebies for living your best life! You can get creative and use these prompts for your writing journal, art journal, or even your bullet journal. 🙂


Do you keep a journal? Do you want to start a journal? What kind? Let’s chat in the comments!

Follow me! Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin’


Related Posts

If you struggle with anxiety or panic disorder, you need this list! Here are 40 ways to manage anxiety when it's getting the best of you.
40 Ways to Manage Anxiety (Free Printable!)
Here are 7 healthy lifestyle changes that I want to make this year, to help my anxiety and overall quality of life!
7 Healthy Lifestyle Changes I Want to Make This Year
I believe that EVERYONE is creative but some days, inspiration is hard to find. Here are 7 ways to find inspiration when you need it!
7 Ways to Find Inspiration When You Need It
It's easy to get caught up looking at all of the fancy bullet journal spreads and expensive supplies. Here are my favorite affordable bullet journal essentials for beginners!
Bullet Journal Essentials for Beginners
Here's why you should keep a journal, how to start a journal, and 55 topics to journal about!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria Grove says

    January 19, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    I’ve been really wanting to start a journal this year – thanks for the tips ! I will use your prompts – they sound great.

    Reply
    • Tami R says

      January 19, 2022 at 7:58 pm

      That’s awesome! And thank you! 😁

      Reply
  2. Beth Elkassih says

    January 19, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    I love journaling and yes yes yes it really does help our mental well-being. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Jimmy Clare says

    January 19, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    I journal every night before I got o bed

    Reply
  4. Amber Myers says

    January 19, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    I wish I could journal. I tend to forget about it though. But I do love collecting journals. Some are so pretty!

    Reply
  5. Monica Simpson says

    January 19, 2022 at 10:46 pm

    I used to journal my prayers. It was so therapeutic. I don’t know why I stopped. My 11 year old daugther journals every single night. She says it helps her process her day.

    Reply
  6. Mitch says

    January 19, 2022 at 11:01 pm

    I don’t have the patience for a full journal, but I do keep a copy of my weekly calendar in a file to be able to look back over the years to see the milestones that occurred. Thanks for your info!

    Reply
  7. Tara Pittman says

    January 20, 2022 at 12:15 am

    I may need to start a journal soon. This may be very good for me.

    Reply
  8. Tasheena says

    January 20, 2022 at 1:33 am

    Journaling is so important, thanks for sharing these tips.

    Reply
  9. Joline says

    January 20, 2022 at 3:14 am

    I used to journal more consistently years ago, I should really pick it up again. It really helped me to practice gratitude and reflect on my day.

    Reply
  10. Beth Pierce says

    January 20, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    There are so many benefits of journaling. I’d recommend it to everyone.

    Reply
  11. Richelle Milar says

    January 20, 2022 at 5:58 pm

    Writing a journal really help me to relax And focus journaling it’s really important

    Reply
  12. Beth says

    January 20, 2022 at 7:16 pm

    Journaling can be useful in so many ways. My dad kept journals of his travels and it has been so interesting to read them.

    Reply
  13. mel says

    January 20, 2022 at 9:55 pm

    These are some great tips on starting a journal! I sure think they make a difference, It sure keeps me more organised

    Reply
  14. Sol says

    January 21, 2022 at 3:42 pm

    I’ve always wish to do journaling but I just can’t find enough time to do so and your reasons are very motivating!

    Reply
  15. Marysa says

    January 22, 2022 at 2:43 am

    I haven’t started a journal before, but it would be a great way to get organized and get thoughts on paper. I like these prompts and it would be fun to give it a try.

    Reply
  16. Swathi says

    January 23, 2022 at 5:41 am

    These are really nice prompts. I would love this.

    Reply
  17. Julie Russell says

    January 31, 2023 at 10:34 pm

    Great tips for journalers! I’ll have to remember these when I start journaling more consistently. I look forward to reading more articles!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi there, I’m Tami!
Artist / Blogger / Bookworm
I’m so glad you’re taking the time to read my blog and I hope you choose to stick around for a while. If you would like to learn more about me and what this blog is all about, click here!

Search the blog

Archives

Tami's bookshelf: currently reading

Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit
Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit

The Endless Search
The Endless Search

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?




goodreads.com

Copyright © 2023 · BonnAppTP on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in