This post may contain affiliate links. You can view my full disclosure here.
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!
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 of keeping a journal:
- It can help you process your thoughts and emotions.
- It can help you feel calmer and more at peace.
- It can help you work through problems.
- It can help you become more creative.
- It can help you become more mindful.
- It can help you achieve your goals.
- It can help you get to know yourself better.
- It can help you become more confident.
- It can help you become a better writer.
- It can help you stay organized.
- It can greatly reduce your stress levels.
- It can help improve your memory.
- It can help you capture and keep track of ideas.
- It can help you practice gratitude.
- It can improve your mental health.
- It can help you stay motivated.
- It increases your self-care and 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:
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’
I’ve been really wanting to start a journal this year – thanks for the tips ! I will use your prompts – they sound great.
That’s awesome! And thank you! 😁
I love journaling and yes yes yes it really does help our mental well-being. Thanks for sharing.
I journal every night before I got o bed
I wish I could journal. I tend to forget about it though. But I do love collecting journals. Some are so pretty!
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.
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!
I may need to start a journal soon. This may be very good for me.
Journaling is so important, thanks for sharing these tips.
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.
There are so many benefits of journaling. I’d recommend it to everyone.
Writing a journal really help me to relax And focus journaling it’s really important
Journaling can be useful in so many ways. My dad kept journals of his travels and it has been so interesting to read them.
These are some great tips on starting a journal! I sure think they make a difference, It sure keeps me more organised
I’ve always wish to do journaling but I just can’t find enough time to do so and your reasons are very motivating!
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.
These are really nice prompts. I would love this.