How to Journal

 April 14, 2023

Journaling is like playing a sport. 

Some people love doing it, other people hate it, even more people wish they did it.

I, personally, am a long standing journal-er who started back in junior high. So for me, journaling has sort of just become something I do. Like a habit I don't think about too much. 

But I know that's not the case for a lot of people and the biggest hurdle they tell me about is (besides time management) "how would I even start?"

Well, have no fear, because in this blog post, we'll dive into the wonderful world of journaling and show you how to get started.

Journaling can really be so much more than just a hobby. 

If you're feeling stressed, stuck in a creative rut, or struggling with self-reflection, journaling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression by giving you an outlet to relieve relief and improve creativity.

The Basics aka What You Need to Know

A lot of people have all these assumptions and ideas about what journaling is.

So, what exactly is journaling? That's ultimately up to you and how you decide to use journaling (remember it is a tool). But in general journaling is like having a conversation with yourself, only on paper. 

It's a way to record thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private and personal space. 

I really don't distinguish between keeping a diary and keeping a journal, I've just always used the term "journal" because I liked the connotations of the word much better.

Just to give you a glimpse of the many different types of journals out there to choose from, you've got... 

Bullet Journals - great for organizing thoughts and to-do list

Gratitude journals - where you jot down all the things you're thankful for each day

Dream journals - where you can record your crazy dreams and try to interpret their meanings.

And so many more...

With so many options, it might make it harder to get started because, how do you choose the right type of journal for you? 

It's all about what you want to get out of it. 

If you're someone who loves to stay organized and on top of things, a bullet journal might be a great place to start.

On the other hand, if you want to focus on positivity and gratitude, a gratitude journal would be much better. 

So, before you jump in and start confusing yourself, take a minute to consider what you're hoping to gain from journaling, and choose the type of journal that will get you those results. 

There is no right or wrong way to journal.

And as always, remember, there's no right or wrong way to journal - it's all about finding what works best for you! So if you're not sure, start anyway and let it morph from there.

What You Need

Another thing I love about journaling is how minimalistic it is.

All you really need is some paper, a writing utensil, and your own thoughts.

It doesn't get much more bare bones than that.

Of course, that's oversimplifying it a tad bit. 

A good notebook/journal/diary is a must for any serious journal-er, and nowadays there are so many unique and colorful options out there to choose from. 

Don't forget to stock up on your favorite pens and other materials, too because it's terrible to get in the flow only to be interrupted because your pen tip broke (it's happened to me twice) after all, you want to make it as easy as possible for you to unleash your creativity!

The next most important component is your environment. 

Try to use a comfortable and inspiring space to do your journaling. This could be a cozy corner of your bedroom, a sunny spot in your backyard, or even a comfy nook at your local coffee shop. 

Surround yourself with things that inspire you, like plants, candles, or pictures of your loved ones. Make it a place where you can truly relax and let your thoughts flow.

And then of course, actually find the time to journal.

This can be a challenge, especially if you have a busy schedule. But don't worry, there are ways to make it work! 

I like journaling all in one uninterrupted go, but that's just not possible for some people. So you could always try carving out a few minutes in the morning or before bed each day to jot down your thoughts. 

Or, if you're feeling really motivated, set aside a longer chunk of time each week for a deep dive into your journal. 

And if you ever feel stuck or uninspired, just remember: sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect them.

Journaling Techniques

Now that you've got your journal all set up and ready to go, it's time to get you started with some journaling techniques! Take them or leave them, journaling techniques are supposed to help you write and encourage fun and creativity. 

If you still don't exactly know what to write about, try some of the journaling techniques to get started.

#1. Free-writing is one of the most popular journaling techniques out there, and for good reason. (This is the main type of journaling that I do, only with more attention to detail.) 

It involves simply writing down whatever comes to mind, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. This technique is great for getting thoughts out on paper and clearing your mind.

#2. If you're looking for a little more structure in your journaling, prompts can be a great way to get started. These are usually questions or statements that you can use as a springboard to get you started. 

Some examples of journal prompts include: "What am I grateful for today?" or "What is something I've been struggling with lately?"

#3. Keeping a gratitude journal can be as simple as writing down a few things you're grateful for each day, whether it's a kind gesture from a stranger or a beautiful sunset you saw on your way home from work.

Each of these journaling techniques has its own benefits, depending on what you're looking to get out of your journaling practice. Free-writing can help you clear your mind and reduce stress, prompts can spark new ideas and perspectives, and gratitude lists can help you cultivate a more positive mindset. 

How to Keep Journaling Once You've Started

This is, I think, the second sticking point in the journaling process.

A lot of people start, but after writing one or two entries they never follow through. 

That can be discouraging, but don't worry! With a little motivation and some clever tricks, you can turn your journaling into a steady practice.

One of the keys to staying motivated is to make journaling a part of your daily routine.

Once it becomes a habit, there will be less internal resistance to the idea of writing. You'll just automatically find yourself doing it.

Try setting aside a specific time each day to write in your journal, whether it's first thing in the morning or right before bed. 

Consistency is key, so make sure you stick to your schedule as best you can.

Consistency is key!

Of course, there will be times when you just don't feel like writing. Hello writer's block.

So many things can contribute to not wanting to write, especially tiredness, stress, or , or straight up jumbled thoughts. 

When this happens, try using prompts or exercises to help get your creative juices flowing. You can also try switching it up by journaling in a different location or using a different writing tool. Literally getting a fresh perspective.

Another common obstacle to journaling is finding the time to do it. If you can't do it all at once, try breaking your session into smaller, more manageable chunks. (This is a great way to keep your hand from cramping too!) 

Even just a few minutes each day adds up. And if you skip a day or two, that's okay. The most important thing is to keep going and not give up.

As you continue your journaling practice, it can be helpful to track your progress. I mostly do this by looking at how far I've written through a journal, since it's always nice to fill up a journal. 

Other ways to track progress can be by setting goals for yourself, tracking your moods or emotions at the top of each page like a check-in, or even just re-reading old entries to see how far you've come. 

*Caution: I have used journaling a lot to vent and get out toxic/negative thoughts. I would not recommend rereading those entries and dredging up the past. Actually, if possible, a much better alternative would be to burn them to a smithereen. But if you do revisit those entries, please please please proceed with extreme caution.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow because once you get started, who knows what amazing insights and discoveries are waiting for you! 

Some Final Thoughts

I hope you're feeling inspired to start your own journal! 

Remember, journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, stress relief, and even improving creativity. Plus, it's a great way to unleash your inner writer without any expectations and have fun in the process.

To recap, in this post we discussed...

The basics of journaling, including different types of journals and how to set up your journaling space. 

Some journaling techniques, such as free-writing and gratitude lists.

And some helpful tips for maintaining a regular journaling practice. 

All with some sage advice sprinkled in along the way. :)

Now, it's up to you to grab a notebook and pen and give it a shot! 

For even more resources you can check out some favorite journaling prompts and exercises, or join a journaling group or community.

Journaling is a highly personal journey, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. 

Have fun and enjoy the process! 

Have fun and enjoy the process!

I'd love to hear about your journaling adventures, so be sure to share your experiences and insights!

Happy journaling!

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