Have you ever wanted to begin a new journal but weren’t sure how to start journaling? Starting a new journal is immensely exciting; There simply isn’t anything like opening a crisp book with blank pages waiting to be filled. As someone who has been journaling for years, I can tell you the possibilities about what to write are endless.
People use journals for a wide variety of things. Some use them for organizing their life. Some to keep track of books they’ve read. Others write about things that pertain to their mental health and so much more. You will never get bored with coming up with things to put inside your journal!
If you have been thinking about starting a journal but want to know how to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I will go over what you need to start journaling, the benefits of journaling, journal ideas, and much more.
This post is all about how to start journaling.
1. Journaling Supplies
To enter the wonderful world of journaling, you will need some supplies.
First, you will need a journal. The type of journal you buy will depend on what you are going to use it for. You won’t need an 8×11″ with 400 pages if you are keeping a record of the books you read each year – unless, of course, you want to :). We will talk about different journal ideas later on in this post.
Here is a journal I like to use because it’s cheap, sturdy, and comes in a ton of different colors. I also like that the pages don’t bleed through.
Here is another journal I like because it feels classic and special, and the pages are thick.
Next, you will need something to write with. I love sitting down to write with a smooth pen – it makes journaling so much more enjoyable.
I LOVE these ballpoint gel pens because they write smoothly and dry quickly. You can, of course, write with anything you have on hand. However, there is something different about writing with the perfect pen.
A journal and a good writing utensil are really the only supplies you need to start journaling. Some people like to keep electronic journals, in which case you will need a phone, laptop, or tablet and a journaling app. Although it is not a must, I also enjoy drinking from my favorite cup, curling up under a cozy blanket, and writing in a relaxing space. I prefer the feel of paper and pen for journaling, so I don’t have any good journaling app recommendations. If you have an app that you love to journal in, I would love to hear about it!
2. Journaling Benefits
There is something prolific about writing your thoughts and feelings down. Outpour begets outpour. The more you do it, the more you find you have to say. Journaling can be a useful avenue for processing hard things. Writing creates clarity. It brings conscious thought and, subsequently, words to subconscious feelings. It is a powerful means of self-discovery.
Journaling can improve your mental health. It can help with stress relief and boost self-confidence.
Depending on the type of journaling you do, it can help organize your life, your thoughts, and your habits. It can also help with staying motivated and reaching your goals.
Probably one of the most valuable things about journaling is that it creates a log of your journey. One day you will look back and see how far you’ve come. You will know that since you made it to where you are now, nothing can stop you from continuing on your journey forward.
3. Journal Ideas
The journal ideas are endless! Here are a few common ones that may sound like fun.
Gratitude or affirmation Journal:
This may be more of a list form, but what a great list to make! Try writing down 3-5 things you are grateful for or 3-5 self-affirmations daily. It might be fun to jot down how your mindset changes after a few weeks of this style of journaling. You might be surprised!
Bullet Journal:
These can be powerful ways to keep track of every area of your life. Bullet journals can be as simple or complex as you want. You can create one with your own preferences or buy one online. The possibilities with these babies are ENDLESS! Here is one you can buy on Amazon that can get you started.
Here is a pre-printed bullet journal to save you some time. It also has a bunch of dotted blank pages, so you can add whatever fits your own needs. I haven’t personally used this journal, so I can’t comment on how well the pages hold up with ink, but it is one of the higher-rated pre-made bullet journals out there.
Prayer Journal:
Write out your prayers to God. Some find it helps them stay on track and keeps their mind from wandering. This can also be cool to look back and see how God has walked with you through your journey. I always write down whatever I hear God say to me because it’s so special to hear from Him, and then I have a tangible way to see it later.
Mental Health Journal:
Write down everything that comes into your mind. I do mean EVERYTHING. This is a good one for developing a deeper understanding of yourself. It can be extremely therapeutic. This style of journaling is all about getting what’s inside of you out in a safe space. It’s my favorite type of journaling because looking back on hard things you’ve worked through can be a cool reminder of how far you’ve come.
The more you journal, you may find yourself combining several different ideas to make one that’s all your own style.
4. Good Journaling Habits
Do you want to know the secret to developing a good journaling habit? Just sit down and write! I promise you will be surprised by how much you have to say once you sit down and let it flow. Set aside time without other obligations (if possible) and journal. Write daily. Write weekly. Just write regularly.
PRO TIP: Action brings clarity. Sit down, and write whatever is inside that wants to come out. You will have more clarity if you don’t worry about someone else reading your thoughts. The safer you feel in your space and writing journey, the more you will find inside.
Finally, when it comes to journaling, there is no such thing as perfect. If you struggle with perfectionism (believe me, I feel you!), try setting that aside and instead create a space inside of a journal where you can be as messy as you want (both literally and figuratively). Trust me. It’s both liberating and extremely therapeutic.
This post is all about how to start journaling.
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15 Self-Exploration Journal Prompts to Get You Thinking
What Do You Believe About Yourself (And Why It’s Important to Know)?
The Life-Changing Benefits of Gratitude