So you want to start journaling?
You’ve heard that its ‘good for you’ and ‘life-changing’ but how in the heck do you actually do it?
The truth is, it doesn’t have to be complicated at all! Here are my top 7 tips for starting a journaling practice.
Try to write every day
Consistency is key when it comes to starting a new habit. This doesn’t mean that you have to be spewing out essays on a daily basis, simply putting pen to paper (or text on your device) each day is enough to cement this new practice.
2. Write (or draw) what feels right
There are no rules for what you can and can’t do with a journal! Doodle in the margins, write out the lyrics to that song that stuck in your head, note down a recipe your cooked that day. Journaling doesn’t have to be deep and emotional 100% of the time.
3. Make it convenient
What works best for you? Do you want to keep a pen and a notepad in your bag? Use an app on your phone? Keep a journal on your bedside table? Maybe you’re a voice notes kind of person? Whatever is easiest for you is the best way for you to journal. You can also use a variety of methods. The notes app on your phone is a great place to jot down thoughts when you’re out and about.
4. Let go of judgement
This is YOUR journal, not anyone else’s. Don’t worry about what someone else might think about what you’ve written. Allow yourself to be authentically you.
5. Use journal prompts
Sometimes its hard to know what to write about so why not get a little bit of help. Journal prompts can also be a great way to discover things about yourself that you were previously unaware of. These lead our thinking in new directions and help us to discover thought patterns. There are heaps of great resources for these available online or even at your local library. I have attached a short compilation of some of my favourite journal prompts at the bottom of this post.
6. Be realistic
Starting a journaling practice shouldn’t be overwhelming. Don’t expect to write pages and pages every day. And don’t beat yourself up when this is not the case! A short check in of 1-2 sentences is still better than nothing at all. If you miss a day, thats okay too, just pick it back up when you can. Journaling is supposed to be helpful, not a cause of extra stress.
7. Allow it to be messy
This is not an assignment, you aren’t being graded, and no one else ever has to read this. You can scribble, doodle, underline, circle, or even add stickers. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Your journal doesn’t even have to be legible! This is your time to be you and to express yourself however works best.
So what do you think? Are you ready to give journaling a try?
If the answer is yes, then here are a few easy journal prompts to help you get started:
What have you accomplished in the past year that you are proud of?
What are 10 things that you are grateful for?
How would you like your life to be different in a year? How would you like it to stay the same?
Write a letter to your past self - what advice would you give them?
What is a bad habit you would like to change and how can you change it?
What is a memory that always makes you smile?
What is your biggest concern right now?
How could you be a better friend?
Write about your perfect day.
What are your favourite things about yourself?
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