How to Get Started Journaling
Getting started journaling isn’t something that you need to think about too hard. Yes, there are numerous types and styles of journals and ways to do this, but you can simply get some paper, a notebook from the dollar store, or your computer and you’re on your way!
Here are a few ideas to help you get started…
DUST OFF YOUR PEN AND PAPER
You don’t need anything special to keep a journal; in fact, many believe that using pen and paper is the best way to journal because you can carry it with you anywhere and you don’t need technology. So, there will be no excuses.
DO IT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
Don’t procrastinate about keeping your journal. It’s best to do it in the morning before you begin your day so that you have the right frame of mind for the day. Plus, you only need five to ten minutes, so it’s not that big of a deal.
DO IT LAST THING AT NIGHT
My favorite time to journal is before bed. This works especially well for gratitude journals. That way you can go to sleep thinking about all the things you are grateful for instead of things you’re worried about. I suffer from bad anxiety and this helps me relax and sleep much better.
WRITE EVERY SINGLE DAY
Whenever you choose to do it, try to set it up so that it becomes a ritual and a habit. Journaling every day is going to be more effective than just doing it when you feel like it.
START SIMPLY
Don’t start being worried about style and substance right now; just work on the daily habit with pen and paper (or if it’s easier for you, a computer or smartphone). Don’t make it hard - just get going and you’ll see how easy it really is.
BEGIN WITH TODAY
Start right now and write about your day today. That’s the easiest thing to do.
What of significance happened today?
How did you feel about it?
What would you do differently?
What would you do the same?
TRY DIFFERENT TYPES OF JOURNALS
Once you develop the habit, you can start trying different types of journaling like a bullet journal, or a gratitude journal, or maybe even a project journal for your next project.
KEEP IT PRIVATE
The main thing to remember about your journal is that it should be kept private. The only exception is if you want to share thoughts with a therapist, counselor, or coach. Or if you want to turn it into a book or course, to help someone else overcome whatever you overcame.
Keeping a journal will help you deal with the things that happen to you as well as the things that have not happened to you. The main reason is that writing it down helps you remember what you did right and what you did wrong. It helps you improve your decision-making capacity for similar situations. The main thing is just to get started journaling in any way that works for you.
TAKE YOUR JOURNALING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH MY NEWEST COURSE…
Now that I’ve convinced you of the benefits and ease of journaling, let me show you in more detail how journaling can significantly change your life.
My newest course, “Abundance Journaling! How to Write Your Dreams into Reality in Just Minutes a Day!” is a 4-lesson, self-study course is designed specifically for you to embrace journaling easily and learn how to incorporate this stress-reliever into your everyday life.
I’ll encourage you to embrace journaling, even if you have to use baby steps to get started. Click the link to learn more: ABUNDANCE JOURNALING
JOURNALING SUPPLIES I RECOMMEND
Even though you only need a pen and paper, here are some of my favorite journaling supplies if you want to check them out:
I like to use a few different notebooks for journaling but my favorite is this Leuchtturm1917 Softcover. I prefer the squared pages but you can also get the dot grid, lined, or blank formats.
If you would rather use a spiral binding, these notebooks are the best! I love that they come in a three-pack so I always have an extra one on hand. These are also a squared format but I think they are available in lined and dot-grid too.
To be honest, my go-to pen is a simple, classic black Bic but when I want something a little fancier I use either use these Muji Gel Pens or these Micron Sakura Pigma.
Get creative with your journaling and add some Washi Tape, Stickers, or if you’re artistic you can draw your own doodles.
Sometimes I like to add photos to my journaling and over the years I’ve tried a bunch of different printers. I started out using this Fujifilm Instax Mini but it wasn’t very practical to carry around all the time. Since the quality was so much better when I use my phone for pictures I decided to splurge on the Canon Ivy Mini Printer. It connects directly to my phone through the app and easily prints on 2x3 sticker photo paper that I can add right to my journal page instantly.
I hope today’s post inspires you to pick up your journal and start writing! Here are a few Everyday Journaling Prompts to get you started.
I’m so happy you stopped by today! Thanks, ❤️
BEFORE YOU GO:
Want to start journaling but now sure how? I have the perfect thing…
…this journal is included as part of the Abundance Journaling course bonuses.
Here are a few more journaling posts you might like:
Printing Tips:
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF PRODUCTS, APPS, TOOLS, AND RESOURCES I USE ON A DAILY BASIS
See my Link Party Directory for a current list of blog parties I attend each week.
This post was featured on the following blogs & link parties, thank you so much for your support! ❤️
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY – Please Read Freebies Terms of Use.
(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.)
~ share this post ~
Did you like this post? Do you know someone else who might enjoy it? Please take a minute to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media… Thank you!
shop
