We gotcha. We’ve laid out three simple steps for getting into the habit of journaling regularly.
Step #1: Start by finding a journal that you actually want to write in.
Here are some tips on how to choose a journal. Everyone has their own personal taste when it comes to buying a journal. Lines or no lines. Spiral-bound or not. Inspirational cover art. Maybe you prefer high-quality paper or a ribbon page divider. You might even want to find a journal with an inside pocket to store small mementos. Whatever it might be, take some time to find a journal that speaks to you. Target has a great selection of affordable journals, as does World Market and Barnes & Noble.
Not too keen on writing. It’s ok. Maybe recording voice memos is more your style. Use an app on your phone or purchase a voice recorder. Find the kind of journaling apparatus that makes the most sense to you.
Step #2: Don’t overthink it.
Journaling doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it. Start small and be patient. You can’t expect yourself to fill up pages with the same ease as a hardcore journalist might.
Here are a few ways to get your toes wet:
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Keep a gratitude journal. List 10 things you’re grateful for each day.
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Spend five minutes a day writing in your journal about whatever comes to mind.
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Another option is to fill up three pages of your journal each morning.
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Maybe you make a list because writing a few sentences or a paragraph seems too intimidating.
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Do you prefer to draw? If so, grab your crayons, colored pencils, or markers and start doodling a scene or item of your choice to get the writing juices flowing.
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Try a word cloud for when you want to brainstorm.
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Keeping writing “I don’t know what to write” until you have something to write about or your time limit is up.
Step #3: Consistency Counts.
Do your best to establish a consistent time of day and day(s) of the week for you to journal. Consider journaling Sunday evening before you go to bed. Another option is to journal every morning while you sip on your coffee or tea. Here’s another idea, journal when you feel compelled to do so.
Just know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. No one is ever going to read what you write unless you want. The practice of journaling is about getting your thoughts and emotions out of your head and onto paper helping you create some space and clarity. Give it a whirl for the first month and see how it goes. You never know, you might just feel better with this simple, affordable, and cathartic way of processing what’s happening in your day-to-day.