How to Keep a Journal
We’ve suggested a lot of journaling prompts over the last few months, so let’s take a step back and talk about big-picture journaling ideas. That is, why should you keep a journal, what sort of journal should you use, what journaling tips should you consider, and how do you go about getting started? Let’s start with the benefits and then get into how to journal.
Benefits of Journaling
Some of these may seem obvious, but others can be a little more unexpected.
First, in case this needs to be said, writing improves your writing skills. Like anything, practice matters when it comes to writing. So journaling can help out the writing you do in other areas of your life.
Depending on what you journal about, it can be an opportunity to focus on your goals and progress. Write about why you want to achieve the goals you’ve set and brainstorm ways to achieve them. Track their progress along the way.
Similarly, you can use your journaling time to think through an aspect of or situation in your life—even simply yourself—to sort out how you feel about it and how you want to address it.
Studies are showing that journaling may also reduce stress, improve your immune system response, and even boost your memory. Here’s an article from Intermountain Healthcare about it. Some of these results are definitely worth more research!
Materials for Journaling
Fortunately, you don’t need much. You need something to write with and something to write on, and at journaling’s most basic, that’s it. Find something that you like, because if it makes you happy, it will be easier to pick it up.
But you know we have opinions anyway.
Physical Journals
If at all possible, try to hold your journal in person before you buy it. A few considerations:
Does it lay flat? That is, can you open it to start writing and have it stay open?
Does its size suit you? If you’re going to leave it on your desk and write there, maybe you want a bigger trim size. If you’re going to pop it in your purse and take it to the coffee shop or the art museum, does it fit in your purse? (Tangentially, I once got yelled at by a security guard at a major art museum for sitting on the bench in front of a painting and journaling about how it made me feel. Because of the pen, I guess? So maybe check the rules first.)
Is the binding sturdy? It might be difficult to tell when the journal is new, but check reviews or try to get a sense of whether the cover is going to get detached from the block of pages as you write. Careful with spiral bindings, too. They lay flat really well, which is fantastic, but sometimes they’re too loose and pages start to fall out. Look for a sturdy one.
How’s the paper texture? If it’s too glossy, that limits your pen options. Something like a standard ballpoint will probably work. If you want to use pencil or other type of pen, it might not make a mark or it might smear easily.
This isn’t necessary, but a ribbon marker is a nice touch on a journal. If this is going to be a portable journal, an elastic closure keeps it from splaying open inside your bag. Other clasps can be bulkier, so make sure the journal still lays open comfortably if you look at those.
Is it pretty? Obviously this is super subjective, but does it make you happy to look at and open?
This all goes for planners too, actually.
What will you be writing with? Maybe you already have a favorite pen (or set of pens in a variety of colors) or drawing pencils, if you’re going to be sketching. If not, a craft store or stationery story may let you test a pen before you buy it. We like a nice smooth line in a pen that fits comfortably in our hand. Then again, you could always use the closest writing utensil you see. That’s good too!
And finally, do you require any other accessories? Tiny stickers, list of journal prompts, bookmark?
Digital Journals
What digital journals lack in book-nerd cache, they make up for in portability and convenience. They’re especially handy if you’re journaling about ideas you might want to use later—don’t underestimate a good search feature. You also have plenty of free and very inexpensive options, from Google docs to specialized apps like Penzu.
Journaling Ideas to Consider
What to do with a journal once you have one? Make writing in it a habit!
Establishing a habit can take time, and that amount of time varies. So while you are starting out, it’s worth it to focus on intentionally creating space and time for your new practice and exploring some journaling ideas that you might like to incorporate.
Make a journaling spot. Think about what will invite you in. Create an irresistibly comfortable place to write. Stock it with your favorite pens and journal. Will you drink tea (or coffee or water) while you write? Remove any obstacles that will keep you from it.
Set an alarm. Pick a time of day to write and set up a recurring calendar appointment to remind you. Intentionally make space to write at that exact time for the next few weeks, until you’re comfortable enough with the habit to vary it.
Set a timer. If it feels overwhelming to sit down and write for an indeterminate amount of time, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and telling yourself to write that long. Too long? Try 5 minutes. Still too long? Try writing one line a day.
Try a habit tracker. Add journaling to your favorite habit tracker, be it standalone or in your planner. There’s nothing as satisfying as filling in another habit tracker box!
Try some journaling prompts. Need something to write about? We have lots of journal prompt options for you!
Please feel free to try and discard—or try and keep—any of these journaling ideas. Personalize your practice and create something that works for you long term. Happy journaling!