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On April 1, I had been quarantining in my downtown apartment for two weeks, and it was starting to become clear that this coronavirus thing wasn't going away anytime soon.

As I often do in tough times, I turned to journaling. I decided I'd keep a record of my quarantine life through the month of April, a way to remember this crazy historical moment and process my feelings.

Now it's August, and my daily journal continues. I've left my building about two dozen times since I started journaling, so its contents aren't all that exciting-tidbits of everyday life, news about social distancing rules and reopening stages, moments of worry and loneliness and cabin fever and gratitude.

I know I'm not the only one with a pandemic journal. In fact, hundreds of people have written journal entries on the Pandemic Project website, a resource created by psychology researchers that offers writing prompts to help people explore their experiences and emotions around COVID-19.

At a time when the days blend into each other, journaling is helping people separate one from the next and clear out the distressing thoughts invading our heads (and our dreams). Research also suggests it might be helping our health and immune systems, the very things many of us are worried about.

Although there are some pitfalls to journaling-ways of doing it that might backfire-it's one of those rare and valuable mental health tools that doesn't require you to leave your house or even see another human being.

The power of opening up

People had been keeping diaries long before scientists thought to put them under microscopes. But in the past 30 years, hundreds of studies have uncovered the benefits of putting pen to paper with your deepest thoughts and feelings.

According to that research, journaling may help ease our distress when we're struggling. In a 2006 study, nearly 100 young adults were asked to spend 15 minutes journaling or drawing about a stressful event, or writing about their plans for the day, twice during one week. The people who journaled saw the biggest reduction in symptoms like depression, anxiety, and hostility, particularly if they were very distressed to begin with. This was true even though 80 percent had seldom journaled about their feelings and only 61 percent were comfortable doing so.

Why do we avoid journaling?

For one, it isn't always pleasant; I know that I sometimes have to force myself to sit down and do it. Cathartic is probably a better word. In fact, some research suggests that we can feel more anxious, sad, or guilty right after we write.

But in the long term, we can expect to cultivate a greater sense of meaning as well as better health. Various studies have found that people who do a bout of journaling have fewer doctor visits in the following half year, and reduced symptoms of chronic disease like asthma and arthritis.

Can your diary keep you healthy?

Other research finds that writing specifically boosts our immune system, good news when the source of so much stress today is an infectious virus.

One older study even found that journaling could make vaccines more effective. In the experiment, some medical students wrote for four days in a row about their thoughts and feelings around some of the most traumatic experiences of their lives, from divorce to grief to abuse, while others simply wrote down their daily events and plans. Then, everyone received the hepatitis B vaccine and two booster shots.

According to blood tests, the group who journaled about upsetting experiences had higher antibodies right before the last dose and two months later. While the other group had a perfectly healthy response to the vaccine, the authors write, journaling could make an important difference for people who are immune-compromised or for vaccines that don't stimulate the immune system as well.

"Expression of emotions concerning stressful or traumatic events can produce measurable effects on human immune responses," write the University of Auckland's Keith J. Petrie and his colleagues.

Journaling could also boost our immune system once we've been infected with a virus. In another study, researchers recruited undergraduate students who tested positive for the virus that causes mononucleosis, which persists in the body after infection and has the potential to flare up. Three times weekly for 20 minutes, some wrote about a stressful event-like a breakup or a death-while others wrote about their possessions.

Based on blood samples taken before and after, writing about stress increased people's antibodies-an indication that the immune system has more control over the latent virus in the body-compared to more mundane writing. It also seemed to help them gain a deeper understanding of their stress and see more positives to it.

Why journaling works

What's the secret to the humble diary? It turns out journaling works on two different levels, having to do with both our feelings and our thoughts.

First, it's a way of disclosing emotions rather than stuffing them down, which is known to be harmful for our health. So many of us have secret pain or shame that we haven't shared with others, swarming around our brains in images and emotions. Through writing, our pain gets translated into black-and-white words that exist outside of ourselves.

"I'm able to organize thoughts and feelings on paper so they no longer take up room in my head," says Allison Quatrini, an assistant professor at Eckerd College who has been journaling for years and started a COVID-19 journal in April. "If I get them out on the page and clear the mental decks, it sets up the rest of the day to not only be more productive but be more relaxed."

On the thinking level, writing forces us to organize our experiences into a sequence, giving us a chance to examine cause and effect and form a coherent story. Through this process, we can also gain some distance from our experiences and begin to understand them in new ways, stumbling upon insights about ourselves and the world. While trauma can upset our beliefs about how life works, processing trauma through writing seems to give us a sense of control.

"Journaling is a tool to put our experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and desires into language, and in doing so it helps us understand and grow and make sense of them," says Joshua Smyth, a distinguished professor of biobehavioral health and medicine at Penn State University, who coauthored the book Opening Up by Writing It Down with pioneering journaling researcher James Pennebaker.

How to start a journaling practice

While you can journal in many different ways, one of the most well-studied techniques is called Expressive Writing. To do this, you write continuously for 20 minutes about your deepest thoughts and emotions around an issue in your life. You can explore how it has affected you, or how it relates to your childhood or your parents, your relationships or your career.

Expressive Writing is traditionally done four days in a row, but there isn't anything magical about this formula. Studies suggest you can journal a few days in a row, a couple times a week, or just once a week; you can write for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes; and you can keep journaling about the same topic or switch to different ones each time.

For example, the Pandemic Project offers several prompts to inspire your writing. You can write a basic entry about your general thoughts and feelings around COVID-19, or dig into more specific topics like the following:

Social life: How is your social world changing, how does that make you feel, and how are you handling it?

Work and money: How do you feel about your financial situation, and how has your job changed?

Uncertainty: Where is your anxiety and sense of uncertainty coming from, and how can you cope with it?

"Many people often start writing about COVID-19 and then begin writing about other topics that are bothering them more than they thought," notes the Pandemic Project website, which was created by Pennebaker and his research team. "This is what expressive writing is good for. Use it to try to understand those problems that are getting under your skin."

In my journal, I've found myself exploring the issue of control. My constant instinct is to organize and plan out life, but that's been impossible in the midst of a massive, unpredictable crisis. Journaling also let me ponder the lessons I want to take away from this experience around flexibility, acceptance, and letting go.

The do's and don'ts of a diary

A 2002 study does suggest that journalers should beware of rehashing the same difficult feelings over and over in writing.

In the experiment, over 120 college students journaled about a stressful or traumatic event they were experiencing, like troubles at school, conflicts with their partner, or a death in the family. They were instructed to write for at least 10 minutes, twice a week, over the course of a month. Some students wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings-including how they try to make sense of the stress and what they tell themselves to cope with it-while others wrote about their feelings only.

During the month, the group who wrote about feelings and thoughts experienced more growth from the trauma: better relationships with others and a greater sense of strength, appreciation for life, and new possibilities for the future. They seemed to be more aware of the silver linings of the experience, while the group who focused on emotions expressed more negative emotions over time and even got sick more often that month.

The point here is that the most effective journaling moves from emotions to thoughts over time. We start expressing our feelings, allowing ourselves to name them; after all, jumping to thoughts too quickly could mean we're over-analyzing or avoiding. But eventually, we do start to make observations, notice patterns, or set goals for the future.

This has been the case for Allison Quatrini, who usually writes for a half hour in the morning about whatever's going through her mind-from the losses she's experiencing during the pandemic to her work or romantic relationship. It allows her to put into words how much her life has been disrupted, normalize the range of emotions she's been feeling, and brainstorm ways forward.

"It helps me make sense of the way that I'm feeling right now," she says. "Why do I feel not very motivated, why do I feel bored, why do I feel sad? It's also useful in admitting to myself what is going on [and] why it's been very challenging to deal with this."

In addition to writing, you might also consider adding drawings to your journal. In a 2003 study, people either journaled, made drawings, or journaled and drew about a negative experience from the past that still upset them, like relationship troubles or loss. According to surveys before and after, the group who wrote and drew saw the biggest improvements in their mood after three weekly, 20-minute sessions. Drawing without writing actually made people's moods worse, though. The researchers speculate it may have dredged up difficult feelings without offering a way to process them.

If writing is challenging, speaking your feelings aloud may work just as well. In that mono study, there was another group of students who recorded themselves talking about their stress. This group ended up showing the strongest immune responses to the dormant virus in their bodies. They also seemed to be doing the best psychologically, gaining insight and a positive perspective on their stress, improving in self-esteem, and engaging in healthier coping strategies. The researchers suspect that talking-even to a voice recorder-may feel similar to sharing our feelings with a loved one.

Freedom of expression

Sharing with a trusted confidant might seem even better than writing down feelings, as it serves a similar purpose and offers us warmth and validation that a piece of paper can't provide. And that's probably true, write Pennebaker and Smyth in Opening Up by Writing It Down.

One study, for example, found that people who talked to a therapist for four short daily sessions showed more positive emotion and less negative emotion. They gained understanding and perspective, and they made healthy behavior changes similar to people who journaled.

Therapy also seemed to be less unpleasant than writing. In fact, when Pennebaker originally envisioned journaling as a mental health exercise, he was inspired by the benefits of therapy-but mindful that not everyone has the means or the inclination to talk to a professional about their problems.

Of course, confessing to friends or partners isn't without its complications. Sometimes our loved ones are overloaded by their own stresses, or they can't offer the right kind of support-and may even make us feel worse. Other times, our secrets feel too vulnerable to speak out loud.

No matter what, if we're talking to another human, our brains will be doing a constant calculation about what to say or not say, how they might react, and how we will be perceived, says Smyth. Confiding on paper can be a valuable alternative and a way to express ourselves with absolute freedom. Journaling lets us process secrets before we reveal them to others.

For Quatrini, who researches and teaches about China, the stress of the pandemic has an extra layer: With the disruption to U.S.-China relations and travel, she's concerned about the future of her research. The immensity of that loss and uncertainty-and how it was affecting her day-to-day feelings and relationships-only became clear to her when she wrote about it.

"My entire life has been turned upside down and I don't know if it will ever right itself," she says. "Without the journal, I think I would not have figured that out."

Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?

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How Journaling Can Help You in Hard Times

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On April 1, I had been quarantining in my downtown apartment for two weeks, and it was starting to become clear that this coronavirus thing wasn't going away anytime soon. As I often do in tough times, I turned to journaling.

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Daily Journaling Prompts to Spark Creativity

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Daily Journaling Prompts to Spark Creativity

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20 Daily Journaling Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

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Daily journaling isn’t just about recording your experiences and thoughts—it’s a way to nurture your creativity on a daily basis.

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Great coaches understand how to break good habits and eliminate the bad in order to help their athletes reach their goals.

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Could you call journaling a hobby? While most might say "no", treat it like it is. Now with a countless number of different journals to keep, you can spend the time sifting through all your options to find the right one for you. Or, if you're an avid journaler (we know there are a few out there), then maybe try a few on for fit.

Journaling has been going for a long time, originating in ancient China, when Ma Dubo wrote about his traveling adventures to Mount Tai to perform a ritualistic offering to the emperor. This helps us get a perspective of how journaling can be historically important, as it uncovers the daily truths of people in different eras and corners of the world.

But why would journaling be important for you, personally?

And among all the different types of journals to keep, which one should you choose?

"Whether you're keeping a journal or writing as a meditation, it's the same thing. What's important is that you're having a relationship with your mind." - Nataly Goldberg

This answers the second question: all types of personal journals are great for you, as long as you spend the time to self-reflect and look inward.

It's not just the romanticized quotes of famous authors telling us that journaling has immense benefits for our overall well-being, science has something to say as well. To sum it up, research has shown that journaling can be highly beneficial for people suffering from various psychological conditions (ADHD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD...), as tracking thoughts, conditions, and creating daily structures helps self-reflection.

Psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker believes that journaling can help us strengthen our immune system by acting as a stress management tool. According to Pennebaker, it reduces the impact of stressors on our T-lymphocyte cells (a fancy name for white blood cells, or immune system cells). Moreover, science shows that writing activates the left brain hemisphere, our rational headquarters, simultaneously deliberating the creative right brain to just feel.

So, now you're thinking-if it's all about health, why don't I just eat my beans and salad, exercise, and not waste my time on journaling? Well, here's a list of the reasons backed by the science:

Emotional well-being: journaling helps you understand yourself better and liberate daily stress and confusion;

Mental and emotional clarification: we live busy lives and sometimes need to take a few minutes to get in touch with ourselves by writing it all down;

Stress reduction: as we mentioned already, a journal is an excellent anti-stress tool that helps you feel calmer and better-organized, consequently boosts your immune system;

Problem-solving: what do you think, is solving equations easier in your head or on paper? Different types of journals can help you with solving different problems in life.

Perhaps you should also know that there is a type of psychotherapy called Journal Therapy, and many psychotherapists from different schools of thought practice journaling with their patients.

So let's see what types of journals are out there, and how you can benefit from keeping each of them.

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1. The Blank Notebook Journal

If you genuinely feel inspired to write, a blank notebook is the perfect solution. It's like a small safe space that fits in your bag and you can enter it whenever you want and share what's on your mind. If you happen to have more serious aspirations with your writing (like publishing), then leave that to your computer or another book, as your blank journal should specifically serve just one purpose: journaling.

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train." - Oscar Wilde

The benefits of keeping a blank notebook journal:

It's your blank canvas that can fulfill every journaling need;

Among all the types of journals to keep, this one gives you unmatched creative freedom.

Who's it best for

2. The Dream Journal

What we basically do while dreaming is processing all the events that happened during that day or over a longer period, in a symbolic and completely subjective manner. It's like a movie that reflects our perception of the world, which is why it's always good to reflect on our dreams. In case you're seeing a therapist, it can be of double importance.

A great way to prevent your dream from disappearing into oblivion is journaling. With Night Notes, for example. Keep your dream journal by the bed and write down your dream the moment you open your eyes. This way, it's much more likely that you'll retain more details. Also, after a certain period of writing down those dreams, you may notice how your overall dream memory enhances.

Dream Journaling Benefits

Better dream retention and analysis.

Who's It Best For

Those seeing a therapist that may need to reflect on dreams during sessions;

Those interested in self-analysis who would like to include dream analysis into their reflective process.

3. Creative Journal

Don't skip this section: it's not an artists-only journal. Yes, that's right, you don't need to be an artist to keep a creative journal, but if you are, it can be highly beneficial for preserving your creative ideas and spontaneous art pieces.

But, how do I keep a creative or an art journal if I'm not an artist?, you may ask. Well, you don't need to be an artist to release your creative potential. Anyone can take a pencil, crayon, or whatever they like, and experiment on paper.

Another inspiring thing to do is to document and write down your impressions after visiting museums, exhibitions, concerts, theatre plays, movies, and other art shows. You can also clip a ticket or a photo to a page, to make it more interesting and sentimental.

We also should mention that people suffering from psychotic illnesses can benefit from releasing their creativity and keeping an art journal, as it helps them achieve a sense of freedom, see different perspectives, express their thoughts and emotions through drawing (when it's hard to do with words), and much more. Apart from that, creativity can help with procrastination.

Among all the types of journals on this list, this one is one of our personal favorites. That's why we collaborated with Chelsea Kaui to combine mindfulness and creativity into one self-growth tool, The Notes to Mindfulness Journal. But a blank notebook will work, too.

Art Journal Benefits

Who's It Best For

Artists and creators;

Anyone who wants to express their creative potential;

Those who want to express their feelings and emotions without words;

Those who want to preserve memories of artsy events they attended;

People suffering from anxiety or depression;

Those who want to focus on psychological well-being.

4. Food Journal

You like trying out different recipes but never keep them in one place? You traveled to Spain last summer and loved that paella and want to prepare it at home? Your grandmother passed on to you the secret family ingredient for pasta and you want to treasure it for years to come?

Keeping a food journal can get really creative and go beyond collecting recipes. You can sketch dishes you want to prepare, write down restaurants and meals you loved while travelling, plan a New Year's dinner party, or keep track of products that affect your well-being.

There is another positive side to keeping a food journal-if you're trying to make smarter food choices, it's good to plan your meals ahead, track your daily water intake, and measure progress if you want to stay accountable to yourself and your nutrition habits.

Food Journal Benefits

Who's It Best For

5. Gratitude Journal

to boost positivity, Gratitude is one of the key pillars of living a happy, fulfilling life. Tim Ferris admitted that journaling and note-taking are the two activities that inspire his brainstorming sessions, improve his focus, and help him reduce anxiety. He specifically uses The Five Minute Journal-a structured gratitude journal designed for anyone who wants reduce anxiety, and improve well-being.

If you're not a fan of long- or free-format journaling, you will love this simple and guided journal with daily repetitive prompts designed to lead you towards becoming the best possible version of yourself. In just five minutes a day, you can focus on what you are grateful for in your life, shift your focus on what you have instead of what you lack, and make the most of each day.

Gratitude journaling is also suitable for kids, so it can be a fun activity for the whole family. There are curated kids journals as well, such as The Five Minute Journal For Kids, where the children can reflect on their happy moments during each day and learn the concepts of mindfulness, positivity, and gratitude.

Gratitude Journaling Benefits

Improves mental health;

Helps you keep your focus on the positive (even when you're going through a rough period);

Reduces stress and anxiety, as it helps you shift your attention to the good things;

Helps you improve relationships, as it helps you become more empathetic, patient, and calm.

Who's It Best For

Those who want to feel better, be happier, and have a positive attitude;

Those who'd like to keep a journal, but don't have time for extensive writing.

6. Reading Journal

How many books have you read (or listened to) this year? Do you prefer spending most weekends in a cozy armchair with a novel in your hand over going out? Perhaps you're also a book club member. If the answer is yes and yes, we have one thing to ask: do you own a reading journal?

Keeping a reading journal is an excellent way to analyze and memorize the books you're reading. You can use it to write down learnings, reflections, and notes, jot down thoughts about the chapters that resonated with you, keep quotes or passages you'd like to remember, or write short essays (and maybe alternative endings) once the story ends.

Reading Journaling Benefits

Who's it best for

7. Travel Journal

We believe you can't imagine going on a trip without taking any photos. And where do these photos end up? Facebook? Instagram? Somewhere on the cloud?

In the past, people used to write travel memoirs as they didn't have portable cameras to carry around. And we think there's something romantic in visiting a place and writing about the impressions it made on you. Like going for a hike in the mountains with your loved one and preserving that memory in a travel journal. Or maybe jotting down a promise you made to yourself while soaking up the sun and enjoying the European joy of doing nothing.

Travel journaling is so much more than a plain recording of what you saw, ate, or visited. It's more about how it made you feel, the emotions you experienced, and how it engaged all your five senses to result in the final imprint the destination had on you.

To enhance your travel entries, you may also include photos or sketches that you captured. Even if you're not an artist, you can get inspired by something you saw on your trip. You can also include tickets, packing lists, important numbers and addresses, go-to lists, or even short dictionaries with words and phrases you learned while traveling and exploring.

Travel Journaling Benefits

Who's It Best For

Everyone. Even if you don't travel so often, or so far from home, it's a great and mindful way to give your journeys this note of special importance.

8. Future Vision Journal

Keeping a future vision journal is a powerful way to create the life you truly want. Visualization and intentional planning are key elements of designing a meaningful and purpose-driven future. The Life Designer Journal is built on this foundation, helping you clarify your beliefs, values, set the big, audacious goals, and take actionable steps towards creating the life of your dreams.

The Life Designer Journal offers guided prompts to help you reflect on your deepest desires and design a vision for your future that reflects the most authentic you. Whether you're going through a transition, looking to make major life decisions, or find your purpose in life, this journal helps you clarify what you truly want and evolve as the vision of your ideal life grows.

Keeping a future vision journal is essential for anyone looking to live proactively, rather than passively reacting to life's circumstances.

Future Vision Journaling Benefits

Supports you during transitional periods and life changes;

Provides clarity when feeling stuck or unsure where to start;

Helps you map out a new chapter in your life;

Aligns your daily actions with your long-term vision;

Encourages reflection, growth, and adaptability.

Who's It Best For

Those who want to actively design their life and align their goals with their core values;

Anyone looking for a structured approach to journaling that leads to long-term growth and success.

9. Project Journal

If you feel like you'd like to track your success and keep a record of all the amazing things you've done, consider keeping a project journal.

If there's a work-related project you'd like to be successful at, a project journal can help you divide it into steps, set proper goals and time boundaries, and write about your achievements and caveats.

Also, if you're a DIY type of person, you can use your project journal to keep a record of everything you've made happen.

Project Journaling Benefits

Keeping track of your work or life-related projects;

Great for planning ahead and structuring project-related activities;

Who's It Best For

DIY project heads;

Those whose job consists of projects.

10. Fitness Journal

Whether you're looking to improve endurance, build strength, or maintain a balanced lifestyle, keeping a fitness journal can help you stay motivated and organized. By documenting your exercise routines, nutrition habits, and personal milestones, you create a clear picture of what's working and where adjustments can be made, making your fitness journey more intentional and effective.

If you're into having a ransform your fitness journey with daily reflections, vital trackers like sleep, energy, and water intake, clear goal setting, meal planning, and strong body and healthy mind, a mindful fitness journal is the tool for you. The Five Minute Journal Fit Edition helps you t a shift in mindset. What makes this journal so unique is the holistic focus on fitness, emotional well-being, and mind-body connectio n.

Fitness Journaling Benefits

Track fitness progress over time;

Set and achieve specific fitness goals;

Boost accountability for daily exercise, nutrition, and rest;

Monitor overall health, including sleep and hydration;

Reflect on physical and emotional well-being.

Who's It Best For

Those aiming for specific fitness goals (e.g., weight loss, muscle gain);

Individuals seeking a mindful, holistic approach to fitness;

Fitness enthusiasts wanting to track progress and habits;

Anyone needing structured guidance for staying motivated;

People focused on balancing mind, body, and wellness.

11. Pocket Journal

A pocket journal is a very small notebook that, obviously-fits your pocket. It's there for you anytime you need it.

For example, you get a sudden rush of ideas for your project while riding on the metro. You hear something useful in a conference that you'd like to research further later. A colleague at work tells you incredible words of support and encouragement you'd like to remember later. No problem, just reach out to your pocket journal and jot it all down.

Benefits of Having a Pocket Journal

Write down your thoughts and ideas anywhere, anytime.

Who's it Best For

12. Personal Junk Journal

Your personal junk journal is for venting your frustrations, bad moods, stressful events- negative energy in general. It can be your cathartic relief source when you're trying to cope during hard times. By regularly releasing these thoughts and emotions, you prevent them from bottling up inside, making this type of journaling a powerful tool for emotional detox.

This type of journaling allows you to express your raw thoughts without judgment or worry about structure. It's a way to let go, reflect on your stressors, and ultimately make room for more positive energy and personal clarity.

The Benefits of Having a Personal Junk Journal

Provides emotional release and reduces mental clutter;

Helps you identify recurring stressors or patterns of negativity;

Offers a safe space to vent without hurting relationships or bottling up emotions;

Allows for self-reflection and personal growth after expressing difficult feelings.

Who's it Best For

13. Pregnancy Journal

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative and memorable journeys in life for both the mother and her partner. A pregnancy journal allows you to capture these precious moments, preserving the joy, excitement, and challenges that come with the experience.

Beyond emotional value, a pregnancy journal serves several practical purposes. As hormones fluctuate, mood swings, cravings, and symptoms can arise. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process these changes, making it easier to cope with the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy.

Additionally, tracking daily details can be essential, especially if your healthcare provider asks you to monitor specific symptoms or changes. Pregnancy brain-where forgetfulness is common due to hormonal shifts-can make it hard to remember key details. Keeping a journal helps ensure nothing important slips through the cracks.

You can also document your changing self-perception as you prepare for motherhood, your thoughts on baby names, nursery ideas, and baby shower plans. Recording milestones such as baby movements, Braxton Hicks contractions, and other physical experiences adds even more depth. At the end of this journey, you'll have a meaningful record, capped off with your birth story.

Benefits of Keeping a Pregnancy Journal

Who's It Best For

Pregnant women and couples.

14. Love Journal

A love journal, like The Weekly Love Planner, is a powerful tool for nurturing deeper connection and harmony in your relationship. By setting aside time each week to reflect on your relationship, this journal guides you in celebrating shared moments, resolving challenges, and setting intentions for the future. It helps you stay mindful of the love you're building together and promotes open communication through intentional journaling.

Benefits of Keeping a love journal

Who's It Best For

15. Group Journal

Journaling is not necessarily an individual activity. Any kind of journaling raises your awareness and attention to the area of your journaling efforts, leading you towards a better understanding of it, and making it easier for you to progress in that area of life.

The same goes for shared journaling. You can significantly improve your relationships with other people if you keep a journal together. Here are some ideas:

16. Productivity Journal

If you find yourself struggling with procrastination or constantly feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, a productivity journal could be the tool you need. It's easy to get excited about new projects and set lofty goals, but without proper structure, this often leads to frustration. A productivity journal helps you break down your tasks into manageable steps and prioritize what truly matters.

The Productivity Planner is designed with this in mind. Based on the Focused Time Technique, it encourages you to structure your day by focusing on the most important tasks first, helping you work smarter, not harder. With its simple, elegant design, the planner helps streamline your mental energy, track your progress, and build better productivity habits over time.

Benefits of Keeping a Productivity Journal

17. What I Wish My Life Was: Pray-Rain Journal

We all have moments where we imagine how life could be different-dreaming of something more, whether it's a new home, a better job, or becoming a more productive version of yourself. A Pray-Rain Journal is a powerful way to take those dreams and write about them as if they're already your reality.

Picture a goal, like buying your own apartment. In your journal, describe what it feels like to live there-what's the first thing you bought, how you decorated it, how it makes you feel. Or for more abstract goals, like setting boundaries or boosting productivity, write about how you're already living that way.

The key is to write in the present tense, as though you've already reached your goal-no "ifs" or "maybes," just the reality you're creating.

Benefits of Pray Rain Journaling

Helps you get clear on your goals;

Encourages you to think through the emotions and effects of achieving those goals.

People unsure about their goals or what they want.

Those who need to explore their intentions more deeply.

18. Finance Journal

Ever feel like your money has mysteriously disappeared? You're not alone-many of us face the challenge of tracking our spending or sticking to a budget. A finance journal is the perfect solution for regaining control over your money.

By keeping a detailed log of your income, expenses, and savings, you can spot patterns, eliminate unnecessary spending, and create a clear financial plan for the future. While apps are great, there's something powerful about putting pen to paper and seeing your financial picture unfold right in front of you.

Whether you're trying to save for a big goal, get out of debt, or just understand where your money is going, a finance journal helps you take ownership of your financial story.

Benefits of Keeping a Financial Journal

Those who struggle to manage their money or stick to a budget;

Anyone looking to gain control over their finances and plan for the future.

You might wonder-do I really need a separate journal just for ideas? While you could jot them down in your everyday notebook, having a dedicated space for capturing all your creative, clever, wild, or practical ideas can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you're the type whose mind is always buzzing with thoughts.

An ideas journal isn't just for writing. You can sketch, create lists, paste photos, or mind-map your thoughts. This process helps you organize your ideas and also clears mental space, allowing you to think more creatively and connect concepts in new ways.

Benefits of Keeping an Idea Journal

Creatives and innovators;

Anyone looking for a dedicated space to organize and develop their ideas.

There's something timeless and therapeutic about letter writing. Whether or not you send them, letters allow you to slow down, reflect, and put your thoughts into words. A letter journal (like Becoming a Warrior Journal) is a private space where you can express emotions, thoughts, and reflections.

Use this journal to write letters to your future self, your childhood self, or even to friends, family, and loved ones. It's up to you whether you ever share them-just the act of writing is a form of therapy that encourages mindfulness and deep introspection.

Benefits of Letter Journaling

Helps you reflect on life, relationships, and personal growth;

Encourages mindfulness and emotional release.

Who's It Best For

Those who want to connect more deeply with themselves;

Anyone who enjoys reflective, introspective practices.

___________________

There are surely more than twenty types of journals to keep, as you can journal about literally anything. Different types of journals serve different purposes, but what's important, though, is that you perceive journaling as a relieving and rewarding activity, because that's what it should be.
Now, which journal(s) will you start?

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In this article, we discover why it's important to be a journaler; analyze 20 types of journals that are out there; and explain how you can benefit from keeping each of them.

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25 Types Of Journals To Keep (Plus: The One Journal You Need)

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Discover the 25 types of journals to keep, with the 5 journaling categories you need to explore. Discover how to merge them or separate them for optimum balance.

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University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

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Have you ever kept a journal-when you were traveling, as a way to record important events of your life, or as a tool for working through a difficult time? There are many reasons to keep a journal. If you're a student, journaling can help you not only be more successful in class, but also have more confidence to take on life's challenges. In this post, we discuss the benefits of journaling as well as different types of journals that can help you succeed in school.

10 Benefits of Journaling

The advantages of journaling range from helping you reduce stress to propelling you forward in your pursuit of personal and academic growth.

1. Improves Mental Health

The act of taking pen to paper can help you relax, manage , cope with depression, ((University of Rochester Medical Center, "Journaling for Mental Health": https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1)) and enjoy one of life's pleasures (writing). By getting your thoughts down on paper, you can gain a deeper understanding of the causes of your own internal conflicts, while you also explore the external challenges you're facing. Your problems, fears, and concerns will come to the surface so you can start to address them and visualize solutions.

Humor is a healer, too. Writing down the events of your life in a funny way, or recording amusing overheard bits of dialogue, can help you feel less anxious, since laughter can relieve stress .

2. Encourages Self-Confidence

Journaling can boost your self-confidence in a few ways. If you journal to keep your thoughts and schedule , you may find that being prepared reduces anxiety. Properly managing your time so that you can consistently check off those boxes on your to-do list can help reinforce for yourself that you're a capable, intelligent student.

If you use your journal as a place to actively practice positive self-talk and combat negative thoughts , you may find that being kind to yourself also improves your overall relationship with yourself.

3. Boosts Emotional Intelligence

Journaling can help you make sense of how you're feeling about a certain person or situation that is troubling or inspiring you. It can also help you understand your triggers. The process of writing down your thoughts as honestly and with as little judgment as possible allows for self-discovery . When you get to know yourself better, you develop a deeper understanding of your reactions, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as what environments help you thrive.

4. Helps with Achieving Goals

The physical act of writing down a goal can make it feel more real and can motivate you to achieve it. You can use your journal to not only craft specific goals, but also to monitor your progress as you take steps toward accomplishing those goals.

Writing SMART goals can help you achieve more. To set a SMART goal, write down how your goal meets the following the criteria:

Specific: Make your goal as clear as possible.

Measurable: Set milestones and benchmarks.

Achievable: Ensure that your goal can be accomplished.

Relevant: Ask yourself how achieving this goal will benefit you.

Time-bound: Set a timeframe.

Use your journal to keep track of where you are in the process of achieving your goals and to troubleshoot any challenges that arise in the process.

5. Inspires Creativity

Writing a journal is a great way to channel your creative energy into expressing yourself, reducing anxiety, and solving problems. ((TeachThought, "The Significant Benefits Of Creativity In The Classroom," Nov. 15, 2019: https://www.teachthought.com/learning/innovation-imagination-12-benefits-creativity/))

If you're the type of person who constantly has ideas coming to them, a journal is a great place to jot those down quickly so you don't forget. You can revisit your notes later and write a more detailed entry around your idea.

If you're looking for inspiration, you can try stream-of-consciousness writing or using thought-provoking prompts to help ignite creativity. Some artists keep a visual journal, sketching or painting images from their imagination or real life.

6. Boosts Memory

Research has shown that writing information down by hand is an effective way to commit ideas to . As a student, you will need to memorize information to pass your exams. Consider integrating journaling into your life as a way to improve your memory.

Also, if you record your thoughts, you can easily return to your notes and be reminded of insights and goals that may have otherwise faded from your memory.

7. Enhances Critical Thinking Skills

Journaling can help boost critical thinking skills. published in the Journal of Nursing Education noted that both students and faculty found reflective journaling to be helpful for developing critical thinking skills.

8. Heightens Academic Performance

Researchers reported that students who completed learning journals -where they related learned concepts to real-world applications and life experiences-performed better on exams. Students have also self-reported that expressive writing led to a higher grade point average .

9. Improves Physical Health

Expressive writing has been shown to provide significant benefits for individuals with a variety of medical problems. Self-reported physical health outcomes of expressive writing have included improved liver function, reduced blood pressure, improved immune system functioning, and improved athletic performance. ((Baikie et al., "Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing," Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, Sept. 2005: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/emotional-and-physical-health-benefits-of-expressive-writing/ED2976A61F5DE56B46F07A1CE9EA9F9F/core-reader)) It's evident that journaling can not only improve mental health, but also physical health.

10. Strengthens Communication and Writing Skills

Writing down your ideas forces you to organize your thoughts. It can help you communicate better both on paper and verbally, as there is a strong connection between writing and speaking. ((Anastasia Belyh, "8 Ways to Stop Thinking About Journaling and Actually Start Journaling," Cleverism, Sept. 24, 2019: Undergraduate Saudi Students," 21st Century Academic Forum, 2014: https://www.cleverism.com/start-journaling/)) Journaling can also improve your ability to write well, particularly by improving your voice and vocabulary. (( Basma Issa Ahmad Alsaleem, "The Effect of "WhatsApp" Electronic Dialogue Journaling on Improving Writing Vocabulary Word Choice and Voice of EFL http://www.21caf.org/uploads/1/3/5/2/13527682/alsaleem-hrd-conference_proceedings.pdf))

Types of Journals Students Can Use for Growth

There are many different types of journals you can keep. Depending on your personal goals and how you like to work, you may find one particular format that feels right to you. You can combine methods or create a new one entirely. Below are several types of journals you can use for personal and academic growth.

Bullet journal: Focusing on bulleted lists is a great method to use for personal organization and tracking progress. Use this journal to make to-do lists, brainstorm about projects, and record goals.

Transfer journal: Write down concepts or information that you are learning in class and explore how you could draw on these ("transfer" them) in the future.

5 Ws journal: When you're learning new information, or even trying to understand a real-life situation you're in, it can be helpful to break the information down by the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why). This can help you organize the information and even commit it to memory.

Gratitude journal: Being a student can be stressful at times. When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's good to remember what you're grateful for.

Double-entry journal: Write down a concept or phrase on the left-hand side of a notebook page and record your thoughts about or reactions to that idea on the right-hand side.

Question journal: Record questions you have about class material or internal questions that you hope to answer about yourself. Return to these pages as you explore and discover answers.

Reading journal: Keep notes about your readings for class or about books you're reading for pleasure. Write down ideas that stick out to you and information you want to remember. Writing down your thoughts and perspectives can help you remember what you read so that you can draw on this information in the future.

Idea journal: Use your journal as a place to "brain dump." Write down whatever you're thinking or feeling so that you can better process your thoughts and emotions. Letting the words out in a stream-of-consciousness flow can help clear your head.

Check out the visual below to find more types of journals, as well as prompts to help you get started.

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10 Ways Journaling Benefits Students | USAHS

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Have you ever kept a journal-when you were traveling, as a way to record important events of your life, or as a tool for working through a difficult time? There are many reasons to keep a journal. If you're a student, journaling can help you not only be more successful in class, but also have more confidence to take on life's challenges.

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7 benefits of keeping a journal | Kaiser Permanente

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Keeping a journal can be a beneficial self-care practice. Find out how it can help you get in touch with your mind, body, and spirit.

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60 Effective Journaling Prompts for Athletes | Wanderings

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Read our article and inspire yourself to journal writing toward topics that can complement your progress as an athlete. Learn more here!

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The power of the journal: Olympians’ secret to success

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Discover which Olympians use journals to boost mental resilience, visualise themselves as champions, and even predict the future.

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Find out how journaling can improve your mental health.

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5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health

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We explore the benefits of journaling for mental health. Included are guidance and steps to get started.

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How to Bullet Journal: The Absolute Ultimate Guide — The Lazy Genius

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{UPDATE:  Don’t miss the free printables at the bottom of this post as well as the follow-up post 7 Bonus Bullet Journal Lessons . } The January air smells like organization. You can’t fight it, so let’s lean into it with lazy genius attitude. I want to tell you about the Bul

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I love all things paper. A new notebook, journal, or planner is enough to get me to feel motivated about my goals. Fresh pages that are blank are sometimes all you need on a rough day to feel like a fresh start is in order. However, maybe like me, you have also had a notebook or office supply obsession get out of hand over the years. While I love a fresh notebook or journal, I will be the first to admit that I am one of the first people to not finish a notebook or journal and move on to something new. I don't think there is anything wrong with that because of the inspiration that a new notebook brings, but I also know many of us are on the hunt for notebook, planner, or journal peace where we find a system that works for us in all ways.

If you check out examples in the planner and journaling communities, you can see a variety of journal types, writing and typography, designs, layouts and spreads, and ideas for organization. New notebooks make us feel good. Half of the fun in this journaling journey is trying out new ideas and systems to see what will work for us. If you are like me, you know what definitely doesn't work for you. This post proposes different styles, types, and considerations when trying to find a journal or planner peace. The goal of this post is not to present you with a correct option, but to show you the options that I have encountered along the way so that you find what works best for you.

Start with Purpose

What do you want to accomplish or use your notebook or journal for? There are so many different types of journals, planners, papers, etc. You may just grab a notebook and go. You may love the color or cover of a journal. You may want something made out of leather or something that has a vegan cover option. There is nothing wrong with the method of trial and error, but you may also want to begin with why you want to write. For example, here are some common examples.

Keep a planner to organize your schedule (productivity, organization)

Have a journal on hand to write down your thoughts or ideas (reflection, meditation)

Use a notebook to keep track of a project or learn something new (curiosity, creative writing, education)

The real fun is when you want a journal or notebook to combine multiple purposes in one space. Some people have many notebooks or journals for different purposes, and some people want to carry one single notebook around with them. Purpose also goes hand-in-hand with lifestyle.

Here are 10 questions to consider when narrowing down your purpose, so you can also select a system.

1. Do you want to keep multiple notebooks or just one?

2. What size do you want the notebook to be? (Weight, height, portability)

3. How do you want to keep appointments, tasks, to-do lists, and your schedule?

4. What are your goals? How do you want to track habits? How often do you want to check-in with goals?

5. How much space do you need to write every day? Every week? Every month?

6. What ways do you like to reflect? How much space do you need?

7. Do you prefer a minimalist design or something more elaborate? Do you like to draw, doodle, and color?

8. How much time do you have to spend on setting up your notebook or journal?

9. Do you want something already set up or do you want the freedom to change the setup and layout yourself?

10. What systems have you tried? What did you like or dislike about those systems or materials? (Make a list)

Dictionary of Journaling Terms from A-Z

You may go through this list of terms and wonder what some of these mean. Feel free to explore the different terms, and as you find a system that works for you, come back to the list to discover new terms you may not have known.

PIN THIS IMAGE TO PINTEREST TO COME BACK TO IT LATER!

A

A4, A5, A6, B4, B5, ETC

Standard paper sizes, A4 is the size of a regular sheet of paper, and A5 is the size of a medium journal

B

BLEEDING

When ink is visible from the other side of a page, see-through paper, also known as ghosting

BRAIN DUMP

A fast "stream of consciousness" type of writing for feelings, tasks, or brainstorming

BUJO

Pronounced "boo-joe," a shortened term for bullet journal

BULLET

A symbol next to a task, event, or appointment, can be a * - or a dot

BULLET JOURNAL

A type of journaling developed by Ryder Carroll, known for layouts and spreads for all areas of life with a focus on tasks, to-dos, and ideas

C

COLLECTION

More than 2 layouts that have the same theme or topic or share a header

CAHIER

A type of small insert journal from the Moleskine company that has a cardboard cover and rounded corners. This type of journal is 8.5 X 5 and fits a wide type of journal.

CALLIGRAPHY

Decorative handwriting or hand lettering

CHALLENGES

Social media challenges or personal challenges on a variety of prompts or topics, often use habit trackers

CHRONODEX

A spiral time tracker for different parts of the day, week, or month

D

DAILIES/DAILY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual day

DASHBOARD

The inner cover of a journal used for inspiration or focus

DISC-BOUND

A type of binding for a journal where discs hold the pages together

DOT-GRID

A page printing style where dots make up the pages, great for drawing and writing

DUTCH DOOR

A cut-out style is seen in journals that creates more space within a two-page layout for more information

E

EVENT

An appointment or task

F

FUTURE LOG

A spread or layout that shows the short-term or long-term future with events, tasks, or goals

G

GHOSTING

When ink is visible from the other side of a page, see-through paper, also known as bleeding

GSM (GRAMS PER METRE SQUARED)

Stands for "grams per square meter," measures paperweight, the heavier the paper the higher the quality

H

HOBONICHI

A type of minimal and functional Japanese journal planner made in 2001. The journals have room to write notes, but also come dated like a planner. They most often feature grid or quadrant paper. Also is called Hobonichi Techno or "hobo."

I

INDEX

A table of contents at the beginning of a journal marks the page name and page number

INSERT

A small blank notebook that comes in a variety of sizes and paper types. Inserts can be stapled or sewn. They are originally meant to hang on an elastic in a traveler's journal.

J

JUNK JOURNAL

A type of book or journal made up of many different types of papers and materials including stickers, papers, wrapping paper, and scrapbooking materials.

K

KEY

The legend that explains the bullet point system or color-coding used in the journal

L

LETTERING

Modern calligraphy or the types of fonts used in headers or sub-headers

LEUCHTTURM 1917

An international journal and notebook company from Germany, notebooks are popular for bullet journaling

LEVEL 10 LIFE

a layout about goal-setting for 10 different areas of life, from Hal Elrod in his book The Miracle Morning.

M

MOLESKINE

An international journal and notebook company first from Italy, their journals are based on legends using them like Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, and more

MONTHLIES/MONTHLY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual month

MORNING PAGES

Stream of consciousness writing done in the morning where a person writes 3 pages non-stop, first developed by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way

N

NARROW-SIZED NOTEBOOK

A narrow size or standard notebook for a traveler's journal. It is a long journal that measures 8.25 X 4.25

NESTING

Sub-topics under main topics can be marked by different colors for events or tasks

O

ONE-LINE-A-DAY

The practice of writing one thing a day focused on a particular topic, theme, or goal

P

PASSION PLANNER

A personal planner and organizer that focuses on setting and maintaining goals

PIGGY-BACKING

A way to combine inserts together in a single journal cover using elastics. Using this method, multiple inserts can be used in one cover if needed.

R

RAPID LOGGING

The act of quickly writing down tasks, events, or project ideas

RHODIA

An international notebook and journal company from France, known for their orange journals

S

SIGNIFIER

Extra symbols or marks added to bullet points to mark importance or priority with tasks

SKETCHNOTES

Visual note-taking that combines symbols, art, drawings, and color to convey information

SPREAD

1-2 pages in a notebook dedicated to a particular topic, day, or project, see also layout

STAEDTLER FINELINER

A pencil and pen company from Germany, known for their fine-tipped pens for bullet journaling

STM (SCRIBBLES THAT MATTER)

An international journal and notebook company from the UK, known for its modern and creative journal covers

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Uncensored and fast-paced writing used to get thoughts, ideas, or feelings down quickly

T

TASK

An item on a to-do list or project

THEME

Styles, colors, or images that combine collections together, examples: sunflowers, bees, books/reading

THREADING

A way of connecting old collections together across different notebooks, first developed by Ryder Carrol of the Bullet Journal

TIME LADDER

An hour-by-hour layout often used in dailies to show schedules or appointments

TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PENS

An international pen and art supply company based in Japan, known for brush pens for lettering in journals

TRACKER

Layouts or spreads used to track goals or behaviors, also known as habit trackers

TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK

A journaling system that uses a single journal cover to keep multiple refillable journal inserts on elastic bands. It originally was used to document travel.

TRAVELER'S COMPANY

Previously known as the Midori Traveler's Notebook (MTN), a company that makes narrow-size notebooks that house inserts on a single elastic strand. They are the creators of the original traveler's notebook.

W

WASHI TAPE

Decorative thin-style tape, first originated in Japan

WEEKLIES/WEEKLY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual week, can take up 1-2 pages

Example Systems I Like

There are tons of systems and materials to choose from in the world of journaling and planning. You can spend some time on Pinterest or Instagram to see example notebooks, layouts, and get ideas for what you want in a notebook system. Remember, the system is often linked to your goals, time, and purpose.

The three systems I love the most are bullet journaling, using a Passion Planner, and currently, I am trying out a traveler's notebook. I like each system for many different reasons, and ultimately, I am using the traveler's notebook because it combines different purposes into one. However, I think there is also a time in life where you need other systems. Let me go through each system and a few of the pros and cons.

Links to items in the above photo:

Bullet Journaling (One journal that keeps everything within a single bound system)

PROS

Function. Everything is in one spot and in one notebook. I feel like I am carrying around a representative of my thoughts and life. Ryder Carroll ( founder of Bullet Journal) designed a rapid-logging system to help with keeping track of tasks.

Creativity. I like to make my own layouts and spreads. I rediscovered a love for drawing because of bullet journaling.

Portability. One notebook is easy to carry around. I can toss it in a bag and go.

CONS

Time. It can take up a lot of time to make spreads, layouts, and designs. I can see how people may feel pressured to make fancy designs with color, but even minimal designs take time.

Organization. While most notebooks have two bookmarks, I would still have to flip through to find information with ease. I know the table of contents is a feature in most notebooks, but I would often bypass this because it was tedious to go back and forth with logging.

Passion Planner/Predetermined Layout Planner (Planner dated or undated with lines or space to write already set on the paper/traditional planners)

PROS

Time. Any planner makes this easier by having the layouts already made, but Passion Planner layouts are just great. They give you room to write and space to make tasks.

Guidance. The Passion Planner literally helps guide you to reach goals. I always feel the most productive and organized when I am using a planner like this.

Accountability. The Passion Planner also holds you accountable for self-care. With having boxes like self-maintenance and moods, I often found myself not filling these in on a daily basis. When I did, I felt better and was aware of the stress going on in my schedule.

CONS

Creativity. Many people post their Passion Planners and planners in general with designs and doodles. But, I often would get discouraged if I didn't use a page or a layout. It looked blank, and I just had to move on to the next day or week.

Flexibility. If I want to change the layout, I can't. I really like daily spreads, but sometimes I need a weekly overview and I can't see everything I need to see at once.

Writing Room. If I go with a planner that already has layouts, I always run out of room to journal or write. Then I use other pages and things go out of order. The other option would be to carry two journals with me-one for organization and one for writing.

Traveler's Notebook (One journal cover with multiple inserts held on elastics)

PROS

Inserts. Inserts allow me to switch out notebooks often and as much as I like.

Creativity. I can make my own layouts and spreads like in bullet journaling. I can continue to draw and doodle. Now, I can also decorate covers with pictures, greeting cards, and stickers.

Organization. I like that each insert can be a different part of life. I currently have 4 inserts: journaling, scheduling/tasks, blogging, and family. I can also change out the inserts as I like. For example, my scheduling insert will get changed once a month. My blogging insert will not need to get changed until the end of each quarter.

CONS

Frequency. While it is nice to switch out inserts, there is also something nostalgic about flipping through an old journal to see where you have been. The size of the inserts makes this difficult because I can go through them so quickly. They are now making larger traveler's notebook journal sizes, but I don't know how I will like them on the elastics.

Time. It can take time to set up and create the layouts. While the freedom is nice, I didn't have to worry about setting anything up with the Passion Planner.

While there are other systems and solutions to consider, after reading my list, what things did you have in common with me? What things do you need on a daily and weekly basis? I am finding that if I am feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I need a system like the Passion Planner. However, when I am not stuck, I prefer the freedom of a bullet journal or a traveler's notebook.

Consider Materials

One of the best parts of journal shopping is looking for a journal you love. Considering all of the materials available, here are some things to consider when choosing your journal.

Cover design and color (I think journals should be inspirational)

Journal cover materials-Do you prefer leather? Vegan options? Consider the makeup of your actual journal cover.

Paper weight or gsm (see dictionary) Leuchtturm 1917 journals have a weight of 80 gsm. Cardstock goes up to 450 gsm. The reason why people love heavier paper is to prevent ghosting or bleeding when drawing, painting, or writing with a fountain pen. I really like the 100 gsm inserts I am using from Wanderings right now. They write better than my Leuchtturm 1917 journals.

Paper style. I am in love with dot-grid paper. I love being able to draw, write, and create my own layouts with just a little bit of guidance. Some people love lines, grid or quadrant paper, or blank pages.

Company goals and values. Do the company's values align with your values? I think this is important to consider when looking for a journal. Many times a journal is something that stays with us for a long period of time.

Writing Mindset Reflection: How do you choose a new journal, notebook, or planning system? What systems do you use right now?

A dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in public education, specializing in English Language Arts, writing instruction, and using mentor texts in the classroom. Stephanie currently works as an educational consultant. When she isn't talking about teaching, she is with her family, spending time journaling, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee.

I love all things paper. A new notebook, journal, or planner is enough to get me to feel motivated about my goals. Fresh pages that are blank are sometimes all you need on a rough day to feel like a fresh start is in order. However, maybe like me, you have also had a notebook or office supply obsession get out of hand over the years. While I love a fresh notebook or journal, I will be the first to admit that I am one of the first people to not finish a notebook or journal and move on to something new. I don't think there is anything wrong with that because of the inspiration that a new notebook brings, but I also know many of us are on the hunt for notebook, planner, or journal peace where we find a system that works for us in all ways.

If you check out examples in the planner and journaling communities, you can see a variety of journal types, writing and typography, designs, layouts and spreads, and ideas for organization. New notebooks make us feel good. Half of the fun in this journaling journey is trying out new ideas and systems to see what will work for us. If you are like me, you know what definitely doesn't work for you. This post proposes different styles, types, and considerations when trying to find a journal or planner peace. The goal of this post is not to present you with a correct option, but to show you the options that I have encountered along the way so that you find what works best for you.

Start with Purpose

What do you want to accomplish or use your notebook or journal for? There are so many different types of journals, planners, papers, etc. You may just grab a notebook and go. You may love the color or cover of a journal. You may want something made out of leather or something that has a vegan cover option. There is nothing wrong with the method of trial and error, but you may also want to begin with why you want to write. For example, here are some common examples.

Keep a planner to organize your schedule (productivity, organization)

Have a journal on hand to write down your thoughts or ideas (reflection, meditation)

Use a notebook to keep track of a project or learn something new (curiosity, creative writing, education)

The real fun is when you want a journal or notebook to combine multiple purposes in one space. Some people have many notebooks or journals for different purposes, and some people want to carry one single notebook around with them. Purpose also goes hand-in-hand with lifestyle.

Here are 10 questions to consider when narrowing down your purpose, so you can also select a system.

1. Do you want to keep multiple notebooks or just one?

2. What size do you want the notebook to be? (Weight, height, portability)

3. How do you want to keep appointments, tasks, to-do lists, and your schedule?

4. What are your goals? How do you want to track habits? How often do you want to check-in with goals?

5. How much space do you need to write every day? Every week? Every month?

6. What ways do you like to reflect? How much space do you need?

7. Do you prefer a minimalist design or something more elaborate? Do you like to draw, doodle, and color?

8. How much time do you have to spend on setting up your notebook or journal?

9. Do you want something already set up or do you want the freedom to change the setup and layout yourself?

10. What systems have you tried? What did you like or dislike about those systems or materials? (Make a list)

Dictionary of Journaling Terms from A-Z

You may go through this list of terms and wonder what some of these mean. Feel free to explore the different terms, and as you find a system that works for you, come back to the list to discover new terms you may not have known.

PIN THIS IMAGE TO PINTEREST TO COME BACK TO IT LATER!

A

A4, A5, A6, B4, B5, ETC

Standard paper sizes, A4 is the size of a regular sheet of paper, and A5 is the size of a medium journal

B

BLEEDING

When ink is visible from the other side of a page, see-through paper, also known as ghosting

BRAIN DUMP

A fast "stream of consciousness" type of writing for feelings, tasks, or brainstorming

BUJO

Pronounced "boo-joe," a shortened term for bullet journal

BULLET

A symbol next to a task, event, or appointment, can be a * - or a dot

BULLET JOURNAL

A type of journaling developed by Ryder Carroll, known for layouts and spreads for all areas of life with a focus on tasks, to-dos, and ideas

C

COLLECTION

More than 2 layouts that have the same theme or topic or share a header

CAHIER

A type of small insert journal from the Moleskine company that has a cardboard cover and rounded corners. This type of journal is 8.5 X 5 and fits a wide type of journal.

CALLIGRAPHY

Decorative handwriting or hand lettering

CHALLENGES

Social media challenges or personal challenges on a variety of prompts or topics, often use habit trackers

CHRONODEX

A spiral time tracker for different parts of the day, week, or month

D

DAILIES/DAILY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual day

DASHBOARD

The inner cover of a journal used for inspiration or focus

DISC-BOUND

A type of binding for a journal where discs hold the pages together

DOT-GRID

A page printing style where dots make up the pages, great for drawing and writing

DUTCH DOOR

A cut-out style is seen in journals that creates more space within a two-page layout for more information

E

EVENT

An appointment or task

F

FUTURE LOG

A spread or layout that shows the short-term or long-term future with events, tasks, or goals

G

GHOSTING

When ink is visible from the other side of a page, see-through paper, also known as bleeding

GSM (GRAMS PER METRE SQUARED)

Stands for "grams per square meter," measures paperweight, the heavier the paper the higher the quality

H

HOBONICHI

A type of minimal and functional Japanese journal planner made in 2001. The journals have room to write notes, but also come dated like a planner. They most often feature grid or quadrant paper. Also is called Hobonichi Techno or "hobo."

I

INDEX

A table of contents at the beginning of a journal marks the page name and page number

INSERT

A small blank notebook that comes in a variety of sizes and paper types. Inserts can be stapled or sewn. They are originally meant to hang on an elastic in a traveler's journal.

J

JUNK JOURNAL

A type of book or journal made up of many different types of papers and materials including stickers, papers, wrapping paper, and scrapbooking materials.

K

KEY

The legend that explains the bullet point system or color-coding used in the journal

L

LETTERING

Modern calligraphy or the types of fonts used in headers or sub-headers

LEUCHTTURM 1917

An international journal and notebook company from Germany, notebooks are popular for bullet journaling

LEVEL 10 LIFE

a layout about goal-setting for 10 different areas of life, from Hal Elrod in his book The Miracle Morning.

M

MOLESKINE

An international journal and notebook company first from Italy, their journals are based on legends using them like Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, and more

MONTHLIES/MONTHLY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual month

MORNING PAGES

Stream of consciousness writing done in the morning where a person writes 3 pages non-stop, first developed by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way

N

NARROW-SIZED NOTEBOOK

A narrow size or standard notebook for a traveler's journal. It is a long journal that measures 8.25 X 4.25

NESTING

Sub-topics under main topics can be marked by different colors for events or tasks

O

ONE-LINE-A-DAY

The practice of writing one thing a day focused on a particular topic, theme, or goal

P

PASSION PLANNER

A personal planner and organizer that focuses on setting and maintaining goals

PIGGY-BACKING

A way to combine inserts together in a single journal cover using elastics. Using this method, multiple inserts can be used in one cover if needed.

R

RAPID LOGGING

The act of quickly writing down tasks, events, or project ideas

RHODIA

An international notebook and journal company from France, known for their orange journals

S

SIGNIFIER

Extra symbols or marks added to bullet points to mark importance or priority with tasks

SKETCHNOTES

Visual note-taking that combines symbols, art, drawings, and color to convey information

SPREAD

1-2 pages in a notebook dedicated to a particular topic, day, or project, see also layout

STAEDTLER FINELINER

A pencil and pen company from Germany, known for their fine-tipped pens for bullet journaling

STM (SCRIBBLES THAT MATTER)

An international journal and notebook company from the UK, known for its modern and creative journal covers

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Uncensored and fast-paced writing used to get thoughts, ideas, or feelings down quickly

T

TASK

An item on a to-do list or project

THEME

Styles, colors, or images that combine collections together, examples: sunflowers, bees, books/reading

THREADING

A way of connecting old collections together across different notebooks, first developed by Ryder Carrol of the Bullet Journal

TIME LADDER

An hour-by-hour layout often used in dailies to show schedules or appointments

TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PENS

An international pen and art supply company based in Japan, known for brush pens for lettering in journals

TRACKER

Layouts or spreads used to track goals or behaviors, also known as habit trackers

TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK

A journaling system that uses a single journal cover to keep multiple refillable journal inserts on elastic bands. It originally was used to document travel.

TRAVELER'S COMPANY

Previously known as the Midori Traveler's Notebook (MTN), a company that makes narrow-size notebooks that house inserts on a single elastic strand. They are the creators of the original traveler's notebook.

W

WASHI TAPE

Decorative thin-style tape, first originated in Japan

WEEKLIES/WEEKLY

A layout, spread, or task-list for one individual week, can take up 1-2 pages

Example Systems I Like

There are tons of systems and materials to choose from in the world of journaling and planning. You can spend some time on Pinterest or Instagram to see example notebooks, layouts, and get ideas for what you want in a notebook system. Remember, the system is often linked to your goals, time, and purpose.

The three systems I love the most are bullet journaling, using a Passion Planner, and currently, I am trying out a traveler's notebook. I like each system for many different reasons, and ultimately, I am using the traveler's notebook because it combines different purposes into one. However, I think there is also a time in life where you need other systems. Let me go through each system and a few of the pros and cons.

Links to items in the above photo:

Bullet Journaling (One journal that keeps everything within a single bound system)

PROS

Function. Everything is in one spot and in one notebook. I feel like I am carrying around a representative of my thoughts and life. Ryder Carroll ( founder of Bullet Journal) designed a rapid-logging system to help with keeping track of tasks.

Creativity. I like to make my own layouts and spreads. I rediscovered a love for drawing because of bullet journaling.

Portability. One notebook is easy to carry around. I can toss it in a bag and go.

CONS

Time. It can take up a lot of time to make spreads, layouts, and designs. I can see how people may feel pressured to make fancy designs with color, but even minimal designs take time.

Organization. While most notebooks have two bookmarks, I would still have to flip through to find information with ease. I know the table of contents is a feature in most notebooks, but I would often bypass this because it was tedious to go back and forth with logging.

Passion Planner/Predetermined Layout Planner (Planner dated or undated with lines or space to write already set on the paper/traditional planners)

PROS

Time. Any planner makes this easier by having the layouts already made, but Passion Planner layouts are just great. They give you room to write and space to make tasks.

Guidance. The Passion Planner literally helps guide you to reach goals. I always feel the most productive and organized when I am using a planner like this.

Accountability. The Passion Planner also holds you accountable for self-care. With having boxes like self-maintenance and moods, I often found myself not filling these in on a daily basis. When I did, I felt better and was aware of the stress going on in my schedule.

CONS

Creativity. Many people post their Passion Planners and planners in general with designs and doodles. But, I often would get discouraged if I didn't use a page or a layout. It looked blank, and I just had to move on to the next day or week.

Flexibility. If I want to change the layout, I can't. I really like daily spreads, but sometimes I need a weekly overview and I can't see everything I need to see at once.

Writing Room. If I go with a planner that already has layouts, I always run out of room to journal or write. Then I use other pages and things go out of order. The other option would be to carry two journals with me-one for organization and one for writing.

Traveler's Notebook (One journal cover with multiple inserts held on elastics)

PROS

Inserts. Inserts allow me to switch out notebooks often and as much as I like.

Creativity. I can make my own layouts and spreads like in bullet journaling. I can continue to draw and doodle. Now, I can also decorate covers with pictures, greeting cards, and stickers.

Organization. I like that each insert can be a different part of life. I currently have 4 inserts: journaling, scheduling/tasks, blogging, and family. I can also change out the inserts as I like. For example, my scheduling insert will get changed once a month. My blogging insert will not need to get changed until the end of each quarter.

CONS

Frequency. While it is nice to switch out inserts, there is also something nostalgic about flipping through an old journal to see where you have been. The size of the inserts makes this difficult because I can go through them so quickly. They are now making larger traveler's notebook journal sizes, but I don't know how I will like them on the elastics.

Time. It can take time to set up and create the layouts. While the freedom is nice, I didn't have to worry about setting anything up with the Passion Planner.

While there are other systems and solutions to consider, after reading my list, what things did you have in common with me? What things do you need on a daily and weekly basis? I am finding that if I am feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I need a system like the Passion Planner. However, when I am not stuck, I prefer the freedom of a bullet journal or a traveler's notebook.

Consider Materials

One of the best parts of journal shopping is looking for a journal you love. Considering all of the materials available, here are some things to consider when choosing your journal.

Cover design and color (I think journals should be inspirational)

Journal cover materials-Do you prefer leather? Vegan options? Consider the makeup of your actual journal cover.

Paper weight or gsm (see dictionary) Leuchtturm 1917 journals have a weight of 80 gsm. Cardstock goes up to 450 gsm. The reason why people love heavier paper is to prevent ghosting or bleeding when drawing, painting, or writing with a fountain pen. I really like the 100 gsm inserts I am using from Wanderings right now. They write better than my Leuchtturm 1917 journals.

Paper style. I am in love with dot-grid paper. I love being able to draw, write, and create my own layouts with just a little bit of guidance. Some people love lines, grid or quadrant paper, or blank pages.

Company goals and values. Do the company's values align with your values? I think this is important to consider when looking for a journal. Many times a journal is something that stays with us for a long period of time.

Writing Mindset Reflection: How do you choose a new journal, notebook, or planning system? What systems do you use right now?

A dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in public education, specializing in English Language Arts, writing instruction, and using mentor texts in the classroom. Stephanie currently works as an educational consultant. When she isn't talking about teaching, she is with her family, spending time journaling, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee.

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Choose a Journaling System That Works For You - WRITING MINDSET

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I love all things paper. A new notebook, journal, or planner is enough to get me to feel motivated about my goals. Fresh pages that are blank are sometimes all you need on a rough day to feel like a fresh start is in order.

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How I use my bullet journal to stay organized in college

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Google Calendar, the Reminders app, scribbling notes on your arm: there are lots of different ways people keep track of their assignments and stay organized in college.

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20 Awesome Bullet Journal Ideas for Organizing Your Life

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If a traditional journal doesn’t interest you, a bullet journal might. Check out these fun bullet journal ideas.

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Unlocking Creativity: The Transformative Power of Journaling - Dr Margaretha Montagu

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Sparking Curiosity and Inspiring Creativity with Journals

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Sparking Curiosity and Inspiring Creativity with Journals

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How Student Journals Can Spark Curiosity and Inspire Creativity in the Classroom

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When I was in the fifth grade, I kept a journal for class. My teacher would give us fifteen minutes to write whatever we wanted. I pretty much only wrote about baseball -- and the

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Spiritual Journals—A 4-Step Formula to Begin — Cathy McIntosh

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I find spiritual journals to be a great tool when I’m trying to sort out decisions or seek Biblical direction. I journal when I feel the Holy Spirit prompt, “Don’t miss this,” or when I’m trying to untangle my thoughts. The daily practice reminds me to focus on our Savior and seek His ways as I nav

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Connecting with nature through spiritual journaling can transform your outdoor experiences into profound moments of self-discovery and inner peace. Your journal becomes a sacred space where you'll explore deep questions while surrounded by the natural world's wisdom and beauty. Whether you're perched on a mountaintop or nestled beneath a tree, these thoughtful prompts will guide you toward meaningful reflection and spiritual growth in the great outdoors.

Finding the right words to express your spiritual journey isn't always easy, especially when you're trying to merge the physical experience of nature with your inner world. That's why we've crafted these nature-inspired journaling prompts to help you deepen your connection with both your spiritual path and the natural environment around you.

Finding Sacred Spaces in Nature for Your Journaling Practice
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Select quiet locations away from busy trails like hidden groves meadows or streamside spots. Look for places that offer both physical comfort and spiritual resonance where you can write undisturbed.

Mark your chosen space with natural elements such as arranging stones in a circle or selecting a spot between two trees. This physical boundary helps establish a dedicated area for your spiritual practice.

Plan your journaling sessions during sunrise dawn or dusk when nature's energy feels most potent. These transition times often inspire deeper reflection and spiritual connection.

Build a small temporary altar using found objects like leaves stones or flowers. This focal point can ground your practice and symbolize your connection to the natural world.

Embrace various weather conditions as opportunities for different spiritual insights. Rain can represent cleansing while wind might symbolize transformation in your journaling practice.

Rotate your sacred spaces with the changing seasons: sheltered spots for winter sunny clearings for spring shaded areas for summer and colorful spaces for fall.

Select locations that don't disturb local wildlife or damage sensitive ecosystems. Your spiritual practice should honor and preserve the natural environment.

Setting Up Your Outdoor Journaling Sanctuary

Transform any outdoor space into your personal sanctuary for spiritual reflection with intentional preparation and mindful choices.

Choosing the Right Time of Day

Select dawn or dusk for optimal journaling conditions when nature's energy shifts most powerfully. Dawn offers crisp morning silence perfect for setting intentions while dusk provides a natural pause for reflection. Consider your local climate and seasonal changes to find your ideal timeframe. Track the sun's position at your chosen spot to ensure adequate natural light for writing. Remember that wildlife activity peaks during these transition periods adding extra inspiration to your practice.

Gathering Essential Supplies

Pack a weatherproof bag with these key items for comfortable outdoor spiritual journaling:

A durable journal with water-resistant pages

Several backup pens or pencils that write well outdoors

A lightweight sitting pad or blanket

A small battery-powered lantern for low light

Weather-appropriate layers of clothing

A reusable water bottle

Bug spray or sunscreen as needed

A small bell or chime for opening/closing practice

Choose items that feel sacred to you while remaining practical for outdoor use. Keep your kit pre-packed to maintain spontaneity in your practice.

Connecting With Natural Elements Through Written Reflection

Sky and Weather Observations

Record the sky's ever-changing canvas in your spiritual journal to deepen your connection with the divine. Note the shape-shifting clouds rolling across azure expanses or track the moon's phases to sync with natural rhythms. Observe how sunlight filters through morning mist transforming ordinary scenes into sacred moments. Write about the spiritual lessons revealed in weather patterns - from cleansing rain to grounding fog. Ask yourself how different atmospheric conditions affect your inner landscape and what messages they might carry for your spiritual journey.

Plant and Animal Encounters

Document meaningful interactions with flora and fauna to unlock nature's spiritual teachings. Write about unexpected animal crossings identifying what qualities that creature embodies and what it might signify for your path. Note which plants catch your attention describing their characteristics and reflecting on why they resonate with your spirit. Explore how seasonal changes in vegetation mirror your own spiritual cycles of growth dormancy and renewal. Consider how these living beings demonstrate spiritual principles like patience resilience and interconnection in their natural behaviors and lifecycles.

Exploring Seasonal Changes as Spiritual Metaphors

Nature's seasonal cycles offer powerful metaphors for our spiritual journey providing opportunities for deep reflection and personal growth.

Spring Renewal Prompts

Summer Abundance Prompts

Autumn Release Prompts

Practicing Mindful Observation Through Nature Journaling

Using Your Five Senses

Engage your senses fully to deepen your nature journaling practice with mindful observation techniques. Start by noting the subtle rustling of leaves or distant bird calls that reach your ears. Record the textures beneath your fingers from rough tree bark to smooth river stones. Document the array of scents from earthy soil to fragrant wildflowers. Observe the interplay of colors shapes and shadows in your surroundings. If safe take small tastes of edible plants like mint or berries noting their flavors. Create separate journal sections for each sense to build a complete sensory archive of your outdoor experiences.

Recording Subtle Energy Shifts

Train yourself to notice the delicate transitions in nature's energy throughout your journaling session. Document how the light quality changes as clouds pass overhead or how wildlife activity ebbs and flows. Note the shifting patterns of wind through different types of vegetation or the gradual temperature changes as the sun moves across the sky. Track how your own energy aligns with these natural rhythms noting periods of heightened awareness or deep calm. Use symbols arrows or small sketches alongside your written observations to capture these subtle but significant shifts in your environment.

Writing Prayers and Intentions in Natural Settings

Transform your spiritual practice by composing prayers and intentions while immersed in nature's sacred spaces.

Morning Light Meditations

Begin your dawn prayers by facing east where the first rays of sunlight emerge. Find a comfortable spot near a tree or flowering plant to ground your energy. Write your morning intentions while observing how sunlight filters through leaves or creates patterns on your journal pages. Use prompts like:

"As this new day dawns I open myself to..."

"May this morning light illuminate..."

"I release into the rising sun..."

"Today I choose to align with..."

"Today nature showed me..."

"I'm grateful for these simple gifts..."

"The evening light reminds me..."

"As the day closes I honor..."

Documenting Signs and Synchronicities in Nature

Nature speaks through meaningful coincidences and recurring symbols that often align with our spiritual journey. Record these divine messages in your outdoor journal to recognize patterns and deepen your connection with the natural world.

Animal Messengers

Track unexpected wildlife encounters in your journal using these prompts:

Note the time day date and location of significant animal sightings

Document the animal's behavior and your immediate emotional response

Research traditional spiritual meanings associated with the creature

Reflect on how the encounter relates to current life situations

Draw or sketch the animal's key features or movements

Record repeated appearances of specific animals across different days

Write about any messages or insights you receive from these encounters

Sketch recurring shapes in clouds leaves or tree formations

Document the number of times specific symbols appear

Record spiral patterns in shells flowers and unfurling ferns

Note the timing of rainbow sightings after storms

Track moon phases that coincide with significant events

Write about geometric patterns in spider webs crystals and snowflakes

Reflect on how these patterns mirror your spiritual path

Processing Emotions Through Nature-Based Journaling

Nature provides a powerful backdrop for emotional exploration and healing through journaling. Let these prompts guide you in processing complex feelings while connecting with the natural world.

Release and Letting Go

1. Find a flowing water source and write about emotions you're ready to release. Watch leaves float downstream and list specific burdens you want to let go.

2. Observe fallen leaves during autumn and document three habits thoughts or relationships you're prepared to shed. Connect each item to a leaf and watch it drift away.

3. Study storm clouds rolling in and describe intense emotions that need expression. Use weather metaphors to articulate feelings of anger frustration or grief.

4. Collect smooth stones from a creek bed. Write one challenging emotion on each stone then return them to the water while journaling about releasing their weight.

5. Watch sunset colors fade and list worries you're willing to surrender. Match each concern with a color as it disappears from the sky.

1. Document new plant growth and parallel it with your personal development. Note which areas of your life are sprouting fresh possibilities.

2. Examine butterfly activity and record three ways you're emerging from old patterns. Write about your own metamorphosis journey.

3. Study tree rings or bark patterns to explore layers of your emotional growth. Map significant transformative experiences like growth rings.

4. Watch seeds scatter in the wind and list potential changes you're ready to embrace. Consider which new directions feel most aligned.

5. Observe moss recovery after rain and write about your resilience story. Detail how you've grown through challenging seasons.

Creating Sacred Rituals for Outdoor Writing

Transform your outdoor journaling practice into a sacred ritual by aligning with lunar cycles.

New Moon Reflections

Set intentions for spiritual growth during the new moon's dark sky. Find a quiet outdoor spot and write your aspirations using only natural light from stars. Focus prompts on planting seeds of intention such as "What spiritual seeds am I ready to nurture?" or "Which aspects of my spirit need renewal?" Document three specific goals you wish to manifest before the next new moon. Consider creating a small crystal grid near your journaling spot to amplify your intentions.

Full Moon Ceremonies

Harness the full moon's illuminating energy for deep spiritual reflection. Choose an elevated outdoor location with clear views of the moonrise. Write about what's coming to fruition in your spiritual journey using prompts like "What insights have emerged since the new moon?" or "Which spiritual lessons feel fully illuminated now?" Release limiting beliefs by writing them on natural leaves then returning them to the earth. Use moonlight to review your new moon intentions and celebrate progress.

Integrating Your Nature Journal Into Daily Spiritual Practice

Your nature journal is more than a collection of writings - it's a living testament to your spiritual journey through the natural world. By combining mindful observation with heartfelt reflection you've created a sacred space that bridges the gap between your inner landscape and the wisdom of nature.

Remember that spiritual journaling outdoors isn't about perfection. It's about showing up authentically and allowing nature to guide your reflections. As you continue this practice you'll discover that every rustling leaf breeze and morning birdsong holds potential for deeper spiritual connection.

Let your nature journal become your trusted companion in spiritual growth. Through seasonal changes emotional processing and sacred rituals you'll develop a more profound relationship with both your spirituality and the natural world that surrounds you.

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12 Journaling Prompts for Spiritual Reflection Outdoors That Spark Sacred Wonder - Paths of Learning

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Discover transformative outdoor journaling prompts that blend spiritual reflection with nature's wisdom. Connect deeply with yourself while exploring sacred spaces in the natural world.

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Written By Tabitha Harrison // EEW Magazine Online

Ever found yourself staring at a blank prayer journal, unsure how to begin? That used to be me - clutching a beautiful leather-bound journal but frozen by the pressure to write something "spiritual."

One night, exhausted by the facade of having it all together, I finally scribbled, "God, I don't even know how to talk to You on paper." That raw admission became the first step in transforming my prayer life from a routine checklist to a joy-filled dialogue with God.

Though I had been a lifelong churchgoer, my prayers often felt transactional - like dropping coins into a divine vending machine and waiting for answers. But that night, as my pen moved across the page, tears blurred the ink. I wasn't striving for holiness; I was simply being honest. In that authenticity, I found something unexpected: joy.

"God isn't grading your penmanship or checking your grammar. He's delighting in your presence, just as you delight in His."

Let me share seven simple practices that turned my prayer journaling from a duty into a delightful, authentic, sacred journey with God. These are not rigid rules but heartfelt invitations to deepen your connection with God through the written word.

1. Start Where You Are
Matthew 11:28 invites us to come to Jesus as we are: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This truth gave me permission to approach God honestly. Some days, my journal entries begin with, "Today was awful," or "I'm so tired, God." Those unvarnished starts often lead to profound conversations with Him. You know God can handle our real emotions and meet us in our rawest moments, right?
2. Set the Right Atmosphere
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) isn't just a pretty verse on my wall - it's an invitation to carve out space for sacred moments. In my case, that's a quiet corner of my bedroom with a comfy chair and soft lighting. You don't need a Pinterest-worthy prayer nook. My space isn't fancy - just my grandmother's old armchair, a reading lamp, and my favorite pen (okay, maybe a few favorite pens). Sometimes I light a candle or play soft worship music. Other times, it's just me and the sound of my pen scratching across paper. The point isn't the setup - it's creating a space where your soul knows it's time to connect with God.
3. Use Joy-Focused Prompts
Psalm 119:24 declares, "Your testimonies are my delight." To embrace joy, I began incorporating prompts like:

These prompts opened my eyes to joy in unexpected places.
4. Let Scripture Spark Dialogue
Psalm 119:105 reminds us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet." Writing out Scripture and responding to it in my journal brought new life to my time with God. Sometimes I ask questions, express gratitude, or simply write, "Wow, God!" Engaging with His Word in this way has become a wellspring of joy.

"My journal has become more than a record of prayers - it's become a story of transformation, a collection of conversations with God."

5. Record God's Faithfulness
Psalm 105:5 encourages us to "remember the wonders he has done." My journal has become more than a daily log; it's a testimony of God's faithfulness. I revisit old entries, marking answered prayers with colorful stars. This practice strengthens my faith and fills me with joy as I see God's hand throughout my journey.
6. Express Yourself Creatively
Psalm 16:11 declares, "In Your presence is fullness of joy." Embracing creativity, the big kid in me still loves sparkles and squiggles. I began adding doodles, poems, and even photos to my journal. Sometimes I paste in meaningful keepsakes or write prayers in unique formats. My journal became a scrapbook of joy, reflecting my unique walk with God.
7. Share the Journey
1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to "encourage one another and build each other up." I joined a small prayer journaling group where we share insights, answered prayers, and creative ideas. Witnessing others find joy in their journaling journey has deepened my own experience and multiplied my gratitude.
A Joyful Invitation
The beauty of prayer journaling is that there's no wrong way to do it. God isn't grading your grammar or penmanship. He delights in your presence as you delight in His. Some days my entries are lengthy reflections; other days, they're a single sentence or a simple "Thank You, Lord." Both are precious to Him.

Looking back at my first tear-stained journal entry, I smile. Admitting I didn't know how to begin led to a journey filled with joy, transformation, and unforgettable moments with God. Now my journal is more than a record of prayers; it's a story of faith and a reflection to His goodness.

So grab that blank journal and don't worry about doing it "right." Just start. Show up as you are. Write what's on your heart. Watch how God turns those empty pages into a masterpiece of connection.

Written By Tabitha Harrison // EEW Magazine Online

Ever found yourself staring at a blank prayer journal, unsure how to begin? That used to be me - clutching a beautiful leather-bound journal but frozen by the pressure to write something "spiritual."

One night, exhausted by the facade of having it all together, I finally scribbled, "God, I don't even know how to talk to You on paper." That raw admission became the first step in transforming my prayer life from a routine checklist to a joy-filled dialogue with God.

Though I had been a lifelong churchgoer, my prayers often felt transactional - like dropping coins into a divine vending machine and waiting for answers. But that night, as my pen moved across the page, tears blurred the ink. I wasn't striving for holiness; I was simply being honest. In that authenticity, I found something unexpected: joy.

"God isn't grading your penmanship or checking your grammar. He's delighting in your presence, just as you delight in His."

Let me share seven simple practices that turned my prayer journaling from a duty into a delightful, authentic, sacred journey with God. These are not rigid rules but heartfelt invitations to deepen your connection with God through the written word.

1. Start Where You Are
Matthew 11:28 invites us to come to Jesus as we are: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This truth gave me permission to approach God honestly. Some days, my journal entries begin with, "Today was awful," or "I'm so tired, God." Those unvarnished starts often lead to profound conversations with Him. You know God can handle our real emotions and meet us in our rawest moments, right?
2. Set the Right Atmosphere
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) isn't just a pretty verse on my wall - it's an invitation to carve out space for sacred moments. In my case, that's a quiet corner of my bedroom with a comfy chair and soft lighting. You don't need a Pinterest-worthy prayer nook. My space isn't fancy - just my grandmother's old armchair, a reading lamp, and my favorite pen (okay, maybe a few favorite pens). Sometimes I light a candle or play soft worship music. Other times, it's just me and the sound of my pen scratching across paper. The point isn't the setup - it's creating a space where your soul knows it's time to connect with God.
3. Use Joy-Focused Prompts
Psalm 119:24 declares, "Your testimonies are my delight." To embrace joy, I began incorporating prompts like:

These prompts opened my eyes to joy in unexpected places.
4. Let Scripture Spark Dialogue
Psalm 119:105 reminds us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet." Writing out Scripture and responding to it in my journal brought new life to my time with God. Sometimes I ask questions, express gratitude, or simply write, "Wow, God!" Engaging with His Word in this way has become a wellspring of joy.

"My journal has become more than a record of prayers - it's become a story of transformation, a collection of conversations with God."

5. Record God's Faithfulness
Psalm 105:5 encourages us to "remember the wonders he has done." My journal has become more than a daily log; it's a testimony of God's faithfulness. I revisit old entries, marking answered prayers with colorful stars. This practice strengthens my faith and fills me with joy as I see God's hand throughout my journey.
6. Express Yourself Creatively
Psalm 16:11 declares, "In Your presence is fullness of joy." Embracing creativity, the big kid in me still loves sparkles and squiggles. I began adding doodles, poems, and even photos to my journal. Sometimes I paste in meaningful keepsakes or write prayers in unique formats. My journal became a scrapbook of joy, reflecting my unique walk with God.
7. Share the Journey
1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to "encourage one another and build each other up." I joined a small prayer journaling group where we share insights, answered prayers, and creative ideas. Witnessing others find joy in their journaling journey has deepened my own experience and multiplied my gratitude.
A Joyful Invitation
The beauty of prayer journaling is that there's no wrong way to do it. God isn't grading your grammar or penmanship. He delights in your presence as you delight in His. Some days my entries are lengthy reflections; other days, they're a single sentence or a simple "Thank You, Lord." Both are precious to Him.

Looking back at my first tear-stained journal entry, I smile. Admitting I didn't know how to begin led to a journey filled with joy, transformation, and unforgettable moments with God. Now my journal is more than a record of prayers; it's a story of faith and a reflection to His goodness.

So grab that blank journal and don't worry about doing it "right." Just start. Show up as you are. Write what's on your heart. Watch how God turns those empty pages into a masterpiece of connection.

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Prayer Journaling for Beginners - EEW Magazine

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See how authentic conversations with God can turn blank pages into treasured moments of connection and unexpected joy.