Want To Start Journaling? Here's What All You Need To Know

Ever felt like no one can understand your feelings, and you just need a moment to breathe and sort things out? Well, journaling can help you out. Unlike popular opinion, journaling is more than just writing. It is a way to reflect, express gratitude, and pour down your feelings in a notebook without feeling overwhelmed. This simple habit may help reduce stress like the magic of an aroma diffuser, make you feel organised, and give clarity. Not sure how to start or what all you need? Don't worry. Here is a beginner's guide on how to start journaling. 

Journaling 101: What You Need, How To Begin, And Why it Helps; Photo Credit: Unsplash

1. Choose The Right Journal

Nowadays, journals come in many forms, like lined, dotted, plain, and grid. Your first task is to choose a journal that suits your writing style or purpose. For instance, bullet journals are great for making lists and gratitude journals for reflecting. On the other hand, lined journals help pour down your feelings through traditional journaling. Likewise, hardcovers last longer while softcovers may not be that durable. Apart from this, also decide on the size. A compact journal is ideal for people who travel frequently.

2. Get Supplies 

Once you have finalised your journal, it is time to get journaling supplies. You don't need a lot, just the basics to help you get started. This includes your journal and a pen. If you like to get creative, you can use colourful pens, washi tape, stickers, and markers. While some prefer a clean, minimalistic look, others like to go overboard with their favourite decor items. You can also use magazine cutouts, covers of old books, and watercolours to create custom backgrounds. 

Journaling 101: What You Need, How To Begin, And Why it Helps; Photo Credit: Pexels

3. Experiment With Different Journaling Styles

Before scribbling with your pen, first set your intention or purpose. Ask yourself, Why do I want to journal? Is it for my mental health clarity? Do I want to track my habits? This will make it easier to stay consistent and choose the right journaling style. 

Now it is important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you can experiment with different journaling styles to find what calms your heart the most. For starters, you can do daily journaling (recording your day-to-day events), gratitude journaling (listing things you are thankful for), mood journaling (tracking your feelings), or goal-setting journaling (for the bigger picture). 

Apart from these basic types, you can also mix different styles, like recording your daily life events with bullet journaling to make important lists. And most importantly, remember that it's ok to switch styles.

Also Read: Unleash Your Creativity With DIY Kits From Amazon

4. How To Build Journaling Habit

Journaling is quite like setting your New Year's resolutions. They seem interesting at first, but we slowly abandon them as days go by. Thus, it is important to be consistent and disciplined in making journaling a habit and not a chore. Let's take a look at some helpful tips:

• Set aside a specific time in the morning or at night for journaling.
• Don't aim for perfection, focus on expression.
• Keep your journaling supplies handy, maybe beside your bed. 
• Set reminders on your smartphone.

Journaling 101: What You Need, How To Begin, And Why it Helps; Photo Credit: Unsplash

5. Journaling Prompts To Help You Get Started

Still staring at a blank page, wondering what to write or how to begin? Here are some beginner-friendly journaling prompts to help you get started:

• 1 thing that made me smile today
• 5 things I'm grateful for in my life
• What am I feeling right now
• 2 things I want to achieve tomorrow
• 3 things I love about my life

Products Related To This Article

1. Find Your Balance Undated Planner Journal

2. NEORAH - A5 Dot Grid PROFESSIONAL Journal -135 Gsm-(210x148 mm)

3. KALP A5 Self-love Gratitude Journal + 2 Posters & Pocket Diary

4. HASTHIP® 16Pcs Textured Scrapbook Paper

5. HASTHIP 480 Sheet Vintage Scrapbooking Material Paper

6. Mincer Aesthetic Junk Journal Supplies Paper Art Journaling Kit

7. The AutoStory Junk Journal & Scrapbook Kit

8. R H LIFESTYLE Motivational Quotes

9. CodersParadise Plastic - 450 Vibrant Journal Glass Stickers

10. 300 Premium Art Stickers in 6 Box Set

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Start Journaling (FAQs)

1. How to start journaling as a beginner?

To start journaling as a beginner, choose a notebook, pen, and some extra supplies for decorating. Write whatever happened throughout the day, express your feelings, or simply express gratitude.

2. What should I write when I start journaling?

There are different journaling styles, each meant to suit your diverse requirements. Beginners can experiment with bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, daily journaling, or goal-setting journaling. 

3. What is junk journaling?

Junk journaling is a creative way of using repurposed materials that might otherwise be discarded. This includes old books, magazines, newspapers, and fabric scraps. 

4. At what age should I start journaling?

There is no specific age to start journaling. You can start this habit whenever you feel like. It is more about your interest in expressing your thoughts and feelings through writing or other creative means.

5. What things are needed for journaling?

The basic materials needed to start journaling include a notebook and a pen. You can make things more creative by using glitter pens, stickers, paint colours, and old magazine cut-outs.

These were some important things that you need to know before starting journaling. Always remember that you don't have to follow the rules or make it look perfect. Instead, journaling is your safe space to do what feels right without giving explanations. Whether you write daily, weekly, or only when something's fussing up with your mind, journaling can help you relax and relieve stress. From boosting mental clarity to tracking personal growth, this simple habit can provide many benefits. So, what's stopping you? Grab your favourite notebook and pen and get started today.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.