Journaling is my favorite thing to do. It has become such a huge part of who I am that I will never give it up, no matter where I am in life. Writing allows me to feel grounded when my thoughts are scattered. It gives my mind a place to exhale.
If you’re brand new to journaling and need help getting started, this post is for you.
I’ll teach you:
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What journaling is
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Why it’s important
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How to start journaling as a beginner
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The types of journals
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Ideas for what to write in your journal
Ready? Let’s journal!
What Is Journaling?
Journaling means taking time to write down your thoughts, ideas, and inspirations in a book, diary, or notebook. It’s a way of saving your feelings, secrets, wishes, plans, and everything else that’s going on inside your head.
Rules? There aren’t any. Journaling can be full pages or quick notes. Your entries can be super messy or super organized. Lists? Drawings? Absolutely—you can do that too.
Just remember that journaling creates a home for your thoughts.
Think of your journal as your safe space to be real—no judgment allowed.
Related: New Year’s Resolution Journal Prompts for Self-Growth
Why Should You Start Journaling?
Journaling is powerful. It can help you:
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Stay organized
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Improve your writing skills
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Sharpen your memory
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Increase productivity
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Define your goals
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Encourage creativity
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Build emotional awareness
When your mind feels overwhelmed, journaling declutters it. When your heart feels heavy, writing helps lift the weight. Your journal has the power to transform you because each time you write, you’re creating a better version of yourself.
Ready to get started? Here we go.
Related: 40 Money Journal Prompts For Couples
How to Start Journaling
1. Grab Something to Write With and Something to Write On
All you need to begin journaling is a pen and a notebook.
That’s it. No need to buy the fanciest supplies. Start simple. You can always upgrade later.
Prefer digital journaling? Go for it. Use a notes app, a digital document, or a journaling app. Find a method you’ll actually stick with and run with it.
2. Identify Your “Why”
“What’s my why?” I get asked this often.
Your “why” is your reason for journaling. If you start with no purpose, you’ll likely get bored and stop writing.
Ask yourself:
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Why do I want to start journaling?
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What do I hope to accomplish by writing?
Do you want to:
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Be more productive?
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Lower your stress levels?
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Emotionally heal?
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Improve your writing?
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Work toward goals?
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Better understand yourself?
Write down your “why” on the first page of your journal. Refer to it whenever you don’t know what to write or don’t feel like writing.
Your “why” is your compass—it will guide your journaling journey.
Related: 50 Journal Prompts To Heal Your Inner Child
3. Decide How Long You’ll Write Each Session
You don’t need hours to journal. When you first start, aim for:
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5–10 minutes per day
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15–20 minutes once you’re comfortable
Eventually, you can increase your time to 30 minutes or more. Spend as much or as little time as you’d like.
Choose a time of day when you can focus. I love journaling in the morning before my day begins or at night before bed.
The most important thing is that you show up.
4. Make Journaling a Daily Practice
Consistency is the key to successful journaling.
Pick a regular time to write:
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Morning
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Evening
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Before bed
If mornings are tough, journal at night. If evenings are hectic, journal in the morning. Commit to what works best for you.
Even a few lines count. Some days that’s all you’ll have time for—and that’s okay. A few words are better than none.
Daily journaling helps turn writing into a healthy habit.
Related: 100 Full Moon Journal Prompts
How Long Should You Journal?
Beginners should aim for 10–20 minutes a day. Once the habit sticks, you can journal longer—up to 30 minutes or even an hour.
You can write for as long or as little as you want. I recommend journaling when your mind is clear—first thing in the morning or right before bed.
Remember: quality always trumps quantity. Some days, one honest sentence is enough.
What Kind of Journal Should You Start?
Journaling comes in many forms. Find what works best for you.
Bullet Journal
If you love lists and organization, try bullet journaling.
Bullet journals help you plan, track, and reflect using:
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Bullet points
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Symbols
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Numbered lists
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A table of contents
They’re perfect for tracking goals, habits, and to-do lists—all in one place.
Journaling for Mental Health
A mental health journal is a powerful way to heal. Instead of bottling emotions, you release them onto paper.
Use your journal to explore:
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Feelings
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Fears
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Triggers
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Stressful situations
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Your daily mood
Journaling can feel like therapy for your mind and soul. It helps you recognize patterns and release what you’ve been carrying.
Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is where you write what you’re thankful for each day.
You might reflect on:
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Your life
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Your health
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Small victories
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Things you appreciate
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Friends and family
This practice shifts your mindset. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, you train your mind to notice what’s already good.
There are hundreds of journal styles. Explore and mix until you find your own rhythm.
What to Write in a Journal
Not sure what to write? Use prompts.
Journal prompts give you a starting point—especially on days when your mind feels blank.
Try these:
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How many people have you thanked today?
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Write three things you’re grateful for.
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What are your goals for today, this month, this year?
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What always makes you happy?
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What are you good at? Not so good at?
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Your favorite places to visit
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How you want to spend your next vacation
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Your monthly expenses
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Ten things you love about yourself
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People who inspire you
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Favorite quotes
There are thousands of prompts online, but don’t forget the classic:
“How do I feel?”
Final Thoughts
Journaling is about being raw and real. Your words don’t have to be fancy or profound.
Some days you’ll fill pages. Other days, one sentence will feel like a victory. Both matter.
Begin where you are. Use what you have. Write one word if that’s all you can manage.
Start now—and begin journaling your life.
Save & pin for later.
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