five journal tips to help you get started

There are many benefits to keeping a journal. Whether it is a traditional spiral notebook, a bullet journal, or a journal with lists or daily prompts...it can be good for the soul. Some of the most noteworthy journaling benefits include: organizing your thoughts, working through difficult emotions, reducing stress and anxiety, feeling more in touch with yourself, and boosting creativity. Do you journal? Or have you wanted to get started? It can feel a little overwhelming to commit to something that requires regular participation. However, it doesn't have to feel like a burden or obligation. There are many ways to get started and pursue the art of journaling. Here are five tips and tricks that will help you every step of the way.

1. Think About a Journal Style That Works For You

There is no right or wrong way to journal. Repeat that any time you feel doubt start to creep in. There is no right or wrong way to journal! Though the traditional concept of journaling involves putting pen to paper and documenting the events of the day...there are so many different ways to journal. Some people record the things that happened. Others use journaling to work through stressful or difficult situations. And others use non-traditional journals. There are many types of non-traditional journals to consider. Some have daily prompts, some have lists to fill out, others have sections focused on a specific topic (career goals, personal goals, or things to be grateful for). You don't have to do things the traditional way anymore. Try out a few different methods and see what works best for you and your schedule.

2. Don't Feel Pressure to Commit to a Daily Schedule at First (Or At All)

One of the main reasons a lot of people are afraid of journaling? Or decide not to do it? They are worried about the time commitment. The idea of sitting down to write every single day (or to spend time re-hashing the events of the day) can feel overwhelming. So, remember that you don't have to. Write when you feel like it. Or set a goal to journal in some capacity three times a week. It doesn't have to be a daily practice right away or at all. The goal here is to focus your mind, work through stressful situations, and let out emotions. You can journal as often as you feel you need. Or you could always try a timed method. Schedule five minutes a day to write in your journal and see what happens. You can always add more time or take away time, depending on what you need. Or how much you have to say!

3. Find a Way to Express Yourself Safely 

When it comes to journaling, one of the most important things to consider, is safety. There's a reason the diary you had as a child came with a lock on it. People want to feel that they can rant, rave, and express their unfiltered thoughts without the fear of someone else reading everything. Some people like to keep their journals and even pass them down to their family members. They act as a memoir of sorts. Other people? Not so much. If you feel safe to keep your journals and still be honest in them, that is great. If not...think of other ways to express yourself safely. If you are worried about privacy (or the long-term repercussions of letting it all out) consider the following. You don't necessarily need to keep your journals forever. Maybe you keep them for a year, read over them again, reflect on any changes you've made in your life, and rip up the pages. Or perhaps you rant and rave and then (carefully) burn or destroy the pages afterward. Do whatever you need to do to feel secure.

4. Make Your Journal All Your Own

Another way to start a journaling practice (or get inspired to start writing) is to give your journal a little personality. It doesn't matter if you have a plain spiraled notebook or something really elaborate and ornate. There are still opportunities to put your own spin on it! Decorate the pages with stickers, add family photos to the front cover, or even doodle in the margins of the pages. Make it fun and express yourself. You could even use different coloured ink when you write. (Purple is my favourite colour to write in, personally.) Choose a colour based on mood or the day of the week. With so many ways to add colour and personality to your journal...you can make sure every single page represents who you are.

5. Do What You Can to Make it Fun and Rewarding

The most important thing? Have fun with this experience. You don't need to be perfect or write every single day. Just write when you can. Express how you feel and use paper and pen as a way to work through your feelings. Sometimes, letting everything out can re-focus your mind in a positive way. Remember, this can be a fun and rewarding process if you open your heart to it! Journaling allows you to heal, grow, and establish a stronger sense of who you are. There are going to be times when you simply need to feel heard. Times when you don't want to deal with the fear of rejection or criticism. Instead of always turning to someone else for validation, turn to journaling. This is a wonderful tool because it allows you to be honest and open with yourself. Plus, you won't be constantly searching for an outside opinion. Put yourself first and open yourself to the many benefits of journaling.

Do you journal? Is it something you'd like to start? Share your own tips in the comment section below!