How to Start a Daily Journaling Routine: Tips and Tricks

Creating any routine is difficult and journaling is no different. But there are so many ways you can use journaling to help with life that it is worth trying to build that daily journaling routine into your life. To help you, here are some tips and tricks to help cement this routine in your head and your day.

What is the benefit of daily journaling?

There are lots of benefits to journaling, especially every day. One of the main ones is that it can help people who are struggling with mental health issues. Journaling is a way to process and work through all of the thoughts that might be running around in your head, which often times makes you feel better as well.

Journaling helps you understand your feelings. If something is bothering you, it might help to write down what happened and how you felt before talking about the situation with someone else or developing a plan for fixing it. No one can be an expert on their own emotions all of the time.

Sometimes, it is a more practical benefit. Journaling can help you track how you spend your time and where you may be losing some of it, or you might notice that there are certain habits which need to be addressed.

Reasons vary from person to person, but it is a great way for anyone to feel like they have control over their thoughts and emotions.

How to create a successful daily journaling routine

Let’s start with some simple tips to help build that routine for your daily journaling.

Make it easy to journal

When you’re the one who has to do all of these tasks, it can be overwhelming. But if you make the process as simple as possible, there’s no reason not to. For most people, a notebook is easier than using a computer for most people; just keep it in your bag or by your bedside table so when inspiration strikes, there’s no excuses not to get working right away.

On the other hand, if you are like me and spend a lot of time on the computer, then a digital journal might seem more natural. Just a quick tab or app to open and add your thoughts.

Choose a time that works

Choose a time that works to journal – the best times are early morning, first thing in the day, or right before bed. But if you have an even better preference for your personal schedule then by all means do it.

Some people like to take their lunch breaks and enjoy them outdoors at work; others prefer taking advantage of downtime during evenings after they’ve put themselves through whatever has been bothering them throughout the rest of their days.

Have a drink and a snack ready

Go for a snack and drink. You need to be nourished while you’re writing in your journal! Make sure that you are fed, hydrated, and ready to go. And that you don’t get put off your flow by a rumbling tummy…

Make sure you are comfortable

It’s easier to get into your thoughts if you’re comfortable and not thinking about how bad your tailbone hurts or wrist is hurting. Some people like using a desk, some a comfy easy chair, others their bed.

Combine it with another favourite activity

Combine your daily habit with something else you enjoy doing. If you like to read, journal in a clean house with windows open and the breeze flowing through it! It can be done on any day of the week for this plan to work fast.

Add some mood music

Now it’s true that some people prefer silence, so that’s fine if you do. But consider trying some music without words and relaxing for time devoted to journal entries and say calm and focused with a new playlist of your favorite songs!

Use a particular type of journal

What if I told you that there are different types of journals to choose from? If this is your first time using one, consider bullet journaling or project journaling. They provide clear guidelines and rules for entry which can be helpful at the onset.

Give yourself a reward

You deserve a reward for being so diligent! The next time you’ve been writing your journal each day for an entire month, take some time to look back over what you wrote. Rewarding yourself is always fun and helps keep up the great work even more because it feels good to know that someone cares about our progress in life!

Rewards can be anything from buying new coloring pens or scrapbooking material if you have room on your desk – maybe even getting ice cream with friends as they show their appreciation of how hard we try every single day.

Considering using journal prompts

One of the hardest parts of journaling can be getting started each day. Consider using journaling prompts. You can find them online and they will be relevant to the type of journal you want to create.

Build that routine

Once you get a solid daily journaling routine in place, it will become second nature to carry it out. You can build on it too, if you want to add other habits around the same time. It will become an enjoyable part of the day, a moment to take for yourself.