Journaling 101: What Is Journaling And How Do I Get Started?

18 Oct

I’ve journaled through almost every era of my life — though not always consistently, I’ve always had this compulsion to sort out my thoughts on paper. Over the years, I’ve found that journaling is a great way to learn more about yourself, vent and sort through your feelings, and even preserve memories in fun and creative ways.

There are so many different types of journaling! From creative journaling to plain ol’ regular “jotting down your thoughts” journaling, whatever method you choose, they all have one thing in common: all you need to get started is a notebook and a pen.

So let's break down what journaling is, its benefits, and how you can start your own lil journaling journey!

What Is Journaling?

At its core, journaling is essentially writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

It's a flexible activity that can be as structured or as free-form as you like. You can turn it into a creative practice, like with creative or junk journaling, a stream-of-consciousness writing practice or anything in between. There is only one rule when it comes to journaling: there are no rules!

So whether you prefer pen and paper or a digital app, it's all about finding what works best for you.

The Benefits of Journaling

Journaling isn't necessarily just about keeping a record of your day. The more I’ve journaled in my life, the more journaling has become a tool for mindfulness and for grounding myself—or even just a creative outlet!

Here are some benefits I’ve noticed while journaling:

CLARITY & FOCUS: Writing helps organise your thoughts and makes your feelings clearer. I particularly find stream-of-consciousness writing helpful, because it helps unlock those subconscious feelings/thoughts in your brain you maybe didn’t realise were there.
STRESS RELIEF: Whenever I’m feeling anxious, or a bit antsy, or sad, I find that journaling helps me express those worries and reduce stress. It’s a safe space to exist when you feel uncomfy! It’s just you and your thoughts and no judgment.
HELPS WITH NEGATIVITY (GRATITUDE PRACTICE): I often get into negative thought spirals and I’ve found that journaling what I’m grateful for can improve my mood and perspective!
SELF-DISCOVERY: Journaling encourages reflection and can lead to surprising insights about yourself—I love going through my old journals and noting how much I’ve grown as a person over the years!
UNLEASHES CREATIVITY: I’ve often found that the most creative “eras” in my life were often accompanied by a lot of fun, creative journaling. Sometimes when I’m creatively journaling, I get ideas and prompts for creative projects, like collages, paintings, illustrations, etc.

Types Of Journaling

There are so many different ways to journal, and that's part of the fun! From creative journaling to plain ol’ regular “jotting down your thoughts,” whatever method you choose, they all have one thing in common: all you need to get started is a notebook and a pen.

Over the years, I've experimented with various types of journaling, and I've found that switching things up keeps the practice fresh and exciting. Here are some types of journaling you might want to explore on your own journaling journey:

1. Stream-of-Consciousness Journaling

This is one of my go-to methods. It's all about writing whatever comes to mind without any filters or judgments. I particularly find this helpful because it unlocks those subconscious thoughts and feelings I didn't even realise were swirling around in my brain. Just put pen to paper and let it flow!

2. Gratitude Journaling

When I catch myself spiralling into negativity, gratitude journaling is a lifesaver. By jotting down things I'm grateful for—big or small—I can improve my mood and shift my perspective. It's a simple but very powerful practice.

3. Creative Journaling

If you’re feeling artsy, creative journaling lets you combine writing with other forms of expression like doodling, sketching, or painting. I've often found that my most creative "eras" are accompanied by vibrant, artistic journal entries, usually in the from of scrapbook or collage style spreads. Sometimes, while I'm creatively journaling, I stumble upon ideas for new projects like collages or illustrations.

4. Junk Journaling

Think of junk journaling as a scrapbook meets diary. It's a tactile and visually engaging way to preserve memories by incorporating things like ticket stubs, magazine cutouts, stickers, and more into your journal entries. If you love collage or that mixed-media vibe, this one's for you!

5. Bullet Journaling

If organisation is your thing, bullet journaling might be your jam. It's a customisable system that combines your planner, to-do list, and diary all in one. While I haven't fully dived into bullet journaling myself, many people swear by it for keeping their lives organised and their minds clear.

6. Digital Journaling

Digital journaling apps like Apple's Journal, The Five Minute Journal App, Day One, or Penzu offer convenient ways to journal on the go. I sometimes use these apps when I'm travelling or when inspiration strikes and I don't have my physical journal handy.

7. Prompt-Based Journaling

Sometimes, staring at a blank page can feel daunting. That's where prompts come in handy! Using journaling prompts can give you a starting point and inspire you to explore topics you might not have considered. When I'm unsure what to write about, a good prompt can ignite a whole stream of thoughts.

8. Dream Journaling

Ever wake up from a vivid dream and think, "What was that about?" Dream journaling involves writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up. It's a fascinating way to delve into your subconscious mind and maybe even spot patterns over time.

9. Travel Journaling

I haven’t kept a travel journal in a while, but I used to when I was younger — it’s a mix of writing about my experiences, sketching scenes, and adding mementos like postcards or train tickets. It becomes a cherished keepsake that brings back all the feels whenever I flip through it.

10. Reflective Journaling

This type involves focusing on specific events or experiences and reflecting on them deeply. It's a great way to process emotions and learn more about yourself. I often use reflective journaling after significant moments to gain clarity and insight.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to journal. You might find that one type resonates with you more than others, or you might enjoy a combination. The key is to experiment and find what feels most enjoyable and meaningful for you. So grab that notebook (or open that app) and start exploring!

Getting Started with Journaling

One of the main questions I often get asked on my TikToks is: how do you get started with journaling? The more pressure you put on yourself with journaling (or with anything, really!), the less likely you’re going to enjoy it.

If you want to develop a consistent journaling practice, you have to start small and work your way up from there. When you begin your journaling journey, it’s about discovering the format and frequency that works for you. Below are some of my top tips for getting started with journaling.

Foolproof Journaling Tips

Pick a format that suits you best: before you go out and buy all the stationery supplies (easier said than done!), pick a format that works best for you. If you don’t enjoy writing by hand, try a digital app like Apple’s Journal, The Five Minute Journal App, Day One, or Penzu. Here’s a full, detailed list of journaling apps you can use.

Make it an enjoyable experience: to establish a habit, you need to make it fun and easy to do! My best tip for building a sustainable journaling habit is to get whatever materials you need to make it as FUN as possible.

If you love collage or more of a junk journal vibe, go out and buy a mixed media journal, a bunch of collage supplies, and dedicate a moment during your day to sit down and enjoy the process. If you love writing by hand, buy the nicest journal with the best quality paper you can find, and one of your favourite pens. You’ll be much more likely to build the habit if you enjoy the process.

You’re much more likely to build a habit if you enjoy the process!

There are no rules…so write whatever you want, however you want it: Don't worry about grammar or style. Don’t even worry about messing up. This is your personal space to explore your thoughts, stick whatever stickers you want in there, jot anything you feel like jotting down. The more loose you are with the process, the easier it’ll be for you to hone in on what you actually enjoy.
When in doubt…use prompts: If you're unsure what to write about, prompts can provide a helpful starting point! Here’s a helpful list of journaling prompts you can use.
Keep your journal handy: If you’re using an app, make sure your app is visible on your phone or laptop or iPad. If you’re using a physical journal, keep it handy with a pen loop equipped with your pen, so you can journal whenever you have a moment or feel the need.

Journaling is a personal experience! There's no right or wrong way to do it; it's all about what feels right for you. As you start this journey, remember that your journal is a safe space for self-expression and growth, so try not to be too rigid with your perception of what journaling “should” be.

Happy journaling!

Ioana Dragnef