The great thing about journaling is that you can start today using any medium that feels good to you. Whether it is a lined journal, a composition book, a spiral notebook, the notes app on your phone, the recording memo app on your phone, or a scrapbook…. You name it, you can use it. 

The main idea of journaling is to get your mental words out on paper to give you a mental release. There are times we are so mentally exhausted with everything going on in our lives, we need an outlet to pour out our thoughts and emotions to keep us sane.

With your journal, you can dump all your thoughts and feelings about anything and everything currently on your mind. Here are ways to start journaling today. 

In a rush? Jump to a section that sparks your interest below.

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Using A Notebook

A notebook is a more traditional way to journal. Lucky for you, there are many forms of notebooks to choose from. You can grab a lined notebook that has lines in it for you to write.

Next, there is a dotted notebook that has a bunch of dots on paper that looks like a graph. Or you can get a blank notebook that has blank pages, which gives you complete control to do whatever you want creativity-wise. 

The reason why you would want a notebook is if you like the process of physically writing things down on paper. Personally, there is nothing like writing on paper, because it feels so therapeutic. It feels as if you are connecting with every word that’s being written. 

This also helps you feel a release of emotions that have been compressed or just right above the surface that needs to be felt. Although that may seem scary, trust me, it is a beautiful experience. 

If words aren’t your thing, you can also use a notebook to draw out your feelings, make a collage of stickers and memorabilia items, or any other art form. A dotted or blank notebook is perfect for this type of journaling.

Lined Spiral Journal Notebook

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Blank Journal Notebook A5 Size

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Bullet Dotted Journal – 320 Numbered Pages

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The Notes App

Sometimes, you don’t or won’t have access to a physical notebook and that’s okay. You can open up your phone and look for the notes app to start journaling. Almost every phone comes with a notes app so just look for one that either has an icon of lined paper or something like a pen or pencil.

The benefit of using the notes app is the accessibility it provides. It’s a quick way to write out your thoughts no matter where you are, and it’s FREE. Also, some people prefer to have a digital journal because one, they may hate writing things down, or two, their whole life is in their phone. 

Besides writing, well shall I say typing out words, you can also insert pictures from your phone, organize entries in folders, use the pen option to manually draw, and now you can lock or hide. 

Having the option to lock away your digital journal is great if you worry that someone will tap into your phone while you aren’t aware.

Lately, if you have an iPhone, there is a designated app that has popped up on my phone called Journal that is made for journaling. It’s actually better than the standard notes app because it has recommended journal prompts, the ability to add images and videos, take pics on the fly, record audio when you don’t have the words to type, and add locations. 

Plus, you can lock it and unlock it with face recognition. Just something to consider. 

A Journal App

If you want something more advanced than the notes app already on your phone, you can choose other journal apps. Each will have its own pros and cons, but I wanted to give you other options. 

Here is a list of journal apps to check out:

• Day One
• Grid Diary
• Daylio
• My Diary – Daily Journal 
• Journey
• Diarium
• Daily Bean
• Reflectly
• Dairo
• Moodnotes
• Clearful
• ZenJournal

What To Write About?

So you want to write but about what? If you are struggling with what to write about, I have some beginner-friendly journal prompts to get you started.

And no, I won’t give you some crazy, off-the-wall things to write about. I’ll give you some light topics, but also something to get your mind rolling and put words on paper.  

21 Beginner-Friendly Journal Prompts

Here are some journal prompts to help you get started, and get your mental wheels rolling. Just remember that your journal should be a safe space, so feel free to be completely honest with yourself.

Pick a prompt that speaks to you, and write. When writing, it doesn’t have to make sense. Just practice getting words down and the rest will come.

• What made you happy today? What happened and why did you smile about it?
• What made you mad today and what happened?
• Is there anyone special who has created a happy memory for you? Who?
• Write about the current things you are thankful for. 
• What would you enjoy doing, even on a bad day?
• Why are you so drawn to your favorite color?
• What’s your go-to music to play while driving and why?
• What are some things that make you anxious?
• What projects are you currently working on and how are you gonna get it done?
• If you could have gone with your dream job, what would that be?
• What is the funniest joke you ever told that makes you laugh today?
• What are you looking forward to this week?
• What was the best vacation you went on and who all went along with you?
• What are 5 things you love about yourself?
• What are 5 things you really need to work on about yourself?
• What’s your favorite place to be that gives you comfort? And why?
• What’s your favorite drink and where do you like to drink it?
• Who do you admire the most and why?
• What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being a parent or caregiver? 
• What’s something you are very proud of? 
• When was the last time someone was very kind to you? I’m sure you deserved it.