How to start journaling

Do you have a growing collection of beautiful notebooks at home, yet no idea what to fill them with? I have the simplest, but really useful answer for you. Start your journal.

You might be thinking, “How can journaling actually help?” or “I’ve tried before, and it’s just not for me.” But here’s something you might not know: Journaling has been scientifically proven to benefit your mental health. Yes, really.

How often do you really listen to yourself?

If you want to bring clarity to your life, set meaningful goals, or process your thoughts and emotions, journaling is one of the simplest things you can do – and yet, it has the power to transform everything.

And the best part? Journaling doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Some people fill their journals with photos, sketches, or keepsakes. Others write reflections on their days, while some use guided prompts to explore their inner world. In fact, this method is even used in psychology as a tool for stress relief.

So, have I convinced you? Starting is easier than you think. All you need is a notebook you love and the willingness to begin.

Pinterest is your best friend

 Like always. Pinterest is the source of the best inspiration. Just try to search “journal prompts” or “journaling” and it will give you many (and even more) ideas about what you can write, but also what aesthetic of the journal you want to have. You can find many ideas on how to personalise your journal, as well as creative tips and questions to answer. Or just print a few pictures, and you can make some vision boards inside.

Step one:

Choose your journal style. There are so many ways to journal, for example, gratitude journaling, manifestation journaling, reflection journaling, scripting… or a mix of them all. The beauty is, there are no rules.

And who said journaling must be on paper? You can use an iPad, a laptop, or even voice notes. The only rule is that it should feel authentic to you.

Step two:

Create a Ritual. Once you have chosen your journal and theme, make it part of a ritual. Add little details that make it special. You can light a candle, sip your favourite tea or coffee, play calming music, or set the mood with soft lighting. This is your me-time, so try it to make it feel like a small everyday luxury.

Third step:

Just Begin. This is the final and most important step. Start. At first, it may feel unfamiliar to write about yourself, but with time, it becomes easier and more natural. Journaling is simply listening to yourself, one page at a time.

If journaling caught your attention, don’t forget to check out our Pinterest (you can find us there as eesomemagazine), where we have a whole board about journaling, where you can find more tips and inspiration.