How to start a journal and make it part of your everyday wellness routine.

Journaling has so many benefits, here is where to begin!

How to start a journal

Journaling is one of the most powerful ways to express your thoughts, process emotions, and spark creativity. Whether you want to document your daily life, set goals, or explore your artistic side, starting a journal can be a transformative experience.

I’ve been journaling since high school. I remember my sophomore year in Language Arts class, we used to write in a journal every day and turn it in at the end of the week. My teacher held me after class one to talk about my entries.

He worried they were too deep, I think he wanted a short and sweet overview of life, but I wrote to my future self. “These are borderline fantasy, Kathy,” he said.

It feels SOOOO GOOD that all those “borderline fantasy” entries have all pretty happened in my life.

Also, at that time, my sister was five or six and I was her main caretaker, after my mom. I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders at a very young age. Journaling helped me disconnect from those duties and set a plan in motion of what I wanted my life to look life once I finished school.

I’m sharing this to encourage you to give journaling a try and see where it takes you!

Check it out, now I design blank journals for stores, this is one from Barnes & Noble.

Choose your journal

There are many types of journals, so select one that fits your style and needs:

Notebook Journal: A classic option, great for handwritten reflections. This can be fromthe dollar store or one you make yourself. Don’t overthink it!
Digital Journal: Apps like Evernote, Notion, or Google Docs provide an easy way to type entries on the go. If you have an iPhone, there is a journal app. I love it and use it daily. It’s cool because all you have to do it use voice activation to record your entry. No writing at all!
Bullet Journal (BuJo): A structured method combining planning, lists, and creativity.
Art Journal: Blank heavyweight page, perfect for sketches, collages, and mixed media creations.

Pick your purpose

Define what you want from your journal. It could be:

A daily diary to record experiences and emotions. Make a list of everything that went right in your day.
A gratitude journal to focus on positivity.
A goal-setting journal to track progress and ambitions.
A creative journal to experiment with writing, doodling, and collaging.
A wellness journal to document self-care, fitness, or mindfulness practices.
An idea book to record all the things you want to do or make.

Gather your supplies

Depending on the type of journaling you choose, you might need:

A quality notebook or digital tool.
Pens, markers, stickers, or washi tape for embellishments.
Prompts or templates to guide your writing.

Create a journaling routine

To make journaling a habit:

How to make a junk journal — Organizing pages for a junk journal.

Set a time each day to write (morning reflections or bedtime recaps work well).
Find a cozy space where you feel comfortable and inspired.
Keep it accessible so you can easily jot down thoughts when inspiration strikes. I keep my supplies in a clear box by my desk so I see it every day. I love to journal at night before I go to bed. I write down 3-5 things that happened and it makes me feel so accomplished, like a good closure to the day.

Start with simple prompts

A little snippet from one of my journals.

If you’re unsure what to write, use prompts like:

What made me smile today?
What brings me comfort and why?
What is something new I want to try?
What are three things I want to accomplish this week?
A letter to my future self.
Favorite quotes and how you relate to the words.
A piece of trivia about you or your family.

Make it your own

Doodles by Kathy Cano-Murillo, Copyright 2014.

Your journal is a personal space—there are no rules! Feel free to:

Doodle, add photos, or decorate your pages.
Write in lists, paragraphs, or bullet points.
Use different colored pens or highlighters to categorize thoughts.

Stay consistent but flexible

Don’t pressure yourself to write every day if it feels overwhelming. Journaling should be enjoyable, not a chore. Some days, you might write paragraphs; other days, a single word or drawing might capture your thoughts. This is where the journal iPhone app comes in handy, it is so easy to use!

Reflect and evolve

Over time, revisit past entries to see your growth, patterns, and achievements. You may find recurring themes, new insights, or inspiration for future journaling.

Journaling is a powerful practice that can help you cultivate mindfulness, spark creativity, and boost personal growth. Whether you write a sentence a day or fill pages with thoughts, your journal is a space just for you. Start today and enjoy the journey!

Let me know how you feel about this post, are you excited to start a journal?

Sticker Journaling – A relaxing sticker craft idea

How to make a junk journal

I almost forgot – here some benefits to journaling!

It helps clear the mind and reduce stress by allowing thoughts and emotions to be processed in a healthy and creative way. USE GLITTER MARKERS!!

Writing regularly also nurtures creativity, providing a space to explore new ideas, sketches, or storytelling.

Journaling improves goal-setting and productivity.

It’s also great to track progress and daily habits – it creates a sense of accountability and motivation!

Documenting life serves as a private outlet for your self-expression, which can help manage anxiety and improve your mood.

Finally, journaling preserves memories and personal growth. Looking back on past entries reveals progress, recurring themes, and valuable life lessons, creating a meaningful record of experiences over time. TRUTH!!!