How to Make Journaling a Daily Habits — Journaling Tips For Beginners

Journaling consistently is something that you want to develop especially in your 20s because it has so many amazing benefits for your well-being.

I started to journal every day in 2018.

I admit, there were days where I didn’t feel like writing at all.

There were also times when I skipped for how many days because life happened and I went away with it.

But over a few months, I really did try my best to make journaling a daily habit because I see a lot of improvement in myself, especially with my self-awareness.

Fast forward to 2020, my day isn’t complete if I don’t write in my journal.

Well, there are times that I skipped for a day but I never let myself skip twice.

So now let’s dive deep into details on how you can make journaling a habit that you do every single day.

1. Use a Real Journal

There’s magic in writing things down.

Others find it suitable for them to use a digital notebook like Evernote but for me, nothing compares to writing on a physical journal by hand.

I tried using a digital page many times because I want my thoughts to be recorded on my cloud space but it took me so long to write on it while staring at a blank screen.

But when I write on paper by hand, my thoughts smoothly glide and I pour my thoughts easily and quickly.

2. Start First Thing in the Morning

The reason you may want to start writing your journal in the morning is that you make sure it’s done before life happens.

When you do it first, it means that it’s important for you.

You don’t have to do it right after you wake up if you have any morning routine to do.

I do it after I read for about 15–30 minutes every day.

I captured my thoughts from what I just read and any other ideas I might have.

3. Use Journal Prompts

I know you might find it overwhelming to write especially for the first time.

You might ask yourself what you’re going to write about.

That’s why I highly suggest you use journaling prompts that can help you get started.

Journaling prompts will guide you as you write your thoughts down about a single topic in your life.

As you get good at writing consistently, you might notice that you no longer need a journaling prompt to fill your page.

4. Free Write

This is my favorite way to journal.

I rarely used a journal prompt because I love to freely express my thoughts and ideas on paper.

It’s where I can be fully aware of how I am feeling and thinking.

When you first write in your journal, you can start by writing whatever thoughts you have in mind.

Feel free to write without restrictions. Write whatever is in your mind.

Don’t limit any words and don’t worry about your grammar, your punctuation, or your sentence structure.

5. Take Your Journal Everywhere

One of the main reasons why you want to take your journal with you is that from time to time, we have these amazing ideas popping in our heads unexpectedly.

When you have your journal with you, you can easily record it and maybe expand it.

That way, you don’t forget it and you can actually work on it especially if it’s something worth it to work on.

Final Words

Now, all these 5 tips we’ve talked about are useless if you’re going to sit your butt off and actually write.

Grab your pen or a new document and start writing. Remember, you don’t have to make it perfect, you just need to start and keep going.

Happy journaling!