There isn’t a one size fits all solution when it comes to Journaling. We’re also not talking about your mother’s diary which may be just writing down your thoughts because journaling is so much more than that. Journaling can be an outlet that allows you to express your creativity, get organized, increase your productivity and discover who and what you really want through self-reflection.
Creative styles to consider when choosing your first journal
Written Journaling: The most common Style you may think of is this one and this style can include everything from daily to-dos, grocery lists, and meal planning to a place where your biggest goals and innermost thoughts reside.
A written journal is a place where you can kickstart your creativity in the early morning hours or simply clear your head at the end of a long, stressful day. If you want a place to inspire your creativity and keep your thoughts and daily life organized, a written journal is the perfect place to start.
Art/Scrapbook Journaling: The fun in journaling is that it doesn’t always have to be about writing words down on paper. You can get in your creative zone by keeping an art journal or sketchbook nearby. This visual style of journaling allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings through drawings, paintings, and sketches rather than a page full of words. If drawing isn’t your thing, you can also use your journal as a scrapbook of sorts.
You can capture important memories by using stickers, old photographs, movie stubs, concert tickets and so much more. If you’re more of a visual person, this style of journaling may be right up your alley.
Gratitude Journaling: If you’re looking to have a more positive outlook on life, gratitude journaling will be the perfect fit. It’s a simple way to bring the blessings in your life front and center where you have no choice but to notice them. Through the daily stress of life, it’s easy to let negativity seep in and make you forget all the good things in your life. Through gratitude journaling, you become much more focused and mindful of even the smallest blessings simply by writing them down and bringing them to life.
This daily habit has been known to reduce stress, improve sleep and even build stronger relationships with those closest to you. With your newfound outlook and boost of optimism, you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes your way.
Digital Journaling: We live in a world where you don’t even have to have a physical book in front of you to get the full benefit of journaling. The beauty of technology allows you to get all the benefits of the paper and pen experience, only in digital form. Digital journals are super easy to use and provide a great way to get into the daily habit of writing.
Most apps come with automated reminders and built-in prompts to make writing (and remembering to write) a breeze. Digital journals like 750words.com, The Five-Minute Journal App, and Dabble.me are a few places to start if you want to “dabble” in the art of online journaling. You can also start a blog as your intended journal – like I often do here on the journal eclipse.
Bullet Journaling: This one is been trending for a few years and is a popular style of journaling. The Bullet Journal is a great way to streamline your life through a series of daily, logs, monthly logs, and even future logs. You can incorporate goal setting, gratitude pages, brain dumps, and even your weekly shopping list. The Bullet Journal helps you to be more mindful of the tasks you pencil in each day and can be used to prioritize what is truly important to you through self-reflection.
This style of journaling is just as much about improving your mindset as it is about writing down your meal plan for the week. The only downside is it takes somewhat of a learning curve to get the hang of the system as a whole. However, stick with it and you will be amazed at how much the Bullet Journal can improve your mindset, your outlook, and your life.
Over the years, journaling has evolved into so much more than just a pen and a notebook. With all the different styles available, you will have no trouble finding one that fits your needs, your personality, and your lifestyle.
