Establishing a Routine
There are many ideas for journaling that can be used to make you successful in establishing a routine. One great idea is to establish a journaling routine that you do every day. Make your practice a habit. Practicing your journaling routine every day will benefit you the most. If you use your journal irregularly, it will be hard to know if it is helping you. Here are some ideas for journaling to help you stick to the routine you establish for yourself.
How to Start Journaling: A Routine
Pencil it in
When I decide to start a new routine of any sort, I find it best to schedule it like any other important appointment. Penciling it in gives me a clear plan. I use a digital planner to help me stay on task and organized. This also helps me establish good habits. If a digital planner isn’t your jam, print out a monthly calendar (like the one found here) and pencil it in on that. Printing out a calendar gives you a monthly view of your commitments.
When trying to figure out how to start journaling, it’s essential to treat your new practice like an assignment or an important appointment you have to keep. Treat it like something you have to do before the day is over. Better yet, the best idea for journaling is to decide whether to add it to your night or morning routine, then write it down on your schedule, and stick to it each and every day.
How to Start Journaling: Start Small
If you are having trouble sticking to your journal routine, simplify it a little bit. If you over-complicate your practice, you won’t stick to it. One of the best ideas for journaling is to avoid creating an elaborate daily routine. Instead, start by picking just one thing to journal about or set a timer for 3-5 minutes, and keep it as simple as possible. Another option would be to follow a prompt every day and journal on that. Over time, you can gradually increase your journaling practice by adding other topics or adding other activities to the routine.
How to Start Journaling: Find a Journal You Love
Want to journal every day and actually enjoy doing it? Find a journal you LOVE rather than one that you have lying around, but isn’t that great. One of the best ideas for journaling is to really take your time to find a journal that is affordable for you, the size you want and has pages set up how you want them. Having a pretty cover might seem excessive, but it can make all the difference. If you also have a pen you love to write with, suddenly journaling is an activity you look forward to doing. When I choose to write in a paper journal these pens are my favorite!
I actually love to journal in my digital planner using GoodNotes. It’s my preferred method of writing down my thoughts and gratitude. It’s also more private, which is important to me. Check out my Gratitude Journal in my online shop.
How to Start Journaling: Set Up a Journaling Space
It may not be possible for everyone, but if you can, find a dedicated place in your home to practice your journaling routine. Your journaling space should be somewhere that is quiet and peaceful during the time of day you want to use your journal. Keep your journal, pens, and any other supplies you may want in the area as well. An important final part of how to start journaling is to set your space up with decorative items like candles or an essential oil diffuser to have a peaceful ambiance.
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Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM)
Behavior Change Specialist (NASM)
