How to Make Journaling Part of Your Daily Routine
Hello, my Krafty Planner Pals! How's the weather where you are? It's been bitter cold here in the Finger Lakes (NY) and we're currently in the middle of a snowstorm. It's not too bad here compared to other parts of the state so we're pretty lucky.
Today is the perfect day to cozy up by the fire with my journal and get some writing in. I've always been into journaling and memory keeping but it is even more so in the last couple of years since my grandson was born.
Plus, it's been a big help throughout the disaster that was in 2020.
Do you keep a journal?
If you're thinking that you don't have enough time, think again! It only takes 5-10 minutes a day to really make a difference in your life.
The best way to ensure that journaling works for you is to do it long-term.
Long-term journaling gives you more insight into your life because you’ll be able to look to the past, present, and even the future (sort of) to get answers in your life. But first, you have to do it. And you need to do it daily to make it a habit.
Here are a few tips to help you make it part of your daily routine.
Make It Easy
Don't make it a huge deal, and it'll be simpler to get done. For example, it's easier to use a notebook and paper than a computer for most people. You can have the book in your bag or on your bedside table or wherever you plan to write in it.
Choose a Time That Works
The best times to do it are early morning, first thing, or the last thing before you go to bed. However, that might not work for some people. If you have a better time, do it. For example, some people like journaling while on lunch at work in the park. It’s up to you.
Get a Drink and Eat a Snack
You don't want to have any excuses or extraneous thoughts while you're writing in your journal. Make sure you're fed and hydrated.
Create a Comfortable and Assessable Space
It's easier to get into your thoughts if you're comfortable and not thinking about how bad your tailbone hurts or your wrist hurts. Some people like using a desk, some a comfy easy chair, others their bed. Find your comfy place and cozy up!
Combine It with Something Else You Enjoy Doing
If you enjoy cleaning the house, then reading in your clean house with the windows open and the breeze flowing in, why not journal at that moment? If it's a daily thing, add journaling to it, and it'll create a habit fast.
Add Some Relaxing Music to Set the Mood
Now it's true that some people prefer silence, so that's fine if you do. But consider trying some music that doesn't have words and that is relaxing, to help you gather your thoughts and say calm and focused.
Use a Particular Type of Journal
For some people, using a style of journaling like bullet journaling, prayer journaling, project journaling, business journaling, and more, works better since it defines some rules for entry.
Consider Using Journaling Prompts
You can also find journaling prompts online for any type of journal you want to use.
Reward Yourself
When you have been diligent for a month writing in your journal, take some time to read what you wrote, then reward yourself for doing it. You might buy some colored pens or some scrapbooking materials so you can add some definition and interest to your journal.
To truly experience the full benefits of journaling, it needs to be done most days, which is why you need to find a way to incorporate journaling into your everyday life. The best way to accomplish this is to make it easy and turn it into a habit.
JOURNALING SUPPLIES I RECOMMEND
Even though you only need a pen and paper, here are some of my favorite journaling supplies if you want to check them out:
I like to use a few different notebooks for journaling but my favorite is this Leuchtturm1917 Softcover. I prefer the squared pages but you can also get the dot grid, lined, or blank formats.
If you would rather use a spiral binding, these notebooks are the best! I love that they come in a three-pack so I always have an extra one on hand. These are also a squared format but I think they are available in lined and dot-grid too.
To be honest, my go-to pen is a simple, classic black Bic but when I want something a little fancier I use either use these Muji Gel Pens or these Micron Sakura Pigma.
Get creative with your journaling and add some Washi Tape, Stickers, or if you’re artistic you can draw your own doodles.
Sometimes I like to add photos to my journaling and over the years I’ve tried a bunch of different printers. I started out using this Fujifilm Instax Mini but it wasn’t very practical to carry around all the time. Since the quality was so much better when I use my phone for pictures I decided to splurge on the Canon Ivy Mini Printer. It connects directly to my phone through the app and easily prints on 2x3 sticker photo paper that I can add right to my journal page instantly.
I hope today’s post inspires you to pick up your journal and start writing! Here are a few Everyday Journaling Prompts to get you started.
…and be on the lookout for more on how journaling can help you manifest the life you’ve been dreaming of! Click here to join the Tribe and be In The Know
I’m so happy you stopped by today! Thanks, ❤️
BEFORE YOU GO:
Here are a few more journaling posts you might like:
Printing Tips:
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!
When is your favorite time of day to journal? Let me know in the comments below.
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF PRODUCTS, APPS, TOOLS, AND RESOURCES I USE ON A DAILY BASIS
See my Link Party Directory for a current list of blog parties I attend each week.
This post was featured on the following blogs and link parties, thank you so much for your support! ❤️
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