For many people, the thought of staring at a blank page and being expected to fill it up with your thoughts is overwhelming. For a long time, this idea also intimidated me, making me hesitant to journal at all.Â
As I would attempt to write, I would begin to overthink and overcomplicate the process. I was concerned that I was writing too much or too little, that I spelled a word wrong or that I had a run-on sentence. It felt like I was writing an essay that I was destined to fail.
However, I began to actually enjoy journaling when I realized that there are no rules. Journaling is your own personal journey, so it’s important to do what’s best for you. With this understanding, I began to love the way time flew by as I wrote and the satisfaction I felt while filling up a page with loopy letters. Writing gave me the opportunity to process and reflect on things that happened to me. It’s helped me to learn more about myself and discover not only who I am, but who I want to be. Also, reading my old journal entries preserves my memories and acts as a time capsule, transporting me back to the era of my life when I was writing them.Â
Implementing journaling into your life is often easier said than done, so here are some tips that have helped me transform journaling from a hobby I aspired to have to a habit I truly enjoy.Â
It’s not that serious
Journaling is a great way to get in touch with your emotions, and a journal acts as a safe space to express how you feel in a raw and honest way. However, it’s important to realize that not every journal entry has to be sentimental and touching. It’s good to mix it up and have fun with it, feeling free to simply write about random topics. Journaling is about writing what’s on your mind, so if that’s what’s on your mind, then go for it! I’ve written multiple journal entries just ranting about reality TV because that’s what I was thinking about at the time. And ultimately, it did make me feel good to write all those feelings out. Those are also some of the most intriguing entries to look back on.Â
Create a comfortable, distraction-free environment
This advice is pretty self-explanatory. Just like when writing a paper or article, the setting you are in is crucial to staying focused and relaxed. For me, I ensure that my phone is turned off and put away, and I enjoy having a peaceful ambiance with soft lighting and a cozy blanket. However, it’s important to find what works best for you to put you at ease. For instance, you could journal in a public place like a park or coffee shop. ‘
Establish a routine – but feel free to break it
Getting into journaling is like forming a new habit. There will always be times when you feel unmotivated, but consistency and practice are key to integrating this hobby into your lifestyle. One way is to journal at the same time each day. Just like brushing your teeth morning and night, journaling will blend into your routine and feel like it is just something you do rather than a chore. For me, I enjoy journaling at night to reflect on my day and wind down before going to sleep.
However, as mentioned earlier, journaling has no rules. It’s not something you should feel pressured to do, and just because you start off with a certain routine doesn’t mean you have to stick with that forever. For instance, I recently traveled abroad, and when I returned to my housing after a busy day, the last thing I wanted to do was journal because I felt so exhausted. I found that in that case, I needed to prioritize other healthy habits, such as getting enough rest, and had to modify my routine. Journaling is about putting yourself first, so you shouldn’t feel guilty about breaking your routine as long as you are doing what’s best for you.Â
Find ways to get in the groove and escape from feeling stuck
There have been times when I open up to a new page, bring my pen to paper and… nothing. My mind completely blanks, not knowing even where to begin. Although it’s frustrating to feel stuck, it’s totally normal. When feeling stumped, I start by simply writing about my day. Sometimes the journal entries are completely unserious, while other times they lead me in unexpected directions, yet either way it’s a strong starting point. There’s also a variety of journal prompts online to get your thoughts flowing. You can even purchase a guided journal filled with prompts, which often relate to self-discovery and mental health.Â
Another way to get out of a rut is to set a short timer and simply write the first thoughts that come to mind. Even if you barely write anything during that time period, this strategy gives you the chance to sit with your thoughts and have a moment of reflection while also encouraging you not to give up, as you’re only writing for a short amount of time anyway. I’ve often found that when the timer goes off, I’ve actually gotten into a groove and want to continue writing.
And most importantly, there is no “perfect”
When I first began journaling, my perfectionist tendencies took over. I wanted to fill a page with beautiful handwriting and flawless grammar, crafting meaningful sentences that were sentimental and well-structured. Yet what you write is between you and your journal. There is no grade to be given, no revisions or edits to be assigned. Your journaling journey is yours, so feel free to shatter any preconceived notions of what a “perfect” page looks like. You can write page after page or even a single sentence; the most important thing is that you trust your instincts and write what you want to write about.Â
It’s rare to have a moment of peace to simply reflect within ourselves and sit with our thoughts. Journaling is the time to let your feelings flow without worry or judgement. Let the words wash over you, and the rest will work itself out.