10 tips for getting started with joyful journaling...

1. Choose a journal that you love

It might sound silly but having a journal that you love the look and feel of will mean you’re more likely to want to pick it up and spend time with it, so take your time choosing one with a cover that you’re drawn to. It’s up to you whether it’s lined or plain inside but I’d recommend something with a good paper quality (not too thin). Or, if you prefer, you can keep a digital journal instead, of course!

2. Anchor it into your current routine

If you want to make journaling a daily habit, try slotting it in with something that you already do every day, like having your morning coffee, brushing your teeth or reading before bed. It’s completely up to you what time of day that is, too – I’d recommend trying journaling at a variety of times and seeing what feels best.

3. Find a frequency that works for you

If you notice yourself regularly thinking ‘Ahhh, I need to do my journaling again, dammit’...take the pressure off. This is about creating more joy in your life, not adding another thing to your to-do list! So if it ever begins to feel like too much to journal every day, reduce the frequency to a few times a week.

4. Remember there’s no right or wrong

One of the beautiful things about journaling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s completely personal to you. Everyday your journal entries might look different – and that’s ok! On that note…

5. Try and let go of perfectionism

Easier said than done, I know. But journaling gives us a space to play, explore and write unedited, without worrying what other people might think. If you notice your inner critic popping up when you’re writing or drawing, gently remind yourself that this is your time to freely express yourself and enjoy the process, judgement-free.

6. Journal without distractions

Try not to journal in front of the TV or with one eye on your phone – you’re more likely to feel the positive effects if you’re focused on it fully. If you find you keep getting distracted, try setting a timer to create a boundary and help you to temporarily let go of anything else that is going on.

7. Be honest with yourself

Remember your journal is a space just for you. You’ll feel the most benefit (and get to know yourself best!) if you respond to prompts completely unfiltered.

8. Keep a record of your favourite prompts

I like to note down all my favourite prompts at the back of my journal so I can revisit them whenever I’m looking for some inspiration. It’ll also help you to notice which techniques you enjoy the most. Speaking of which…

9. Don’t worry if you don’t enjoy it all!

Every month I’ll share a mixture of prompts including creative writing, reflective stuff, poetry, drawing, doodling, mini adventures, mindfulness and more. You may find that you prefer some styles of journaling more than others – and that’s all good! If you prefer to write than draw, for example, feel free to adapt the drawing exercises so that you’re writing instead. Do whatever feels most joyful for you.

10. Let go of expectations

Journaling could be absolutely life-changing for you. Or it could just make you feel a little lighter day-to-day. Or it might not work for you at all! Go into it with an open mind and don’t expect overnight results. You might be completely surprised by the outcome so it’s best to stay curious, go with the flow and see what happens 🙂