How to get into journaling

Written by Lois Hilton

It has come that time of the month where I share with you another hobby that I really enjoy. This month I chose journaling: it is a very confusing and stressful time at the moment so it’s great to let out your feelings, as well as a great way to look back at in the future! If this is something you think you would enjoy, here are my top tips to help you get into this hobby.

1. Decide what type of journal you want to do

Everybody journals a different way and has different interests. You may want to write your whole day, rant about your problems, or just draw how you feel. You may even want to use journaling to achieve a goal, like maybe eating healthily, doing a project or improving your mental wellbeing. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it is something that you will enjoy and be able to reflect or relax on at the end of the day. I personally write about what happened in the day, if there is anything on my mind (including rants!), and a journal prompt (I’ll explain more later on). There is no right way to journaling, as long as you enjoy it!

2. Arrange a time

We all can have very busy schedules, especially when everything is starting up again. Sometimes you may just think ‘I’ll do it in my free time’, but this can sometimes lead to it never happening. Choose a time that suits you: whether this is early in the morning, at lunch or before you sleep. Personally, I do mine before I go to bed: it doesn’t always take the same amount of time, but I leave myself at least an hour to do it, if not longer. Having this in your timetable can allow you to leave time for yourself through your school or work life. If you don’t have enough time to write every day, that’s fine! It might be that you just do it at the weekend, depending on how you journal.

3. Supplies!

There is nothing specifically needed for journaling, but you need to decide how you best want to do it. This may be in a notebook, on the computer, or even talking to your phone! If you decide to write in a notebook, I personally recommend either buying a pretty notebook or maybe even decorating one yourself. I have a pretty journal, and I have found that I enjoy writing in it because it’s so nice! If you want to type it, there are plenty of apps that are used for journaling, so have an explore and find an app that suits you, or just a normal document (sometimes the apps don’t save it when you use different devices). Whatever you decide, make sure it is a way that you enjoy. You can always do a mixture of more than one!

4. Start journaling!

Have a go! Now that you have all you need, start writing or doing whatever you chose! If you’re struggling to start, or don’t know how to, have a look at some journal prompts online: they are questions or statements that help you to get to know yourself and reflect on where you are (like where do you want to be in 5 years?). I really enjoy doing them because it helps me to take a step back from the day and have a look at the bigger picture. Even if you aren’t struggling with what to write, they are a great tool to use. You could also do a mood tracker, books to read list, films to watch or write down all your goals. Brain dumps are always a great way to put everything on paper and let it all out.

5. Repeat and review

Carry on doing your journal for a few weeks or months and see if you like it. Journaling shouldn’t become a chore, so make sure that you are doing it because you want to. After this time, review what you enjoyed and what you want to add or include in the future, or something that you may want to take out. Remember, there is no right or wrong, just whatever you enjoy. You may even want to change the format or time, like I spoke about earlier. Either way, adapt it to your personal preferences and goals.

So, there are all my top tips! I hope you like them, and they help! Remember, hobbies aren’t always for everyone, so don’t do it if you actually hate it. Make sure that you do things that you enjoy and can use to relax.

If you have any hobbies you want to share, or anything else you have a passion for, we would love to hear about! Write a blog, and send it to us, where you have the chance of earning a badge. For more information click this link https://www.girlguidinglaser.org.uk/challenges/report-for-the-hive.

Happy journaling!

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×