How to Start and Stick With a Journaling Practice

Build a Journaling Habit That Fuels Your Creativity & Clarity

I have a question;  Have you ever wanted to start journaling but struggled to keep it going? You’re not alone! Many people begin with enthusiasm but find it hard to make it a lasting habit. Writing down your thoughts is a powerful tool for improving your wellbeing- from improving sleep, reducing stress, processing emotions, and fostering a clearer mind.  Journaling is a safe space to release worries, gain clarity, and cultivate mindfulness.  Journaling can also help you build healthy habits, achieve your goals or develop new hobbies.  

The good news? With the right notebook, some creativity, and a few simple strategies; you can create a journaling practice that sticks. Here’s how:

Your journaling experience starts with choosing a journal you love.  If your journal doesn’t excite you, you will not use it.  This is where Art is Life Studio journals come in.  Our journals feature beautiful artist designed covers and unique inspirational phrases on the spine to keep you motivated, you can find a journal that truly speaks to you.

You need a journal that will last throughout your entire writing journey.  Art is Life Studio offers bound layflat journals allowing you to write seamlessly across both pages.  Or we have a wire-bound notebook if you prefer the flexibility and ease of flipping pages while writing.  Either way, Art is Life Studio has options that will fit your preferences.  All our notebooks and journals come lined and some come blank and dot grid.  

Step 2:  Remove the Pressure and Experiment 

Your journal is for YOU. It doesn’t have to be perfect or profound—just authentic.  That’s the beauty of journaling, there are no rules!  Not sure how or where to start?  Here are a few journaling styles to consider:

Traditional Journaling- This is the classic style of writing about your day kind of journaling.  It's when you capture details about your day, significant events or thoughts on specific topics. It is the perfect option for those who want to capture personal thoughts, experiences, and self-reflection. 

Junk Journaling- This type of journaling is for those who want to save everything and want to keep it all in one place.   It is a collage made up of ticket stubs, magazine cutouts, patterned papers, sheet music, envelopes, paper bags, maps, brochures, stickers, fabric scraps, and even wrapping paper or anything else that inspires you.  You can put anything in a junk journal and that's what makes it a one of a kind way to express yourself and your creativity. 

Guided Journaling- Instead of writing about what comes to mind, guided journaling includes a type of prompt to write about a particular aspect of your life.  Some examples of guided journaling include wellness, recipes, reading, sleep, travel and gratitude lists.  

Art Journaling- This is the style of journaling for those where words aren’t enough- add some color and artwork. Art journaling is about expressing yourself through drawings, paintings, collage, doodles, word art or whatever your creative bad self can imagine.  This is a more creative form of journaling for those who want to combine art and journaling resulting in a more visual journal experience.  

Mix it Up Journaling- You do not have to stick with only one kind of journaling.  It is not uncommon to have journals blending writing, art, and collage elements to create a unique journal over time.  Experiment and try different styles until you find what resonates with you.  

Build a Routine by pairing journaling with an existing habit, like morning coffee or bedtime reading, to reinforce the habit.  Keep your journal somewhere visible and accessible.  The more barriers between you and your journal, the more you are likely not to use it.  

Set a Time – Pick a consistent time, whether it’s morning reflections, a lunch break brain dump, or evening gratitude.

Make journaling something you look forward to doing. Play some relaxing music, brew a cup of coffee or tea.  Over time your brain will be rewarded by associating your journal routine with relaxation and enjoyment.  

Step 4: Give yourself permission to Start

Start small.  You don’t have to worry about messing up or being perfect, You don’t need to fill pages every day.  Just start with a few sentences or bullet points. Your journal is yours, let it be a hot mess, simplistic, raw, or absolutely crazy, whatever you need it to be at that moment, it is authentically you.

The most important step of journaling is to start.  It is a journey, a reflection if you- so take your time and make it something you love.  Journaling is a powerful way to clear your mind, spark creativity, and reflect on your journey. If you’re ready to start, grab one of our artist-designed journals, find your style, and begin writing your story today!