To experience the benefits that journaling has to offer, you are going to need to do it daily. Journaling is basically a habit that you build up, and like every habit, it can take a while to cement it into your daily routine.
If you want to start journaling every day, below you’ll discover the best ways to get started.
Remind Yourself of the Benefits
Some days might be more of a struggle than others when it comes to trying to journal every day. When you are just getting started, it is easy to think “I’ll just skip journaling for today and do more tomorrow.” However, if you allow yourself to do this once, you are going to let yourself do it again.
To help you overcome the harder days, print out small cards which remind you of the benefits. You can look at them to gain inspiration when it is needed.
Obviously, there will be times when journaling is the last thing on your mind. Life happens, whether it be grief, illness, or a major life event. During tough times, journaling every day just might not be realistic.
Schedule Time For Journaling
You may find it easier to make journaling a routine if you schedule it in. Just like you would schedule an appointment, set at least 10 minutes aside each day to write in your journal.
Some people find it more effective to journal first thing in the morning, while others do it at night. Figure out what works for you and then schedule journaling in at the same time every day. (You may like to read this blog, When is the Best Time to Journal?) You will soon start to see that it becomes a habit.
Start Out Small
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you are trying to journal every day, is placing an expectation on yourself. For example, it’s common for people to think they need to write a lot and what they do write needs to be a masterpiece.
The truth is you just need to start out small. You don’t need to write a lot, or make sure that you are writing anything significant. The key is to just write. Set a timer for 10 minutes on the days you are struggling. You might find that once you get started, the words just flow from there.
Use A Physical Journal
These days, you can journal online or use a physical journal. While online journals may seem more convenient, they don’t have the same attraction as a physical journal. There is just something about writing in a physical journal that makes it a joy to use.
So, if you want to stick to writing in your journal every day, make sure you get one that you can physically write in.
These are a small selection of the best ways you can set yourself up to journal every day. Remember, it may take practice to build up journaling as a daily part of your routine. The more you stick at it, the easier you will start to find it.
Other articles that may interest you:
