Wondering how to stay consistent with Journaling? Well this blog is for you! There could be lots of reasons why you're struggling to stay consistent with journaling. It could be that you're overwhelmed with work or studies, or you're simply in a journal slump! Whatever the reason is, it's valid and there is no need to give yourself a hard time about it. The last thing we want to do to is force ourselves to write in our journals because then it totally loses it's purpose. Here's the different purposes your journal could offer:
- Communicate your daily thoughts and feelings. This could be through words or doddles.
- Having time alone solely reflecting and focusing on yourself.
- A shut down time from the world.
- Changing mindset by practicing affirmations
- Heal an area of life by practicing journal prompts
- Tracking your mood
- Venting once in a while to feel light
- get clarity when confused with diverse thoughts
1) Set a routine
This is one of the most vital ways to stay consistent. We all have different day routines, some of us have work, some have studies and some of us are taking care of others.
First you need to figure out your exact day routine, of course it will vary day to day in some ways. Then you need to explore the best time you are both free and have the energy physically and mentally to write in your journal.
For those that are early birds you may prefer to write in your journal first thing in the morning. And remember, if this is the time you are in your best state of mind, it won't take you any longer than 10 minutes to journal. This is a great way to mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead of you.
For those that are night owls, you may prefer to journal just before bed. It's a great way to reflect on yourself and the day you just had.
Another way to set a routine is to decide how often you would like to journal. Some, especially if you like to scrapbook prefer to journal once or twice a week for an hour. Others like to journal at random times of the day for 10 minutes. It's completely up to you and what you feel is the best way.
2) Organise your Journal in to sections/ Keep it simple
It can get overwhelming when you have lots of different things to express in your journal, such as how you are currently feeling, long term and short term goals, daily manifestations and gratitude. A lot of journals sold nowadays come with different sections on the pages to keep you organised. However this may not be for you as you don't use every single section or certain sections often. Here are examples of sections you could create in your journal pages:
- Positive Thoughts of the day
- Today's Intentions
- To Do list
- Schedule
- What I am grateful for Today
- Today's Manifestations.
I can't emphasise enough how much of a different makes by putting a gratitude section in your journal. As the day goes by we don't get a chance to realise how lucky we are to get through each day. By writing them down, whether you had a bad, average or good day, this section will make you realise that maybe the day wasn't all too bad. Everyone's gratitude's will be different, for some it's the ability to walk to get to places. For other's it may be family, health or money.
3) Set the Mood
Do you ever see those aesthetic cosy journaling videos on Tiktok and Pinterest and aspire to be like this? Setting the mood and vibes in the room you are journaling makes a massive difference as it motivates you to journal, just like studying does.
If you like to journal in the evening just before bed, these are great tips to set the mood:
- Dimming the lights with a lamp or candles.
- Clear your bed and tidy the area around you.
- Get into your pyjamas.
- Make sure you're night time skin care routine is done.
- Have a glass of cold water or hot drink besides you to have whilst journaling.
If you like to journal first thing in the morning here are some great tips to set the mood:
- Have a morning shower before journaling to get the sleep out of your eyes.
- Have a cold or hot morning coffee (or whatever beverage you like) to drink besides you whilst journaling.
- Have your bed made and open the curtains.
I hope these tips help for those that are struggling. If you like to journal at other times of the day, the best tip I can give you is to journal in a quiet place, such as the library, in the park or on the train. This is because just like studying, our brains processes our thoughts best when we are relaxed.