Reminder: You are amazing, just as you are!
Hi fam! We know that so many of you would love to start journalling, but just don't know how or where to start. So, we sat down with Steph and asked ALL of your burning questions. Take a read through, and when you're ready for more:
- Listen to this Stephing Up podcast episode on all things journalling.
- Head over to our Journalling Starts Here page and get ready to journal!
Steph's Top Journalling Tips:
How do I start journalling?
First up, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to journal. Journalling is whatever works for you!
There are two main types of journalling: free journalling (when you write whatever comes into your mind) or prompted journalling (questions and prompts that you respond to). Both of these allow for self-reflection. The style you choose depends on you and what feels most comfortable.
My advice would be to start with some self-awareness exercises before you start your daily journalling practice. I know it feels uncomfortable, but it’s time to get to know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go. Work through your Values, Personality, Background, Relationships, Goals and Purpose and write it out! Here’s five of my favourite Self-Awareness starter prompts, just for you!
- Three words that best describe me?
- What qualities do I admire most in myself?
- What are my biggest strengths and weaknesses?
- What is my biggest fear?
- Thinking back to my early teenage years, how would I describe the type of person I was? How have I changed since then?
I don’t know what to write!
It’s normal to feel a little writer's block when you’re journalling. Especially if you’re putting pressure on yourself to do it ‘right’! Let go of perfection, and use journalling prompts to get you into a flow before you take on free journalling. Our Write it Out Gratitude Journal has six months of daily journalling prompts to help you stick to your practice and get into a rhythm.
I get writer’s block, even with journalling prompts. Help!
If the pressure to write still feels like too much, take a step back. Try setting yourself the challenge of writing just THREE WORDS per day. For example, three words that describe your intentions for the day. This will let you work through your feelings, without the pressure of expecting to fill your pages every day. When you feel confident with three words per day, add additional prompts.
How can I stop feeling awkward and self-conscious?
Remember that everything feels strange the first time you do it. I promise that journalling will get easier with time. Ask yourself why are you journalling? It’s not to impress anyone, it’s not a memoir, and noone is going to critique or mark your work.
Start by writing about what it is you’re hoping to achieve by journalling! For example, are you hoping to focus on your goals, reduce anxiety, or just understand yourself better? Focus on why you’re journalling (and write it down!) and your other worries or awkwardness will start to fade away.
I’m having trouble sleeping. Will journalling help with that?
Hun, you absolutely need to be journalling. If your worries, or never-ending to-do list are keeping you awake at night, write it out! I think of Journalling as a brain dump on steroids. Set a time each evening to free journal out whatever is on your mind. Try to do this at least an hour before bed, so that you have time to feel calm, and process your unloaded thoughts before heading off to sleep.
What tips do you have to keep me motivated?
I love to make journalling feel like a special moment so that I actually look forward to it each day. Buy yourself a really beautiful notebook or journal, and choose a special pen that feels like a treat to write with. Light a candle, and grab yourself a warm blanket, a cup of tea, a piece of chocolate, or anything that helps you to feel good in your journalling practice.
What’s the best time to journal?
The best time is the time that will actually work with your routine.
Personally, I find the best times are morning and night! Your brainwaves are closest to your subconscious just before or after sleep, which means it’s easier to change neural pathways. In other words, you’re more open to creating new beliefs and moving away from old ones.
I also love writing out my thoughts before bed so I’m not dwelling on them when I should be getting some sleep.
Are you afraid someone will read what you’ve written?
If this is a worry for you, my advice is to keep your journal in a safe place, so you can feel confident that it’s for your eyes only. You can also use code words to refer to specific people or places if you’re really concerned.
How do I get myself into a consistent habit?
By now you probably know what my first answer here will be… schedule it into your routine! I know for me personally, if it’s not in my planner, it doesn’t happen.
Another really great way to introduce a new habit like journalling is to habit stack. I’ve written a whole article about how to pair your habits to make them stick.
I’m in a negative head space. Will I get more negative if I write about it?
The amazing thing with journalling is that you control the steam valve, and how much pressure you decide to let out. If you’re not ready to go deep, start small. If you are feeling really overwhelmed or your writing brings up big feelings or issues to work through, please seek help from a friend, family member or professional counsellor too. As you start to uncover and understand your thoughts and feelings through journalling, you’ll have some really useful information to take to your counsellor.
Do you keep your journals when you finish them?
I love keeping my journals. Looking back on what I’ve written in the past is such a great way to see how far I’ve come, or to stay aware of thoughts or comments that continue to pop up over time.
Other journallers might prefer to move on and start fresh with each new journal. Do what feels right for you.
What's Next:
Ready to get started? Your New Journalling Habit Starts Here
