4 Journaling Tips For Beginners - Shristi Patni
If you’re just starting out or are struggling to journal every day, it’s best to forget the usual advice. In this article, I will share my top journaling tips for beginners.
Sometimes, I write tips and how-to posts that really work for me. Then a couple weeks later, all my good habits start falling apart.
In fact, there are days I feel hypocritical writing about journaling. You see, I don’t always maintain a perfect writing streak.
Just like all of you, I often get distracted by the little things in life.
But, here’s the thing you really need to understand: journaling isn’t a hobby, it’s a habit. You can’t just journal when you feel good.
It’s the habit you develop that you need the most when you’re feeling depressed or anxious. And you don’t need to beat yourself up whenever you’re unable to write.
Journaling is an excellent check-in tool. There are some seasons in your life when you feel motivated or balanced and you even have your priorities straight.
On the other hand, there are times when you feel stressed and life seems pointless.
But, the value of journaling can only be seen when you stick with it especially during the ups and downs.
Here are some of the best journaling tips that have helped me in real life.
#1. Keep a Traditional JournalWriting on a piece of paper forces you to slow down. It also helps relieve stress.
I know a lot of people who prefer journaling online. However, I love using a traditional, hard-bound journal.
The trick is to be self-aware. Jot down your thoughts as and when you feel comfortable. Use art, doodles and sketches to express your emotions.
#2. Start Small and Be RealisticIt’s important to be realistic especially when you’re building a new habit.
Don’t think of writing a page or two every day. There are days when even half a page will seem like a dreadful task.
For such days, I like to keep it precise. 3-4 lines of journaling help me get through such days. You can also start with 1-2 lines. What matters when you start writing is that you write to form a habit.
Once you get used to it, it will become a part of your routine.
#3. Practice Gratitude
There are going to be days when you will have writer’s block. Doing so helps you lift your spirits and gets your thoughts flowing again.
The best part is that it’s not complicated. You can start with things that are in front of you — your pets or your terrace garden. Next, describe your emotions in detail. Try to focus on a few things rather than filling up the page with a lot fof things.
Allow yourself to feel every emotion as you write.
The practice of gratitude journaling has been life-changing for some people. It has proven to help you navigate through stressful situations and even toxic relationships.
Ask yourself: “Despite all the bag things, what can I learn from this difficult day?”
This simple question will change your whole perspective and help you live a happier life.
#4. Make Journaling a PleasureYou should view journaling as a pleasure and not another thing to cross off your list.
Invest in pretty stationary. Dab on your favourite perfume and brew your favourite tea before you start journaling. You can even turn on your favourite song and settle into a comfortable corner to get you in the mood.
Associate these little indulgences with journaling so that they make your time a real pleasure.
The TakeawayJournaling is an incredible tool that you can use to transform your life. These 4 journaling tips for beginners will help you form the habit of journaling.
Remember to start small and feel the emotions as you write. Keep trying and hopefully, journaling will help you navigate your life.
Author Bio: Shristi Patni
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys snacking on Paleo Bars or taking a Spiritual Bath when not writing. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook.
Gravatar ID: shristipatni@gmail.com
Social Media Handles:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-and-b-recipes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/FandBRecipes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F-and-B-Recipes-100232271852184
Twitter: @FandBRecipes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fandbrecipes/
Sometimes, I write tips and how-to posts that really work for me. Then a couple weeks later, all my good habits start falling apart.
In fact, there are days I feel hypocritical writing about journaling. You see, I don’t always maintain a perfect writing streak.
Just like all of you, I often get distracted by the little things in life.
But, here’s the thing you really need to understand: journaling isn’t a hobby, it’s a habit. You can’t just journal when you feel good.
It’s the habit you develop that you need the most when you’re feeling depressed or anxious. And you don’t need to beat yourself up whenever you’re unable to write.
Journaling is an excellent check-in tool. There are some seasons in your life when you feel motivated or balanced and you even have your priorities straight.
On the other hand, there are times when you feel stressed and life seems pointless.
But, the value of journaling can only be seen when you stick with it especially during the ups and downs.
Here are some of the best journaling tips that have helped me in real life.
#1. Keep a Traditional JournalWriting on a piece of paper forces you to slow down. It also helps relieve stress.
I know a lot of people who prefer journaling online. However, I love using a traditional, hard-bound journal.
The trick is to be self-aware. Jot down your thoughts as and when you feel comfortable. Use art, doodles and sketches to express your emotions.
#2. Start Small and Be RealisticIt’s important to be realistic especially when you’re building a new habit.
Don’t think of writing a page or two every day. There are days when even half a page will seem like a dreadful task.
For such days, I like to keep it precise. 3-4 lines of journaling help me get through such days. You can also start with 1-2 lines. What matters when you start writing is that you write to form a habit.
Once you get used to it, it will become a part of your routine.
#3. Practice Gratitude
There are going to be days when you will have writer’s block. Doing so helps you lift your spirits and gets your thoughts flowing again.
The best part is that it’s not complicated. You can start with things that are in front of you — your pets or your terrace garden. Next, describe your emotions in detail. Try to focus on a few things rather than filling up the page with a lot fof things.
Allow yourself to feel every emotion as you write.
The practice of gratitude journaling has been life-changing for some people. It has proven to help you navigate through stressful situations and even toxic relationships.
Ask yourself: “Despite all the bag things, what can I learn from this difficult day?”
This simple question will change your whole perspective and help you live a happier life.
#4. Make Journaling a PleasureYou should view journaling as a pleasure and not another thing to cross off your list.
Invest in pretty stationary. Dab on your favourite perfume and brew your favourite tea before you start journaling. You can even turn on your favourite song and settle into a comfortable corner to get you in the mood.
Associate these little indulgences with journaling so that they make your time a real pleasure.
The TakeawayJournaling is an incredible tool that you can use to transform your life. These 4 journaling tips for beginners will help you form the habit of journaling.
Remember to start small and feel the emotions as you write. Keep trying and hopefully, journaling will help you navigate your life.
Author Bio: Shristi Patni
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys snacking on Paleo Bars or taking a Spiritual Bath when not writing. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook.
Gravatar ID: shristipatni@gmail.com
Social Media Handles:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-and-b-recipes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/FandBRecipes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F-and-B-Recipes-100232271852184
Twitter: @FandBRecipes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fandbrecipes/
