Pen and Paper are not the only options for journaling there are other mediums, such as a notebook, computer, or phone. You can use apps that let you use your phone to journal too. The choice is yours and if you want to be more consistent and tap into the power of journaling, take note of what option you use regularly.
If you want to start journaling but are not sure where to begin, here are some tips:
Decide the type of journaling you want to do.
Do you want to write about your day or track your thoughts and feelings? Choose what feels suitable for you because there is no one right answer. Sometimes the medium you choose helps by the type of journaling you want to do.
Choose a medium that you’re comfortable with.
If you prefer not to write, you can try using an app on your phone or even dictating your journal entries into a voice recorder. I often make voice recordings when I am on the trail because I don’t carry pen and paper with me and this allows me to still use journaling I can listen to it and then reflect via my own writing later when I am processing my hike.
Here are a few options for journaling you can consider:
- Pen and paper: This is the most classic journaling method and offers flexibility. You can use any paper you want, from lined to blank, and any pen or pencil you prefer. You can also decorate your pages however you like, with stickers, washi tape, or drawings.
- Painting: Journaling with paint can be an enjoyable and creative way to express yourself. You can use any painting style that you want — from watercolors to acrylics –and you can even mix mediums and add collages or drawings to your pages.
- Drawing: If you’re more of a visual person, journaling with drawings might be the perfect way to express yourself. You can use any drawing medium, from pencils to markers to paints. You can also add words to your drawings if you want or keep them completely wordless.
- Sculpting: This is an excellent option for people who want to create three-dimensional journal pages. You can use any material, from clay to paper mache to fabric. Be creative and have fun with it!
Don’t try to use a method you will not like or use regularly. If a paper notebook or a voice recorder by your bed works best for you, do that. People will often not do something because they don’t do it like everyone else. Good. You’re not supposed to.
Set aside the time each day to journal.
Whether it’s 5 minutes or an hour, find a time that works for you and stick to it. Choose a time that you always have available to devote to journaling. You only need five minutes to write your thoughts down for the day.
Be patient with yourself.
Don’t expect perfect results from your journaling practice. The point is to get started and see where it takes you simply. Set a goal to do it for 30 days in a row so that you can judge how well it works for you.
Whether you use pen and paper, journaling apps, or choose to sculpt — or anything else — to capture your thoughts doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you use an option for journaling that works for your needs.