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50 Inspiring Journal Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

how to write creative journal

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

how to write creative journal

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Benefits of Using Journal Prompts

How to use journal prompts, journal prompts you can try, how do you come up with a journal prompt.

A journal can be a trusted companion that helps you reflect on your thoughts, feelings, actions, decisions, and relationships. Research shows that journaling is linked to better planning, lower stress, and better physical and mental health.

Whether you write in your journal regularly or you’re just getting started, you might sometimes find yourself staring at a blank page and wondering what to write. If you’re at a loss for words, a journal prompt can come to the rescue.

Journal prompts are suggestions, ideas, or questions that can help guide and inspire your journal entries, says Sabrina Romanoff , PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.

“Prompts are typically themes to reflect on or questions that are meant to motivate you to think deeper about something,” Dr. Romanoff adds.

In this article, we suggest some journal prompts that can spark your creativity . We also ask the expert for some strategies that can help you create your own journal prompts.

Prompted journaling, also known as guided journaling, offers several benefits:

  • Starting point: If you’ve never tried journaling before or if you’re experiencing writer’s block, journal prompts can help you get started.
  • Direction: Prompts can provide direction to your writing, says Dr. Romanoff. By focusing on a specific topic or question, you can explore your thoughts and feelings around it. 
  • Structure: Sometimes, you might prefer to write down your thoughts freely as they occur. However, there may be times when you want to organize your thoughts more coherently. Journal prompts can provide the structure you need to organize your thoughts.
  • Creativity: Using different journal prompts can introduce variety to your journaling experience. It can encourage you to think more creatively and approach things from different angles.
  • Insight: Journal prompts can provide topics or themes that help you explore fresh perspectives and new dimensions of yourself, says Dr. Romanoff. This process can help you discover personal insights and promote greater self-awareness .
  • Consistency: Having a prompt to guide each journaling session can encourage you to maintain a regular journaling practice. The prompts can make journaling feel like a purposeful and engaging activity, which may help you be more consistent with it.

These are some strategies that can help you use journal prompts:

  • Find prompts that inspire you: Dr. Romanoff suggests making a list of prompts that you find inspiring or motivating—you can come up with your own, buy a journal with prompts, or look online for examples.
  • Decide your frequency: It can be helpful to set a frequency for journaling, such as daily, weekly, monthly or at any other interval that works for you. You can use prompts every time you journal or just when you’re feeling stagnant and craving inspiration or motivation for your journaling session, says Dr. Romanoff.
  • Keep an open mind: Approach prompted journaling with an open mind . Reflect on the prompt and explore where it takes you. You can write as much or as little as you like. 
  • Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your responses or limit yourself only to words. You can even pen down your thoughts and feelings in the form of drawings or poetry, if you prefer.
  • Be honest and authentic: Honesty is key to getting the most out of journaling. Write from the heart and don't be afraid to express your true feelings, even if they are complex or challenging.
  • Reflect on your responses: After you've written your responses, take a moment to reflect on what you've written. Consider how your thoughts and emotions have evolved over the course of writing them down.

These are some journal prompts that can help you get started.

Self-Discovery Prompts

Self-discovery prompts can help you self-reflect and get to know yourself better. Greater self-awareness is linked to improved emotional intelligence.

These are some journal prompts that can enable self-discovery:

  • First, list five words that best describe you. Then, think about which five words you would like to describe yourself.
  • Complete this sentence: “My life would be incomplete without….”
  • Reflect on a phrase, quote, or mantra that resonates with you. Explain why it’s significant to you.
  • Make a list of the things in your life that you’re most grateful for.
  • Explain what you do best.
  • Reflect on the qualities that you value most in others.
  • Share three things that made you smile today.
  • List your best and worst habits.
  • Write down three life lessons you’ve learned.
  • Explain what love means to you.
  • Describe the values that are most important to you and consider whether your actions align with them.
  • Think about what you would do with your life if you had unlimited resources and explain why.
  • Describe what is stressing you out and how you’re coping with it.
  • Write about your biggest regret and what you would do differently in hindsight.
  • Identify and label the fears and insecurities that are holding you back right now.

Personal Growth Prompts

These are some journal prompts that can encourage personal growth:

  • What are three short-term goals you would like to achieve within the next three months?
  • What are three long-term goals you would like to achieve within the next five years?
  • Which skill would you like to cultivate in yourself?
  • Which qualities do you admire most in others that you would like to develop in yourself?
  • Which areas of your life would benefit from more self-discipline ?
  • What is your worst habit and how would you change it?
  • What’s something new you would like to try?
  • What habit do you want to add to your daily routine?
  • What would you like to contribute to your community?
  • What is the biggest challenge you’re dealing with right now?
  • What is the biggest failure you’ve ever faced and what have you learned from it?
  • How would you like to be remembered by others?
  • How can you better support your loved ones?
  • What boundaries would you like to set in your relationships to protect yourself?

Mindfulness Prompts

Mindfulness prompts can help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, senses, and surroundings. Being more mindful can help you be more intentional and purposeful in the way you live your life.

These are some journal prompts that can support greater mindfulness:

  • Describe a meal you ate today. What colors, textures, tastes, and feelings did you experience?
  • Pick an everyday object from your surroundings, like a plant or a pencil. Write a detailed description of it as if you've never seen it before.
  • Focus on a sound in the background, such as the ticking of a clock or the rustling of the breeze. Describe the sound and its impact on you.
  • Close your eyes for a minute and pay attention to your breath. When you open your eyes, write down what it felt like.
  • Describe your ideal day from morning to night. What activities, people, and experiences would be part of it?
  • Reflect on your thoughts without judgment . Identify and describe any feelings you're experiencing in the present moment.
  • Write about a recent interaction with someone. What were their words, expressions, and gestures? How did you feel during the interaction?
  • Think back to a moment of happiness you experienced recently. Relive the sensations, thoughts, and emotions associated with it.
  • Think about the place where you feel most at peace. What makes it special to you?
  • Recall a time when you were worrying about something in the future. How did it affect your present moment and what would you have done differently?

Creativity Prompts

These are some journal prompts that can spark creativity :

  • Write a letter to your favorite fictional character, describing your life to them.
  • Make a list of questions you would like to ask a future version of yourself.
  • Think about your favorite word or phrase. Explain why you love it.
  • Choose a random object from your surroundings. What qualities do you have in common with it?
  • Make a list of ten unusual ways to use a common household item. Get creative and think outside the box.
  • Write a conversation between two inanimate objects, giving them personalities and voices.
  • Invent a gadget that would make your life more efficient or interesting.
  • Choose a word from a foreign language that doesn't have a direct English translation. Describe the last time you encountered or experienced it.
  • Imagine you get the chance to be any animal for a day. Which animal would you pick and what would you do?
  • Invent a new holiday and outline the traditions, celebrations, and rituals associated with it, based on your values.
  • If you have a time machine and you can go anywhere in the past or future, where would you go and what would you do there?

These are some strategies that can help you come up with your own journal prompts:

  • Decide your goals: First, consider what your goal of journaling is and then work backwards to find ways to achieve that goal, says Dr. Romanoff. For instance, she says gratitude , relationships, learning, self-growth, or creativity are goals that you might want to pursue.
  • Find prompts that align with your goals: Write down a few prompts that resonate with you and align with your current goals, interests, or areas of focus. You can add more or tweak them as you go along.
  • Mix and match different prompts: Feel free to mix and match prompts from different sources or create your own variations. Experiment with different types of prompts to keep your journaling practice engaging and varied.
  • Build on existing prompts: If a prompt leads you to new insights or questions, consider exploring those ideas in subsequent journal entries. You can use your initial response as a springboard for deeper exploration.

Journaling can be a form of self-care , a way to connect with yourself, or a creative exercise. 

If you enjoy journaling, having prompts can help guide your thoughts and focus your attention in a specific direction. Having a new journal prompt to work on every time you’re in the mood to journal can be exciting, comforting, and even a little scary. Just think of each prompt as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself.

Pena‐Silva RA, Velasco‐Castro JM, Matsingos C, Jaramillo‐Rincon SX. Journaling as an effective tool to promote metacognition and enhance study methods in a pharmacology course, during and after the pandemic . FASEB J . 2022;36(Suppl 1):10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R4840. doi:10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R4840

Drigas AS, Papoutsi C. A new layered model on emotional intelligence . Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(5):45. doi:10.3390/bs8050045

Crego A, Yela JR, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Riesco-Matías P, Petisco-Rodríguez C. Relationships between mindfulness, purpose in life, happiness, anxiety, and depression: testing a mediation model in a sample of women . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2021;18(3):925. doi:10.3390/ijerph18030925

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

The Write Practice

How to Write a Journal: 6 Tips to Get Started

by Pamela Hodges | 61 comments

Writers are collectors of ideas, and where do we keep them? On scraps of paper, napkins, the notes app of our phones, and sometimes in journals. But as anyone who's started a journal can attest, sometimes it's hard to begin and even harder to keep one going. So how to write a journal? What to write in a journal? Let's look at some simple ways to start capturing ideas. 

How to Write a Journal: 6 Tips

There are a number of ways to capture ideas, from keeping a gratitude journal, to a reading journal, to a project journal. No matter what type of journal you keep, let me share with you some tips from my journaling experience for how to keep a journal and why a journaling habit pays off for writers.

4 Advantages of Keeping a Journal

Julia Cameron, acclaimed author of The Artist's Way and more recently a 6-week program outlined in a book called Write for Life, begins the writing and artistic life with a practice she calls morning pages. In essence, she suggests writing three pages each morning to explore ideas and life, and to clear the mind.

The benefits of journaling this way are numerous. Writers who establish regular journaling time may find it helps them clear their minds and explore new ideas.

There are many reasons why it is a good idea to keep a journal. I want to share four big reasons this daily habit may help you with your writing process and develop your writing skills.

1. Remember details

When I traveled to Europe in 1978, I kept a journal of my daily life. I have notes from the trip to Greece where I wiped out on a moped, weeded sugar beets on Kibbutz Reshafim in Israel, and hitchhiked through occupied territory in the south of Israel.

There were several details of my trip that I had completely forgotten until I re-read my personal journals.

Recording the details of your life can enrich your stories. One year when for The Spring Writing Contest at The Write Practice, I wrote a story about when the IRS called me to say I owed money.

In my first draft, I wrote that the amount they said I owed was, $638. After I had completed the first draft I went back to the notes I had written in my journal, and the correct amount was over six thousand dollars: $6,846.48 to be exact. Well, maybe there are some things we don't want to remember.

Thankfully, I didn't send the money. It wasn't the real IRS. But it was even better than a writing prompt for a story idea.

2. Find old friends

Keeping a journal can help you find old friends. One of the women I met on November 26th, 1978, wrote down her address. I found her on Facebook and just sent her a message. (Social media and Google can also help, but the journal did remind me of her name.)

We'll see if she responds to my Facebook message. It has been almost forty years since she lent me a pair of gloves when I scraped my hand on the pavement when I fell off my moped.

3. Help process feelings and ideas

When you keep thoughts in your head it can be hard to know how you think and feel. Writing down how you feel will help you process your emotions , as feelings become words, which can be then be edited.

Processing your feelings and ideas can lead to personal growth and peace, but that's not all. Expressive writing can be therapeutic, but it can also help you flesh out characters later. 

4. Preserve the writer's history

When you are dead and a famous writer, your journals will give your readers insight into your life, thoughts, and process.

You may never sell more than one hundred copies of your book, you may never publish your writing, or your journals may only be read by the mice that crawl through your basement. Or your journals will be read by zombies after the zombie apocalypse, sharing insight into your life and daily routines.

If you don't want anyone to read your journal, keep it in a locked box and swallow the key. (Please don't really swallow the key. It would be unpleasant to have to find it again, and you might choke.) Put the key in a safe spot, and then remember where you put it. 

6 Tips for How to Keep a Journal (and What to Write in a Journal!)

Now you know why journaling can be helpful. But how should you journal? It is very personal, and you should do what works best for you. But I will give you some tips to help you get started on a journaling practice.

1. Choose your kind of journal

You have several options for how to keep your journal.

A book, where you write with a pen or pencil onto paper:  Write in a book that is not so pretty you are afraid to write in it. Keep the size small enough you don't mind carrying it in your messenger bag, and big enough you can read your handwriting. Do not try journaling at night when the only paper you have on your bedside table is a bandaid. The next morning I couldn't read my writing on the band-aid, and the idea I wanted to journal was lost.

The advantage of pen to paper is you can write without having to be plugged into an electronic device. You don’t have to worry about a dead battery, and you can write even when the sun is bright or the airline makes you turn off your electronic devices.

The disadvantage to a paper journal is if you lose the journal and you didn’t make a copy of it, you have lost all of the writing. But either way, the journal writing helps you pay attention and record the moments of everyday life that will fade with time otherwise.

Software: There are several software applications and journaling apps on the market you can use to keep a digital journal. Be sure they sync to the cloud, as you don’t want to lose your entries because you fry your computer's hard-drive. 

Journey and Day One can add photographs and text, and export all of your entries into a PDF. You can also journal in Google Docs,  Microsoft Word, or Scrivener and save your files to a cloud-based program that will keep your files safe if you lose your computer or pour water on your keyboard.

2. Date your entry

You think you will remember when it happened, but without a written date, you might forget. Make it a part of your journal writing routine to date the entry.

3. Tell the truth

The journal is a record of how you felt and what you did. Telling the truth will make you a reliable storyteller.

If you haven’t cleaned the seven litter boxes for a week, don’t write that you clean them every day simply because you want your readers one hundred years from now to think you had good habits. The beauty of journal writing is that you can record things honestly for yourself that you might not otherwise record or share. 

4. Write down details

Record details like the time, location, who you were with, and what you were wearing. Details will help bring the memory alive when you record using your five senses .

To this day, if I smell a certain kind of Japanese soup, I can remember vividly the day I flew to Korea to renew my Japanese visa, only to discover the Japanese embassy was closed for a traditional Japanese holiday.

5. Write down what you felt

What you were thinking? Were you mad? Sad? Happy? Write down why.

6. Write a lot or a little

A journal entry doesn’t have to be three pages long. It can be a few words that describe what happened, a few sentences about the highlight of your day, or it can be a short description of an event from your day, where you describe details to help you remember what happened. What time of day was it? What sound do you remember?

Your journal entry might be a drawing, a poem, or a list of words or cities you drove through. It is your journal, and you have the freedom to be creative.

You can use journal writing prompts or simply tap into a memory that floats into your mind. 

Bonus tip: How to write a journal entry

Aside from the date, you can write your journal entry in a number of ways. You can write stream-of-consciousness, try bullet points written rapid fire, you can use various art materials, or any form that speaks to you.  Try a list or a mix of writing and doodling, or even dialogue exchanges. 

The most important thing is just to take the journaling time and make a regular habit of it, even if it isn't on a daily basis. The words will show up when you do. 

When to Journal

There is no right or wrong time to write in a journal. Write when you will remember to do it. Do you always brush your teeth before you go to bed? Have writing in your journal be part of your bedtime routine. Perhaps put it on your bedside table, or beside your hammock, or on the floor beside your futon.

If you are a morning person, consider keeping your journal on the table where you drink your morning coffee, tea, water, milk, or orange juice.

These are only suggestions. You don’t have to write down your feelings or why you felt a certain way. I hate being told what to do. Even if it is a good idea. But I hope you'll give it a try and see if you find it unlocks your own writing. 

Do you write in a journal? Why is keeping a journal a valuable practice? Please tell us in the   comment s.  

Do you write in a journal? Do you think writing in a journal is a good idea for a writer, or a bad idea? Please tell us why in the comments .

Write for fifteen minutes about some aspect of your day as though you were writing in a journal. Your journal entry might be a drawing, a poem, a list of words, or a list of cities you drove through.

Please share your writing in the Pro Practice Workshop here and leave feedback on someone else’s practice today. We learn by writing and by reading.

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Pamela Hodges

Pamela writes stories about art and creativity to help you become the artist you were meant to be. She would love to meet you at pamelahodges.com .

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61 Of The Best Journaling Ideas To De-Stress And Feel Happy

Sometimes, just allowing yourself to write whatever wants to come out is enough to get the words flowing, and daily journaling provides the perfect outlet for this.

But there are times when your brain goes as blank as the page in front of you. It happens.

This is why it helps to have a list of creative journal ideas handy.

The next time you find yourself looking for some journal entry ideas, I hope you’ll give this article another look (after enjoying it today).

With a list of journaling ideas at your disposal , you’re sure to find something to shake down whatever is blocking your writing flow.

Sometimes, it’s as easy as reminding yourself why you’re looking for things to journal about in the first place.

Benefits of Journaling

How to start a journal, 1. make a journal list., 2. a meaningful quote journal idea., 3. affirmation journaling ideas., 4. journal about something you’re grateful for., 5. create an “i forgive…” journal entry., 6. write in your journal something someone said or did that made you smile., 7. compliment yourself in your journal., 8. journal a description of your morning routine., 9. write down the answer to the question, “what would i love”, 10. answer this journal question, “what am i thinking”, 11. journal about a milestone you’ve reached or one you’re working toward., 12. write in your journal about the perfect day., 13. create an entry with someone who is on your mind (and why)., 14. journal about your vision for the future., 15. write out your personal vision for this day (your intentions)., 16. journal about the food you’ve eaten and what you will eat today., 17. write about an important event., 18. describe a challenge you’re facing — or one you’ve overcome., 19. write about your solution to a particular problem or challenge., 20. journal about something you’ve read., 21. write about a fear you have and how you choose to respond to it., 22. begin a journal entry with a prayer., 23. write about a “note to self.”, 24. write a letter to someone., 25. write a letter to someone who has passed., 26. start with a memory (recent or distant)., 27. use an image that sparks an idea for journal writing., 28. journal about a dream you remember., 29. use a timer for a journal writing sprint., 30. small daily journal sentence., 31. a creative character sketch., 32. write about something absurd., 33. write an encouraging personal note to yourself., 34. start with your favorite meal., 35. describe how your day is going., 36. write nice things about someone you’re angry with., 37. write about what you’d do with 10% of your income if you just pulled it out of your bank as cash and went to town., 38. write a description of the kind of person you want to be., 39. write about the power of forgiveness in your life., 40. write about questions you have regarding religion or universal beliefs., 41. write about something that scares you that you have to do anyway., 42. prepare compliments for special people in your life. , 43. write an internal dialogue by dictation. , 44. write about how you’ve grown this year or what has changed for you., 45. write about compliments you received that changed your life. , 46. write about something you can’t imagine living without. , 47. write about what you’re feeling right now. , 48. if you live with anxiety, write about how you’re coping with it today. , 49. journal about something that kept you up last night. , 50. write about the top three priorities in your life right now. , 51. write about something you learned from someone who hurt you., 52. write about what you would do with three wishes. , 53. journal about three bad habits you’d like to change. , 54. write about a moment you had in the spotlight as a child or teenager., 55. write about a simple healthy habit you can start building this week. , 56. write about the apps that are helping you function as an adult. , 57. write about a friend you haven’t talked to in years., 58. write about new financial habits you want to build. , 59. write about the bare minimum exercise you want to start doing every day., 60. write about three influential non-relatives in your life. , 61. write about a birthday memory that still makes you smile. , what to write in a journal, final thoughts.

No doubt, you already know some of the benefits of journaling, and one reason may stand out from the others.

Here’s a list of known benefits, in case you haven’t learned them all.

  • Better health by decreasing stress and anxiety
  • An improved ability to articulate and clarify your thoughts
  • Better self-knowledge
  • A chance to improve your writing skills on a daily basis
  • A better frame of mind for reconciling with others (improved relationships)
  • Better problem-solving
  • An enhanced capacity for learning new things

A fresh new journal represents a fresh start — with new ideas and discoveries.

It’s also literally full of blank pages , which have a mixed effect on writers. You want to fill those pages with content worthy of your intentions for this journal. 

woman sitting on bed smiling and writing journaling ideas

Before you can start filling them, though, you need to let go of the idea that your content should be extra-special or next-level insightful. Some days you’ll drop nuggets of wisdom. Other days, you’ll write content that will embarrass your future self. 

No one actually dies of embarrassment, though. Think of it as part of the process. 

If you’re still looking at your gorgeous new journal and wondering how to get started (because “It’s too pretty!” We know how it is), here are some ideas: 

  • Commit to jotting down at least one sentence at a specific time every morning. 
  • Date your journal pages, starting with the first entry (after the first few pages). 
  • Start with your intentions for the journal (a shortlist on one of the first few pages).
  • Start with a note to yourself relinquishing the idea of perfection or originality. 

61 Journaling Ideas to De-Stress and Feel Happy

You can start by creating a list of anything, really. See if one of the following prompts helps you get started:

  • Things you enjoy (for breakfast, relaxation, education, etc.)
  • Fun things that you’d like to change
  • New things you’d like to try
  • List of things you're grateful for
  • Things you can see from where you’re sitting
  • Bucket list of places you’d like to visit

journal list screenshot journaling ideas

Brainyquote.com is one place you can look for quotes that get you thinking — and writing — about something important to you. Choose a meaningful quote that resonates or that makes you want to argue with it.

Choose a favorite positive affirmation or one on which you’d like to elaborate. It can be about your personal development, your career, money, relationships, or anything of great importance to you.

Gratitude and journaling belong together. Start with one thing you’re grateful for, and either expand on that one thing or add at least two more. Pretty soon you'll have a mood-boosting gratitude list you will find very uplifting.

screenshot of 90-day gratitude journal by Barrie Davenport journaling ideas

No doubt, the words “I forgive” bring a certain person to mind whom you find it difficult to forgive. But for your own sake — so you can move past it — at least journal the words “I forgive ____, and I want only what’s good for him/her,” even if you’re not feeling it.

You might preface this journal entry with a memory of something that person said or did that you appreciate.

Or you can think of something this person might hold against you, try to see your words or actions from their perspective, and write a genuine apology to them.

Think of the last time someone did or said something that made you smile in gratitude or admiration.

What was that thing, and what was it about the context of that thing that made you more likely to smile about it?

Imagine you’ve been asked to write something positive about someone — only that someone is you.

This is a creative way to practice some self-love

Maybe you don’t do everything the same exact way every morning (or maybe you do), but there are probably some things you do every morning.

Why do you do them, and what new habits would you like to add to your morning routine to give your day a better start?

What morning habits would you like to replace with better ones?

This is a fun one, but you have to remember not to stop yourself with the question, “What is the point of even writing this when my circumstances probably make it impossible?”

Write it anyway, and remember to seal your answer with the words, “This or something better.”

This question can also be liberating. If you need to allow yourself to articulate these thoughts while answering the question from #9, go ahead.

Allow yourself to get those thoughts out into the open. Just don’t allow yourself to be tied down to them. Use them as a chance to air and then evaluate those thoughts.

Think of an accomplishment that gets you closer to your personal goals. Have you reached it? If not, how close are you to reaching it, and what do you have to do every day to get yourself closer to it?

This can take place in the present or three years from now. Put a description in your journal of the whole day, from waking up in the morning to going to bed that night. Write down all the important details — the big ideas that make your day perfect.

Write about someone you’re thinking about for some reason — someone you miss, someone who’s made you angry, or maybe someone you’d like to meet.

woman writing in diary sitting outside journaling ideas

It can be anyone, and you can either write about why this person is on your mind, or you can write a script for an imaginary meeting or a necessary conversation.

Where do you want to be three years from now? Again, you’ll want to focus on the most important elements of that vision.

You don’t need to know exactly where you’ll be living or what your new favorite chair will look like (though you’re allowed to). What’s the bigger picture for this vision?

When you get to the end of this day, how will you want to have spent it? Or what top three things do you want to focus on today? How will this day get you closer to your vision for the future?

And feel free to make it sound as fancy or as decadent as you want. Try including sensory details in your journal to motivate yourself to mindfulness practice even while you’re eating.

Whether you’re starting a new dietary regimen or not, sometimes it helps to keep a detailed account of everything you’ve eaten and everything you plan to eat for the rest of the day. No judging.

Or pretend you’re a food blogger for a day and write about your ideal menu or a meal you had recently at a restaurant.

Whatever event stirs up memories (good memories or the other kind), write about that. Or write about an upcoming event that’s important to you.

What hurdles have you jumped in your career, with your relationship, or with your personal development? Or what breakthroughs have you had? What challenges remain?

You probably know solutions to some problems or ways to overcome a particular challenge. Maybe you learned it the hard way. Your journal entry about it could turn into a helpful blog post or even a book.

Whether you’re thinking of a memorable passage from a book you’re reading, a blog post or article you’ve read recently, or a magazine headline you saw while standing in a check-out line, write about what sticks in your mind and why it matters to you (if it does).

Ever caught yourself dwelling on a fear that you had — or still have?

How have you chosen to respond to that fear? Does it hold you back in some way? How will you overcome your fear?

If you pray to a higher power, your daily journal is a great place to articulate exactly what you want to say.

Whether you have questions you need to be answered, or you’d like help with something, writing about it makes it more likely that you’ll get closer to the answers, blessings, and accomplishments you’re seeking.

You can also begin with a note to yourself for any of the following:

  • Something you want to remember that day
  • Something you need to change
  • Something you’ve noticed about yourself
  • Something you like  about yourself
  • Something you’d like to do short-term
  • Something you’d like to do one day

A great journal writing prompt is to write a letter. In your journal you can prepare the message to someone with whom you’re having a dispute, someone you need to reconnect with, or someone you want to share your love for.

From there, you can either copy and paste it into an actual message or write it out by hand and send it by snail mail — maybe with a treat, you know its recipient would enjoy.

If you never had the chance to tell someone something you needed to say, writing it in a journal can at least provide some closure, even though it’s not the same as actually telling that someone.

If it helps, try writing it as a script, with your part and that of the person who has passed on. Make it a conversation that ends in a plausible and satisfying way.

Write in your journal about a memory that has come to you recently — perhaps because something in your life triggered it.

woman sitting on floor with journal diary journaling ideas

Whether it’s a happy memory or not, you might enjoy writing about it. Try to recall as many sensory details as you can.

If you’ve ever bought a painting that made you imagine a life that might one day be your own, or if you saw an image in a magazine or on the internet that caught your attention and took you places in your mind, write about that.

Some dreams stick around longer for a reason. What was your most memorable dream, and why do you think you still remember it?

What details stand out the most? Is there something about that dream that you want to recreate in your conscious life? Or does the dream represent a fear or concern you need to address?

Set a timer for ten to thirty minutes and just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t stop until the timer goes off. Sure, much of what you write will sound frivolous or random, but who cares?

Write whatever is trampling over other thoughts to get out the door. Normally, you wouldn’t want to reward such behavior, but thoughts get away with a lot more than we do.

Write a single sentence. Then another. Then a third sentence. You can stop then, or you can keep going. Maybe one of those sentences will trigger something. But even if they don’t, you’ve written three sentences, and that’s something.

If you’re not satisfied with just writing three random sentences, make them an answer to a question or write a sentence for each of the three things you’re most grateful for in that moment.

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Write a creative journal entry sketch of a character based on yourself — or on someone you know. Or create a completely fictional character with strange quirks or with a terrible secret.

This journal entry might become the starter for a new novel or short story. Or it might just help you get better acquainted with a character you already have.

Start with a nonsense observation — like “the sun is a radish this morning” or something more ridiculous.

Write about how your favorite color is connected to the day of the week you were born and the number of hairs in your father’s left ear. Go crazy with this journal idea.

Begin like your writing in a diary and write an encouraging note to yourself about the day you’re going to have or about a challenge you’ll be facing today. Be a friend and write the words you need to hear.

Write about your favorite meal and how it’s prepared. Write about the best time you had when you were able to enjoy this meal — alone or with good company. Why is it your favorite?

Write about how your day (or at least your morning) is going so far, what has happened, and what you’re thankful for.

Write about the direction your day is taking, and whether it’s the direction you want it to take or you’d like to change course and make it better.

sample journal page the mindfulness journal

I know it’s easier to write about why you’re angry with someone, but try writing only positive things about this person.

If no words come to mind, try writing about good things you want for this person. The more goodwill you exercise toward other people in writing, the easier it becomes to forgive them.

If you took one of your paychecks and pulled 10% out in cash for your own personal spending, what would you spend it on and why?

Imagine doing this and describe how you’d feel while you were spending the money. Could you do this on a regular basis?

If you’ve never considered doing this, what would you have to do in order to make it a regular thing?

Write about the person you want to be, focusing on your end goals and the person you have to be in order to reach them.

Visualize yourself as this person and describe your lifestyle, where you live, and how you spend your time. Write about the qualities you admire and want to see in yourself.

When was the last time someone forgave you for something? How did that change things for you?

What did it do for your relationship with this person — and for other relationships? How did it change the way you feel about this person and about yourself?

What questions do you have about the afterlife, about religion, about a higher being? What do you want to know about the universe and your relevance and connection to it?

How would you answer someone else’s question about what you believe?

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying things like “I hate driving in the dark! It’s so scary…” or “I’m terrible at making small talk ! I make a fool of myself every time,” you already know why you prefer to avoid those things.

Now, imagine how differently you’d see those things if you instead told yourself, “Sometimes I really enjoy a nighttime drive,” or “Small talk is nothing to be afraid of.

It’s just talking about the first socially appropriate things that come to mind and listening to other people do the same thing. I’m great at talking, and I’m an even better listener.”

You probably wouldn’t be as anxious to avoid night driving and small talk.

What scares you that you have to do anyway? Maybe you have teenage kids with jobs, and you have to pick them up after their shifts end around seven or eight o’clock.

Maybe you live in an apartment complex and always run into a small crowd of familiar faces when you’re heading in and out.

Write about whatever comes to mind for you, and compose some empowering self-talk to help you get through whatever you have to do that (you think) doesn’t come naturally to you.

Not only is it good practice for writing about your fears and how to address them, this is yet another journaling example of how starting a journal can help you become the person you want to be.

Pretend you’re preparing for an exercise where each of you takes turns sitting in a chair while others each pay you a genuine and true compliment . Everyone has to take a turn in the “seat of regard.” And the only response the receiver can give (besides crying) is “Thank you.”]

Invite two of your “selves” to an honest conversation about something. Think past self vs. present self — or hurting self vs. compassionate caregiver self — or tempted self vs. powerful self. Make a pressing issue the main topic and take dictation for the voices in your head. 

Some years bring more change than others, but what specifically is different for you about this past year? Think beyond events and changes that everyone is experiencing and focus on your own internal changes and personal progress.  

Some compliments make a deeper impression than others, and you can probably think of compliments you’ve received along the way that took you by surprise and changed the way you see yourself. Describe one of these compliments along with who gave it to you. 

Get down to the things you’d absolutely want to hold onto if you lost everything else — whether that’s a special lotion, a kind of tea, your favorite pair of pants, or something else. How did you discover it, and why do you consider it an essential part of your life? 

Make an honest list of the emotions that come to mind and take note of the strongest ones. Then dig a little deeper to explore why you feel those things. If what you’re feeling is an understandable response to a painful experience, honor those feelings, and write with honesty and self-compassion. 

Are you anxious about something right now? Or what coping strategies have you learned that help you deal with your everyday anxiety or with unusual stressors in your life? Write about a moment when you used one of those strategies and how it helped. 

Was your mind playing in-house movies last night? What was on your mind, and why do you think you had such a hard time putting those thoughts to rest? Are you worried these thoughts will come back to disturb you tonight? 

What can you do to help guarantee a better night’s sleep?

You can be as general or specific as you like with this, as long as you identify your top three priorities. Then look at how you prioritize them every day. What does that look like? And what habits are making it easier or harder to keep your priorities straight? 

If you don’t want to name specific people, just write about a painful experience and what you learned from it. Have you changed the way you respond to similar situations? Have your actions since then helped you think of them differently or even forgive them? 

You picked up a “genie lamp” from an antique store, and with a few rubs with your polishing rag, suddenly a genie is offering you three wishes. What do you do with them? Would you change your career, your home, your income…?

And would you use your last wish to free the genie?

What habits have you picked up that are not serving you well? And what habits would you like to replace them with? How might your life change if you replaced even one of those self-sabotaging habits with an empowering one? And which habit will you change first? 

Maybe you were in a school play, concert, or recital, and your family and friends celebrated your performance. Whatever comes to mind, write about it in your journal, adding every detail you can remember. 

Maybe you want to start practicing daily meditation. Or maybe you can stop at two cups of coffee and switch to tea before the jitters set in. Whatever change you’d like to make, describe it and write about how you think it would change your life for the better. 

Start with a shortlist of the apps you use most. Then describe one or more of your favorite apps and how they help you every day. Why are they better than any competitors you’ve tried. What difference have they made in your life? 

Journal about a friend from years back and describe a special moment during your time as friends. When was the last time you talked to them? Do you know how to get a hold of them? Do you want to? Why or why not? And why are they no longer a part of your life? 

Maybe you want to start saving $25 or $50 from every payday. Or maybe you want to start paying off your smallest debt more quickly. Whatever financial concern is at the top of your list, write about what you’re thinking and what action you plan to take. 

You know your body needs movement. Ever since hearing that “sitting is the new smoking,” you’ve thought of how to make exercise a part of your daily life. So, what can you start with today or this week that you know you could stick with? 

Think about teachers or coaches, counselors/therapists, bosses/managers, roommates — anyone who made a positive impact in your life. Write about how you met and what they said or did that helped you make a better choice or see things differently. 

You wake up, and a special, handmade gift is waiting for you on your dresser. Or you come downstairs to find your favorite breakfast waiting for you. Whatever you remember, describe it with as much sensory detail as you can recall.

Whether you use daily journaling prompts or just write whatever is on your mind, knowing how to journal opens a word of self-discovery.

Journaling gives you a safe space to explore creative things and to ask yourself deeper questions.

Keeping a journal is also a way to process and keep a list of things you’ve been learning from a new book, course, or online program.

The simple exercise of writing someone else’s message into your own words helps you make sense of it by filtering it through your own understanding and perspective.

Not only are you then better able to incorporate what you’ve learned, but you’ve also become better at learning.

They really should teach this in schools.

What you write in your journal is your own, though, and however you get those thoughts down onto the page — as neatly printed (or typed) lines, doodles , mind maps, or a combination of all these — the most important thing is to keep journaling daily.

So, there’s no need to ask how to write a journal. Better to ask how journaling can best serve you — and what personal journal ideas can help you make the most of it.

Journal Writing vs. Journal Typing

So, is typing your journal entry as good as writing in your journal by hand?

When it comes to the most powerful benefits of journaling, yes. While there are proven cognitive benefits to writing by hand, the important thing is to get your words onto a page — whether it’s digital or something you can touch.

The most important thing is to create and maintain the habit of journaling every day (or as close to that as possible).

You can always mix it up and do both, choosing one or the other based on convenience or a desire to do something different (or to use that brand new journal).

Journal is a way that works best for you. Your brain will be healthier and happier either way.

Did you find helpful ideas on what to write in your journal?

If you’ve found value in this journaling ideas post, I hope you’ll share it and encourage others to pass it on.

The benefits of daily journaling are too good to keep to yourself, and you know you want to contribute to a more self-aware and generous world.

So, if this article will help you to thrive today and become the person you want to be, please bless another person today — or as many as you can. And may your generosity and goodwill infuse everything else you do today.

how to write creative journal

2 thoughts on “61 Of The Best Journaling Ideas To De-Stress And Feel Happy”

I love this! One of my most favorite ways to journal has been a dialogue between various parts of me. When I’m hurt, I journal from that part. Then I have the validating, caring adult side of me respond. It sounds trippy but it has been really helpful in overcoming some challenging emotions and situations. Great ideas here!

Wonderful This really helps me and inspire me to write my diary Thank you so much

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Become a Writer Today

15 Types of Creative Journaling Plus Benefits and Techniques

Discover our guide with the best prompts for creative journaling and become a seasoned writer in no time!

All writers struggle from time to time with writer’s block or feeling stuck in a rut. When your creative spark doesn’t ignite, it can be frustrating; sometimes  stream of consciousness journaling can help you break through this wall. Creative journaling is one of my favorite low-stress solutions when I’m feeling uninspired. It comes in all forms, can help you focus or brainstorm, and feels good. Let’s explore how it works.

What is a Creative Journaling?

1. traditional written journal, 2. freeform journaling, 3. a poetry journal, 4. mixed scrapbook journaling, 5. travel journaling, 6. junk journaling, 7. a journal with prompts, 8. sketch or art journaling, 9. mind mapping, 10. bullet journaling, 11. dream journaling, 12. morning journal, 13. a reading journal, 14. food journal, 15. draft journal, 16. affirmation journal, what are some examples of creative journaling, can creative journaling help me organize, what are some creative exercises i can do in my journal.

What is a creative journaling?

Creative journaling is a way of getting your thoughts onto the page – and not necessarily with the written word, either! It helps encourage imagination and creative thinking as you combine mediums or try new types of prose and poetry to express thoughts. The result is a more flexible approach to writing and often some great ideas for both nonfiction and fiction approaches in your work.

“What?” you might be thinking, “How is a traditional journal creative? I already know how those work.” The goal is to use a traditional journal to unlock new thoughts. Open up a notebook, and you are confronted with very normal lines to write on. But, with creative journaling, you can find new ways to express thoughts by just getting the words out and seeing what happens. This is a great way to stumble across writing techniques and approaches you would have never thought of before, especially for forms like fiction or creative nonfiction.

In freeform journaling, write freely without sticking to the traditional writing rules. Why not skip as many lines as you want between sentences, and write wherever you want on the page? Why not write one section in the first person and the next in the second person? Why not write an entire paragraph in nouns, and the next in verbs, while still trying to convey your meaning?

As you can see, this kind of daily journal is a great way to play around with grammar and explore writing styles you don’t often use. It doesn’t always have to make sense, and it doesn’t have to be printable. The goal is to let creativity take over and write whatever comes to mind.

Even if you don’t usually try poetry, a poetry journal can be one of the powerful creative journaling ideas that jumpstart your writing. Noting down poems and playing with writing techniques such as metaphor, rhyme, and simile can inspire creative thinking and generate new ideas for your writing.  

Mixed scrapbook journaling

Also called a mixed media journal, this DIY journaling style allows you to be creative. While a traditional scrapbook focuses on pasting in complementary photos, shapes, and artwork, a mixed media version is much more freeform. You can write, draw, or paste in shapes and photos as you desire. Break out the crayons and color up a page! Write a paragraph, then doodle your thoughts about that paragraph around it.

Look for ways to combine thoughts with colors and images that you identify with those thoughts, then find suitable materials for the job. Maybe even grab a pack of stickers to use. Later on, when you are writing more traditionally, consider how references to colors or imagery could help strengthen your writing.

Travel journaling can be considered a form of diary writing; it is about recording the new places you visit, the new people you meet, and the new experiences you have. You don’t have to write in any particular form; remember to be descriptive and record what happened so you can remember it clearly. This will improve your descriptive writing and help you reference your experiences for later inspiration.

Junk journaling is travel-related scrapbooking where you paste actual mementos of your experiences. It’s focused on things that you would otherwise throw away after use. That could include train tickets, subway passports from a different city, wrappers from the food you ate on an airplane, pieces of a map you used, etc.

It’s a way to improve your memory and create a special journal to share with others. This type of journaling doesn’t require travel, either. Junk journaling can record actual receipts you collected or candy wrappers from a particular snack you had. 

Create a daily journal with writing prompts for each session to give you a starting place. There are many  journals prompts like this, with many different themes, so you can customize the prompts for what you had in mind. Here’s an affordable option on Amazon for generic prompts to give you an idea. Writing prompts are helpful because they give you a starting place, and you don’t have to develop a subject independently. 

This type of journaling uses black sketchbooks and lets you choose what to put on the canvas. That opens a lot of doors for creative sketching and drawing. Again, even if you aren’t that type of artist, you can still find a lot of value in this journaling method. Sketching (no matter how good or bad you are) can unveil hidden possibilities in the world around you.

No matter how absently, drawing can help you focus your thoughts and create new realizations. Journaling has been found to offer many multiple benefits for creatives. If you are an artist, check out our article on art journaling for the complete lowdown. If not, have fun with lettering and doodles as you go.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a digital option that’s closely related to brainstorming. Here, you can use an app to create and connect thought bubbles in various ways. The first benefit is that you don’t need to write or type that much to start mind mapping: Grab a good app, like the popular Xmind .

The second benefit is that you can start listing random thoughts or ideas that you’re having, in no particular order, then connect and categorize them later. It’s a good option for people who like to start with many different thoughts and find ways to link them together.

Bullet journaling means using bullet points when you journal. It’s a popular recommendation for people working on to-do lists and checklists they want to tackle. But bullet points can be used creatively by listing thoughts and feelings or creating lists of story ideas – you can write random ideas, even if they’re only a word or two.

The draw behind creative bullet journaling is that not every bullet has to be useful or meaningful. It can be easy to get words out of your head and onto a list so you can judge which are helpful later on. This may also be a handy precursor to creating an outline.

The rules for this journal are simple: Jot down everything you remember from your dreams. Any fragments qualify; it doesn’t matter how much sense they make. It’s usually best to do this early in the morning before you forget your dreams. Sometimes you can find the seed of a good idea from your dreams when you look at them later. Or you may discover a different option to describe something or a scenario that will work perfectly for your characters. It’s a little like reaching your hand into a grab bag.

A morning journal is an alternative or type of journaling you can combine with a dream journal. When you write in a morning journal, you jot down your stream-of-consciousness thoughts. They could be random worries about the day, hopeful plans, what you want for breakfast, how much you wish you could go back to sleep…just whatever you are thinking and feeling.

A morning journal like this can help you uncover new ideas, and it’s a common suggestion for all kinds of artists. It’s also a great substitute if you don’t remember any dreams from the night before but still need to journal.

As the name suggests, a reading journal is where you take notes on the novels you are currently reading. You can use these journals to keep track of more complex novels and make important notes to keep everything straight. That’s especially useful if you don’t have much time to read.

You can also use a reading journal to critique the novels you read. By critiquing another work, you often discover ways to improve your writing and new techniques you can use. Or, if you don’t want to get so technical, you can describe your feelings and thoughts while reading. Studying your reactions as a reader is also a great way to improve as a writer.

For this kind of creative journal, focus on describing a meal you had or the food you are eating. Use multiple senses beyond taste, and find the right words to describe what you like or dislike. Eating can be a very intense experience, and practicing it can help you improve the way you communicate sensory information. Plus, you may find you like being a food blogger!

This is a more significant journal for drafts of your writing work. Use it to create chapter openings, start writing critical essays, and experiment with upcoming player dialogue. Many writers prefer making drafts this way because there is less pressure to get it “just right.” Also, putting pen to paper may help open up more creativity than putting hands to keyboard for some journalers. Also, you don’t have to tote around a laptop to work on your drafts, so it’s a bit more flexible. Just getting a challenging section started can be a big help.

Affirmation journal

An affirmation journal is designed for positive thoughts – which can be immensely helpful for many writers who feel depressed or unfortunate. Use it to record when you’ve reached goals and empowering statements like, “I like writing a lot,” and “I completed an entire draft this month.” This can help create positive feedback in your mind that’s very healthy, emotionally, and as a creator.

FAQs on Creative Journaling

Inspiration for creative journaling can come from many places and creative people, so you don’t need to stop at this list. For example, you may want to look at the University of British Columbia’s guide  and how students there have found success in creative journaling. 

Keep in mind some types of creative journaling can be intensely practical. Some creative journaling types focus on fitness, budgeting, or recipes. These aren’t always as inspiring for writing, but they help you get organized. The popularity of gratitude journaling has skyrocketed in recent years and is known to improve your well-being. 

1. Confine yourself to a single line. That’s all you get to express an idea: How will you do it? 2. Or, you could give yourself a brief time limit: Write everything you want in 5 seconds. Then reflect on what and why you wrote.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our best  quotes about journaling !

how to write creative journal

Tyler has been published on Huffington Post and Motely Fool. His article and blogs experience includes working for The Content Standard, Mad Mobile, Digital Landing, and Apass Education, among many others.

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What is a Creative Journal and Should You Make One

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Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, or artist, maintaining your creativity can sometimes prove to be a real challenge. So, what can you do if your creativity starts to falter?

Reasons to Keep a Journal When You’re a Creative Person

  • Reasons to Keep a Creative Journal
  • How to Start a Creative Journal

Boost Your Creativity with These Journaling Ideas

Nurture your creative mind through journaling.

  • Practice Gratitude (use these prompts for quick ideas to get started)

A journal is an excellent tool you can use to keep your creativity alive. This isn’t the type of journal you use to write your innermost thoughts and feelings (though you could use it for that purpose if it helps). Instead, a creativity journal focuses on helping you to solve problems, brainstorm ideas and practice creativity.

A creative journal with ribbons from the side

Here, you’ll discover just some of the reasons to keep a journal when you’re a creative person.

Helping you to practice and refine your skills

One of the best reasons to keep a creative journal is because it helps you to practice and refine your skills. Creativity doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, it often takes a lot of practicing to maintain it.

There’s always something new to learn and existing skills need to be maintained. By writing your ideas down, or practicing your drawing technique in the journal, you’ll continue to develop your skills.

Hello the best is yet to come quote in a journal with a gold pen.

They have multiple uses

Creative journals tend to be disorganized in comparison to standard journals. This means they can be used in many different ways.

You can turn it into a sketchbook, notebook, scrapbook or day planner. Whatever function you need it to meet you can use it for that purpose.

Ideal for brainstorming ideas

As a creative person, one problem you’ve no doubt faced many times is coming up with new ideas.

For example, a writer often struggles with “writer’s block”, finding it hard to know what to write. In this instance, a journal could be used to write down ideas, in no particular order. Free-writing can really help to get the creative juices flowing and help you to overcome that mental block.

If you’re an artist, you can use the journal to draw your ideas. You may find after doodling your ideas down, it all starts to come together.

Silencing your inner critic

If you tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to your creativity, it could really be holding you back. That inner critic can literally kill creativity, with everything you create seeming to turn out wrong.

A journal can help silence that inner critic. There are absolutely no rules as to what you can and should put into it. There’s no wrong thing to write, plan or draw. It’s a safe space where your creativity can flow without being judged.

All about me journal with ribbons and paper flowers

These are just some of the reasons to keep a journal when you’re a creative person. They really can help you to not just maintain your creativity, but nurture it too.

How to Start

Now you’ve discovered the benefits of keeping a journal as a creative person, you may be wondering where to start. What should you write in the journal and how often should you be using it? These are just a couple of common questions you may have.

If you’re unsure how to start a creative journal, below you’ll discover some of the best tips and advice you can follow.

Determining how to use the journal

The first thing you need to decide is how you want to use the journal. Will it be a place to simply record your ideas, or would you prefer it to be a place you can practice your creativity? Maybe you’re looking for a place to set goals for your creative projects?

I actually use my Happy Planner as my creative journal, bullet journal , task list, and more. All in one.

Not that I don’t reach for a creative journal every now and then. The itch to just be artistic and not worry about planning crops up now and then. I also go back through my old journals when I feel a touch of nostalgia. They work wonderfully as a diary or scrapbook of sorts.

The goal of the creative journal will make a big difference in how you should use it. Therefore, it’s important to establish its purpose early on.

dream journal with ribbons from the side

Consider “Free writing”

One of the best ways to start a creative journal is to practice free writing. This is basically where you take the time to sit down and start writing. Just write whatever comes into your head.

You don’t need to follow a certain structure or have any prior ideas of what to write. The things you jot down don’t even need to make sense.

Write as little or as much you want to, on any topic which pops into your head. You’ll be surprised how much creativity this type of writing can conjure up.

Questions to ask yourself

If free writing doesn’t appeal to you and you need more a prompt to get you started, there are a few questions you can ask yourself. Just a few ideas include:

  • What scares me?
  • What inspires me?
  • When was the last time I had fun?

These seemingly random questions can have a surprising impact on your creativity. They’re great prompts to get you to write in as little or as much detail as you like. Just the process of answering these questions can help to unleash your creative side.

A painted page in a creative journal with whimsical designs.

Learn to doodle your own flowers with these step by step tutorials and ideas.

Remember, there are absolutely no rules you need to follow. A creative journal should never be forced into sticking to a certain structure or limited in any way. If you are feeling stuck you can always use templates, printables and other journaling prompts to get started.

The above is some of the best ways to get started with a creative journal. Often, starting the journal is the hardest part. Once you’ve actually made a start, it becomes much easier to keep it up and continue to nurture your creativity.

Are you looking to boost your creativity through journaling?

While a creative journal can really help to develop and nurture creativity, it can be difficult knowing where to start. There’s also going to be times where a certain journaling method may stop working for you for a while.

You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus - Mark Twain

Whether you’re looking to start a creative journal, or you’re simply looking for a new method to try out, below you’ll discover some awesome journaling ideas.

If you’re a graphic designer or an artist, drawing in the journal is the best idea you can follow. You don’t need to have a specific subject in mind. Simply pick up a pencil and start drawing.

It isn’t about drawing something perfectly either. It doesn’t matter how the drawing looks, what matters is that you’re taking the time to just let your creativity flow.

When you stop focusing on the rules and just draw whatever comes into your mind, it can really help you get out of a rut.

If you print out planner page templates ( DIY your Frankenplanner ) you can add in pages for doodles and drawing. Even if your regular planner is a calendar and dates type of planner.

Record your hopes, fears, and anxieties

Another great creative journaling idea is to write down your hopes, fears, and anxieties. Although this is close to how a standard journal is kept, this type of creative journaling can really help to combat writer’s block.

When you record your hopes, fears, and anxieties, you explore how you felt and what you experienced at the time. This really nurtures your creativity and can give you great insight and ideas for your writing.

Use mixed media

While written journaling can prove extremely useful, especially for a writer, often mixed media journaling works better.

butterfly and octopus on painted creative journal pages

Mixed media journaling is basically using different types of content. So, for part of the journal you’ll jot down your ideas, then you can use pictures, ticket stubs and potentially even drawing to inspire your creativity.

Use the power of music  

Have you ever noticed just how much of an impact music can have on your creativity? It can really help to stick on some uplifting or inspiring music while writing in your journal.

You’ll find as the music plays, you’ll start to experience numerous emotions. Thoughts will also automatically pop into your head – write these down.

It can also help if you listen to the music through headphones as this will block out all other noises, allowing you to be fully immersed in the music.

There’s a lot of journaling ideas you can use to boost your creativity. The above is just a small sample of the ideas you can try out. Don’t feel like you have to stick to one specific method either. If an idea stops working for you, simply move onto the next.

butterfly and paint on a creative journaling page

Journaling can really help you to nurture your creative mind. Whether you’re a photographer, artist or writer, your creativity is crucial to your ability to carry out your job. Therefore, it consistently needs to be nurtured.

So, how can journaling help with this? Below you’ll discover how to nurture your creative mind through journaling.

First things first – Choosing the right creative journal

If you want to get the most out of your creative journal, you’re going to need to make sure you actually enjoy using it. As silly as it may sound, the first step to this is to ensure you like the look of the journal.

How the journal is presented can make a surprising difference to how inspired and motivated you feel to use it. So, take your time to browse through the various journals on the market and choose one which speaks to you.

The benefits of a dream journal

There’s a lot of ways you can use the journal to inspire creativity. However, one you may not have considered using is dream journaling.

Many authors, artists, and musicians have discovered dream journals can help nurture their creativity. Dreams take on many different forms and can, therefore, be used to inspire creative ideas.

The lead singer of the band “Train”, famously opened up in an interview that the smash hit “Drops of Jupiter” was written after he had a dream.

So, if you are stuck for ideas, recording your dreams can be a great way to unlock your creativity once again.

A fabric journal with sewn flowers and ribbons.

Learning to trust the authority in your voice

When you start to keep a creative journal, it trains you to trust the authority in your voice. So, what does this mean? Well, it basically means you learn to stop double guessing and questioning your creativity.

A creative journal doesn’t have rules. Instead, it encourages you to write or draw freely. There are no corrections made to anything and nothing you put in the journal is ever wrong. So, you’ll start to trust your creativity, rather than question it.

Growing your thoughts and insights

Creativity often stems from thoughts and insights. After you’ve jotted your thoughts down into the journal, you can go back to them another day and expand upon what you wrote.

Look at the ideas you’ve written down and see how they can be expanded. Often, it’s just the initial ideas which are the hard part. Once they’re written down, you should find it easier to expand upon them.

As you can see, nurturing your creativity is pretty simple if you follow the above ideas. The key is to use the journal every single day. You may need to force yourself to use it some days, but the effort you put in will definitely be worth it.

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I love this article. I have been toying with the idea of starting a creative journal since I have stoped art journaling. I do feel like my writing was alot easier when I had art journaling in the mix. Also it was jus relaxing. Thank you for giving clarity to something I really enjoy.

Hello Cheryl, Thank you for the kind comment. Mixing in art and creativity with your journaling adds a whole different layer to the process. Having that bit of visual creativity soothes your soul. Like you said: relaxing. It almost feels like a form of meditation. I have started to do the same thing in my planner.  Enjoy the process! Rhoda

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What are the different types of creative journaling? Do you know which type of journaling you might prefer? Read about the 7 types of creative journaling in this blog post.

How To Start A Creative Journal And Nurture Your Artistic Side

An in-depth look into what a creative journal is, why you should start one to nurture your artistic side, and the different ways you can make your creative journal uniquely yours!

Emily Ker

Read more posts by this author.

There's truly no limits to what journals can be used for. We've looked at gratitude journals , reflective journals and even bible journals . Now, let's celebrate our artistic sides and take a look at what creative journals have to offer!

What is a creative journal?

Creative journals are essentially a place for you to store your creative ideas, practice your art and overall hone your skills. With it, you can keep your creative juices flowing and your motivation to create art going strong.

Anyone can start a creative journal! It doesn't matter whether you're pursuing art professionally, a hobby artist, or just someone who is interested in dabbling in art for the first time! It can even be a digital journal on your mobile devices if that's what you prefer.

The 4 benefits of starting a creative journal

1. helps you get into the habit of creating.

three silver paint brushes on white textile

Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash

When it comes to making art, frequent practice is key. This applies to all kinds of art – writing, drawing, photography, filmmaking and so on. When you commit to starting and adding to your creative journal, you'll be getting in your daily or regular creative fix.

2. A place to brainstorm ideas

assorted pen and colored papers in organizer case

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Running out of fresh ideas is a struggle that most creatives can relate to. We've all had those moments: sitting at your desk and staring blankly at an empty document or canvas. It can be horribly frustrating!

A creative journal can be an excellent place for you to messily brainstorm ideas if you wish. Scrawl out unfinished thoughts or scribbled doodles to your heart's content!

3. Helps you overcome perfectionism

white and red love print card

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Speaking of brainstorming messily, a creative journal will help you learn to embrace mess and imperfection. Often times creatives fall into the trap of always needing things to be perfect, and we get frustrated when our work doesn't turn out the way we want. But the truth is, art isn't perfect, and it certainly doesn't start off perfect!

With a creative journal, let yourself be messy! Eventually, you'll find that you'll slowly grow to embrace being messy and imperfection.

4. Capture ideas wherever and whenever

photo of bulb artwork

Photo by AbsolutVision on Unsplash

Have you ever had a spontaneous idea strike you out of nowhere, and you had no way to write it down for later? That's where a creative journal can come in handy! By keeping a creative journal on you wherever you go, you can always whip it out to jot down an amazing idea and look at it again later! You never know when a sudden stroke of genius can become your next hit piece.

The different types of creative journals

It's important to note that there are actually many different types of creative journals! Creativity knows no bounds, after all, so it makes sense that there would be no hard and fast rules on how a creative journal should look like.

To decide which type of creative journal you'd like to try, you first need to ask yourself: what do you want to get out of this journal? Are you looking for a place to dump ideas and brainstorm? Or are you looking for a place to hone and nurture your creativity? These questions will help guide you and shape your creative journaling journey!

1. Prompt journal

A prompt journal is a great way for artists to break free of an art block. When you have no fresh ideas, or just uninspired to create, following some prompts will force you to get those creative juices flowing again. This applies to all the different mediums of art – from creative writing to film writing and sketching or painting.

An entry for a prompt journal for a creative writer might look something like this:

How you can write a creative prompt journal entry on Journey

If you have no idea what prompts to add to your journal, the Internet has an almost endless amount for you to reference and save for a rainy day! You may also consider following online art challenges with daily prompts to your prompt journal.

2. Creative writing journal

Writers will likely benefit the most from a creative writing journal! This is where you can jot down any and all ideas that strike you, both complete and incomplete.

However, it may be quite a hassle to lug around a physical journal everywhere you go, just to catch a few wayward ideas. Instead, why not download a digital writing app like Journey onto your phone to use as your creative writing journal?

With Journey, you can write journal entries on your phone with just a tap of a button and keep everything organized with the calendar function! This way, you can create multiple entries across different days and still locate it easily.

How Journey can keep your creative journal entries organized with the Calendar function

With the Atlas function, you can even add locations to your entries, so you can make a map of the places that have given you inspiration!

How you can tag locations onto your creative journal entries and map them using Journey's Atlas feature

Furthermore, Journey's cloud sync feature allows you to easily access your entries on multiple devices, so your ideas can easily be transferred onto your workspace on Windows or Mac.

Journey allows you to sync your creative journal entries across multiple devices, including desktop, iPad, iOS and Android

3. Art journal

Artists, too, need a place for them to scribble and draft out their pieces before putting their brushes to the canvas. For some artists, even their sketchbooks are saved for completed art pieces, so keeping an art journal is a place for your imagination to truly go wild. It will be a safe haven for all your work in progress and uncompleted pieces.

For artists, consider using Journey as a place to upload your sketches, both digital or traditional! Journey allows you to upload images to your journal entries, and can be previewed under the Media tab on your today page. So, whenever you've scribbled something on your phone, tablet or on a piece of paper, do save it and upload it to Journey!

How you can add your sketches to your creative journal and view them on Journey's media function

4. Scrapbook

white greeting card on white table

Photo by pure julia on Unsplash

Another way to get some artistic inspiration is by turning your creative journal into a scrapbook! This is where you can add everything and anything that inspires you – an art piece, a design from a magazine, a motivational quote – for days when inspiration and motivation runs dry.

You can even consider this a mini vision board ! Take a look at how you can use Journey to create a digital vision board to motivate and inspire you.

5. A place for your thoughts and emotions

Some people also find comfort in being able to write down their hopes, fears and anxieties in relation to their artistic endeavors. Maybe you're feeling upset about how your screenplays have turned out these past few days, or you've been feeling anxious about a potential pitch. Let your creative journal be the outlet for these emotions.

Like we said earlier, there are no hard and fast rules as to what you can or cannot put into your creative journal. In fact, your creative journal can be a mix of all 4 options we've listed above and more! Simply let your creativity run wild and do what feels right for you.

Download Journey and start your creative journal today!

Brilliantio

Creativity Journal Ideas (24 Creative Prompts and Ideas)

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: August 4, 2022  - Last updated: August 5, 2022

Categories Art , Creativity , Inspiration , Productivity , Self Improvement , Writing

If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your creativity, a creativity journal or art journal may be the answer. A creativity journal is a notebook in which you record your thoughts and ideas. It can be used to brainstorm new projects, track your progress on current projects, or document your thoughts and musings. This blog post will provide 24 creative ideas for your next creativity journal entry!

What Is a Creativity Journal

A creativity journal is a notebook in which you record your thoughts and ideas. It can be used to brainstorm new projects, track your progress on current projects, or document your thoughts and musings. There are a few reasons why keeping a creativity journal can be helpful.

A creativity journal can be a great way to jumpstart your creativity and get your thoughts flowing. It can be used to brainstorm new projects, track your progress on current projects, or document your thoughts and musings.

By keeping a creativity journal, you’ll be able to keep track of all of your ideas in one place, which can be helpful when it comes time to start working on a project. Creativity or art journaling can help you stay organized and motivated and be a great source of inspiration when needed.

  • Having all your ideas in one place can make it easier to develop new ideas. If you have a brainstorming session and jot down all the ideas that come to mind, you can review them later and see if any of them spark other ideas.
  • Keeping track of your progress can be motivating. Seeing how much you’ve accomplished in a month or a year can be inspiring and make you want to keep working on your projects.
  • Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be helpful in itself. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you process them and figure out what you think and feel.

How Do You Start a Creative Journal

There is no one way to start a creative journal, but here is one approach. First, find a notebook that you will enjoy using that will be large enough to accommodate your ideas. Next, set some basic ground rules for yourself.

Decide how often you want to write in your journal (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.), what time of day you want to devote to it, and what topics you want to cover.

Once you have established some basic parameters, it’s time to start. The first step is to write down whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about whether it’s good or bad; just get your thoughts down on paper.

  • Don’t censor yourself; this is your chance as a creative person to explore all of your ideas without judgment.
  • If pushed for time, consider using a bullet journal format. You can also buy creative journals online with pre-set creative writing prompts and creative journaling ideas.
  • Once you’ve got the ball rolling, try brainstorming new projects or tracking your progress on current ones. Document your thoughts and musings on various topics, or simply use it as a place to store inspiration for later use.

Why Having a Creativity Journal Matters

Everyone has creative moments, but sometimes it’s hard to capture them and turn them into something useful. Creative ideas can come and go in a flash, so having a dedicated place to record them can be helpful.

A creativity journal can also help track your progress on current projects. If you’re struggling to come up with new ideas, going back through your journal can help get the creative juices flowing again.

Finally, journal writing can just be a way for you to document your thoughts and musings. This can be helpful if you’re trying to develop a new habit or learn a new skill. By writing down your thoughts, you can keep track of your progress and see how far you’ve come.

24 Ideas for Your Creativity Journal

1. brainstorm new project ideas.

A creativity journal can be a great way to brainstorm new project ideas. By keeping track of your thoughts and ideas in one place, you can easily see what you’ve come up with and what might be worth exploring further. Additionally, a creativity journal can help you track your progress on current projects. If you’re ever stuck, going back through your journal can give you some new ideas to try. Lastly, a creativity journal can just be a place to document your thoughts and musings. Having a physical space to write down your ideas can help you better process them and may even lead to more inspiration.

2. Document Progress on Current Projects

When it comes to creativity, progress matters. It can be tough to stay motivated if you’re not seeing progress on current projects. A creativity journal can help you document your progress, both in terms of ideas and finished products. Seeing evidence of your progress can be inspiring and keep you moving forward. Additionally, a creativity journal can help you troubleshoot any problems with a project. By recording your thoughts and ideas as you work on a project, you may be able to identify where the issue is and find a solution.

3. Track Your Thoughts and Musings

The benefits of tracking your thoughts and musings in a creativity journal are twofold. First, keeping a journal helps you to organize your thoughts and ideas. This can be helpful when it comes time to start working on a project, as you’ll have a better idea of where to start and what steps to take. Second, writing down your thoughts and ideas can help you develop new ideas. When you document your thoughts, you’re more likely to recall them later on, which can lead to new ideas and solutions.

4. Document Your Creative Process

When you document your creative process, you take notes on what works and doesn’t. This can be incredibly helpful when it comes time to revisit a project you’ve already started. If you’ve struggled to develop ideas in the past, documenting your process may help you identify patterns and brainstorm more effectively.

5. Sketch Out New Ideas

Sketching out new ideas in a creativity journal can help you to better flesh out your ideas and get them down on paper. It can also help to improve your brainstorming skills, as it allows you to see your ideas in a more visual way. Also, a creativity journal can help keep you motivated and on track with your creative projects. It can be a great place to document your progress and record any insights or epiphanies you may have along the way.

6. Write Down Quotes or Inspiration That Fuel Your Creativity

When it comes to creativity, inspiration can come from anywhere. That’s why keeping a creativity journal where you can track your inspirations and ideas is essential. A journal can also be a place to write down quotes or passages that inspire you and help to fuel your creativity. It’s a great way to keep all of your inspirations in one place, and it can be a great resource when you need a little creative inspiration.

7. Document Your Favorite Creative Exercises or Methods

When it comes to creativity, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s essential to document your favorite creative exercises or methods in a creativity journal. This will allow you to experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you. It can also help you track your progress and see how your creativity evolves.

8. Create Mood Boards for Your Projects

Mood boards can be a precious tool for anyone looking to boost their creativity. A mood board is a collection of images, ideas, and other materials to help visualize your project. They can be used to brainstorm new projects or to track your progress on current projects.

When creating a mood board, it’s essential to include various images and materials. Try to find images representing the style and tone you’re going for and the specific emotions you want your project to evoke. You can also include text, quotes, and other information to help you plan and execute your project.

There are many different ways to use a mood board. Some people prefer to create a new board for each project, while others like to keep all of their boards in one place. You can also use mood boards to inspire your work or as a way to document your progress along the way.

9. Collect Images and Inspiration That Sparks Your Creativity

A few different ways to collect images and inspiration to spark your creativity in a creativity journal. One way is to keep a file on your computer or phone of images that inspire you. You can save any image that inspires you, from photos of your favorite places to beautiful artwork to inspiring quotes. When you feel stuck or need inspiration, you can look at your file and find something that jumpstarts your creativity.

Another way to collect images and inspiration is to keep a physical scrapbook or journal. This can be especially helpful if you’re working on a project and need to gather ideas or inspiration from multiple sources. You can clip articles, tear out pictures, and write down quotes or ideas as they come to you. Having all this information in one place can help you stay organized and motivated.

10. Keep a List of Ideas for Future Projects

There are a few reasons why keeping a list of ideas for future projects in a creativity journal can be helpful. First, it can help you to stay organized and on track. It can be easy to get sidetracked when you’re working on a project, but if you have a list of ideas to refer to, you can easily pick up where you left off. Second, it can help you to be more creative. When you have various ideas, you’re more likely to find one that inspires you. And finally, it can help you to track your progress. By recording what you’ve accomplished and what still needs to be done, you can stay motivated and ensure that your projects are moving forward.

11. Practice Writing and Drawing Daily

When it comes to creativity, practice makes perfect. You’ll get into the habit of being creative and seeing results by writing and drawing in your creativity journal daily. Not only will your journal be a source of inspiration, but it will also help you track your progress on current projects.

But why is practice so important? Well, think about it. When you play the piano, you don’t get good at playing the piano by only playing the piano once a month. You have to practice every day. The same is true for creativity. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at being creative.

So how do you practice? It’s simple. Just write or draw something in your journal every day. It doesn’t matter what it is- just get creative! Some ideas to get you started:

  • document your thoughts and musings
  • draw a picture of your day
  • write a short story or poem

12. Challenge Yourself to Try New Things and Be More Creative Daily

Challenging yourself to try new things and be more creative daily is a great way to jumpstart your creativity. You open yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities when you challenge yourself. You also learn new things, which can help you develop new ideas. Additionally, being creative daily can help you become more focused and productive. It can also help you relieve stress and improve your mood. Overall, challenging yourself and being creative daily is a great way to improve your creativity and productivity!

13. Document Goals for Your Creativity and Progress Made Towards Them

A creativity journal can be a great way to document your goals for your creativity and track your progress towards them. By keeping track of your progress, you can see what techniques work best for you and continue to improve your creative skills.

14. Draw or Write About Your Favorite Pieces of Art or Artists Who Inspire You Creatively

When it comes to art, there are so many different styles and mediums that it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking for inspiration, start by exploring your favorite pieces of art or artists who inspire you creatively.

When it comes to drawing or writing about art, there are no set rules. Just let your creativity flow! However, here are a few tips to help get you started:

  • Start by describing the artwork itself. What kind of style is it? What materials were used? What emotions does it evoke?
  • Next, discuss why you like the artwork. What elements does it include that speak to you? Why do you find it inspiring?
  • Finally, think about how the artwork has influenced your work. Has it led you to try new mediums or styles? Has it given you new ideas for projects? Has it made you look at things differently?

Documenting your thoughts on art can be a great way to explore your creative process and learn more about what inspires you. It can also be fun to share your love of art with others.

15. Free Write About Anything That Comes to Mind- No Judgment, Just Flow!

When you’re working on a creative project, it can be helpful to take some time to just free write. This means writing without judgment about anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Just let your thoughts flow.

This type of writing can help you get the right frame of mind for creativity. It can also help you develop new ideas and brainstorm projects. It can also be a great way to document your thoughts and musings.

The method proposed by Julia Cameron in her The Artist’s Way – Morning Pages – is beneficial.

If you’re not used to ‘free writing’, getting into the habit may take some practice. But it’s worth it!

16. Write a Story Using Only Images as Prompts

A creativity journal can be a great way to help you come up with new story ideas. Using images as prompts, you can stimulate your imagination and develop story concepts you may not have otherwise considered.

17. Draw a Picture Inspired by a Song or Piece of Music

Sometimes the best way to jumpstart your creativity is to let go and allow your imagination to run wild. This can be done by drawing inspiration from things like songs or pieces of music.

One way to do this is by drawing a picture inspired by a song or piece of music. This can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and be a lot of fun. Plus, it can help you better understand and appreciate the music itself.

Simply sit down with your creativity journal and start sketching out some ideas. You may want to consider the mood of the song or piece of music and any specific images or words that stand out to you.

If you’re stuck for ideas, you can always search online for inspiration. There are tons of websites and blogs that feature creative artwork inspired by music.

18. Create a Collage of Your Favorite Creative Inspirations

Inspiration can come from anywhere. It might be a painting you saw in a museum, a song you heard on the radio, or a picture you found online. It is essential to document these inspirations in some way so you can revisit them later.

One way to do this is by creating a collage of your favorite creative inspirations. This could include paintings, photographs, quotes, songs, or anything else that inspires you. You can either create the collage in a physical notebook or on your computer.

As you add new pieces to your collage, you’ll be able to see how your taste and style have changed or evolved.

19. Sketch Out a Map of a Place That Doesn’t Exist

When creating a map of a place that doesn’t exist, try to be as detailed as possible. This will help you to visualize the space better and to come up with ideas for what could happen there. You may want to start by sketching out the layout of the space, including any major landmarks or features.

Once you have a basic idea of the space, you can start coming up with ideas for what could happen there. Are there any dangerous creatures lurking in the shadows? What kind of civilizations would exist in this place? What sort of adventures could your characters go on?

Visualizing a place that doesn’t exist can be a fun way to jumpstart your creativity and develop new ideas for stories, games, or other projects. It can also help plan out new adventures or worlds for your characters to explore.

20. Write a Poem About Something Creatively Inspiring to You

When writing a poem, it’s essential to focus on what inspires you. Let your thoughts and feelings flow freely as you write. Choose a topic that means something special to you, and let the words come naturally. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the point is to express your thoughts and feelings in a creative way.

A creativity journal is a great way to document your poetry writing progress. It can also help you come up with new ideas for poems. Just take a few minutes each day to write down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how silly they may seem. You may be surprised at how some of these ideas turn into full-fledged poems.

21. Create a Playlist of Songs That Fuel Your Creativity

A creativity playlist can be a great way to jumpstart your creativity when you’re feeling stuck. It can also help you to document and track your progress on creative projects. When putting together your creativity playlist, it’s important to choose songs that inspire and energize you. Here are a few tips for creating a playlist that will fuel your creativity:

Choose Songs That Have Personal Meaning for You

When you’re feeling blocked creatively, listening to songs that have personal meaning for you can be helpful. This will help you connect with the music more profoundly and allow you to tap into your inner creativity.

Choose Songs That Are Upbeat and Energizing

Choosing songs that will pump you up and get you excited about your project is important. Choose upbeat music that makes you want to move and groove.

Choose Songs With Positive Lyrics

It can be hard to tap into your creative energy when feeling down. That’s why it’s important to choose songs with positive lyrics. These songs will help lift your mood and get you in the right frame of mind for creativity.

22. Draw/Sketch/Write About Creatively Inspired Dreams

One way to use your creativity journal to boost your creativity is by recording your dreams. Dreams can be a great source of inspiration for creative ideas. They can provide new perspectives and exciting storylines. Recording your dreams can also help you better remember them, which can be useful for brainstorming.

There are a few different ways to record your dreams in your creativity journal. One option is to draw or sketch the dream as you remember it. This can be a great way to capture the visual elements of the dream. You can also write about the dream in narrative form, describing all the details you remember. This can be a great way to get all the information and explore your thoughts and feelings about the dream.

23. Start a Blog Chronicling Your Creative Journey

Starting a blog can be a great way to chronicle your creative journey in tandem with a creativity journal. Or you could take it over to social media.

It can help you stay accountable and motivated and give you a place to share your work with others. Blogging can also help you develop new skills and connect with other creatives.

So why bother starting a blog linked to your creativity journal (or even directly publishing your creativity journal)? Here are just a few reasons:

  • Accountability – When you have a blog, you’re likelier to stick to your goals since others can see what you’ve accomplished.
  • Motivation – Seeing your work online can be motivating, especially when you get feedback from others.
  • Skills Development – Blogging can help you develop new skills, such as writing, photography, and design.
  • Connections – Blogging can help you connect with other creatives from all over the world.

24. Write/Draw About What Creativity Means to You

When it comes to creativity, everyone has their definition. For some, creativity may mean coming up with new ideas for projects or inventions. For others, it may mean being creative with words and writing stories or poems. And for still others, creativity may mean being creative with art and drawing or painting.

The important thing is that you find what creativity means to you and then write/draw about it in your creativity journal.

The International Association for Journal Writing Logo

How to Journal

Your complete guide to getting started with journaling.

Do you want to learn how to journal, but are unsure where to start?  Or you want to know what to write in a journal?  Maybe you’ve heard of creative journaling and are curious what it is? Perhaps you’re a writer and want to journal to deepen your craft?

This comprehensive “How to Journal” article will answer all of your questions about journal writing. For example, what journal writing is, how you can use it, and what benefits you can experience from this type of writing.  It also includes many journal writing prompts to help you get started. Lastly, while journal writing is typically a solitary act, you don’t have to journal alone or in isolation.  This article will tell you where you can get some help and support for your journal writing, including being part of a journal writing community or group.

how to write creative journal

This Article Covers:

What is Journal Writing?

What can i use journaling for.

  • How to Journal – What are the Benefits?
  • Getting Started with Journaling
  • Creating a Journal Writing Ritual
  • How to Journal – What To Write?
  • How Often Should I Write in my Journal?

Do You Need to Write Regularly in a Journal?

  • How To Journal Consistently –  Creating the Journaling Habit
  • How to Journal – What Help and Support Can I Get?
  • In Conclusion

image of person learning how to journal

Before we talk about how to journal, let’s look at what journaling is.

Journal Writing is the practice of taking time for yourself to write and reflect on your thoughts, feelings and life experiences.  There are many suggestions for how to journal and what to write about. However, the beauty of journal writing is you can do it in your own way. This means you can really make it your own creative and life enhancing practice.

There are lots of people who write in a journal.  I recently heard that 16% of the world’s population regularly writes in a journal. You could loosely test this claim yourself by asking a group of friends or family if they write in a journal and see what percentage say yes.

Each person will give a slightly different answer when asked, “What is journaling?” But in essence, journaling is the simple and profound act of capturing and understanding our lives through expressive writing and story. Expressive writing includes writing about our thoughts and feelings while gaining self-awareness and new discoveries along the way. Journaling is all about exploring and enriching life through narrative, words and creative self-expression through writing.

Journaling is…

  • a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, improved health and creative self-expression
  • a fun and creative life enhancing practice
  • used by many successful people, including Oprah and Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul books), to achieve success in life and work

“Journal writing is one of the rare forms of writing in which freedom of form and content support each other magically.”   –  Stephanie Dowrick

You can use journal writing to get to know yourself better, solve problems, make life decisions, improve your health and increase feelings of gratitude and joy.  Journaling can also help you heal from stressful life circumstances, deal with grief and loss, or other life transitions. Or just journal for the pure love it!

Journaling is a fun, nourishing and creative practice that simply requires something to write with and write on. Whether it’s a pen and notebook, loose paper, cue cards, you get to choose your journaling tools!

People use journal writing in different ways for a variety of reasons. One person might journal to heal a broken heart writing an unsent letter sharing what they wish they’d said to that person.  Someone else might journal to celebrate their accomplishments and make a list of their recent successes in their journal.

There are also a wide variety of journaling methods and techniques to get the most out of your journaling. You can use it for whatever matters most to you at this time in your life.

How to Journal – What are the Benefits?

There are many evidence-based benefits of journal writing from over 30 years of research in the expressive writing field.  Yes, journal writing is a field of work!

People use the journaling process for many reasons, including to:

  • stimulate a healthier mind and body
  • vent and express thoughts and feelings in a healthy, constructive manner
  • increase self-awareness
  • create clarity for decision-making
  • track progress and personal growth
  • celebrate successes
  • heal emotional pain and trauma
  • increase self-care
  • manage stress and prevent burnout
  • gain broader and multiple perspectives
  • practice writing in a non-judgmental setting
  • improve creative thinking
  • preserve memories
  • get closer to God or a divine energy source

Today, journaling is widely accepted as a means for cultivating wellness as part of a whole person health approach. This includes the emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of well-being. Journaling is also being used across various disciplines, such as education, psychology, leadership, business, health, creative writing, coaching and counselling fields, as a powerful tool for learning and growth.

How to Journal – Getting Started

Get organized.

One of the first things to do when you start a journal is get your journaling tools organized.

It can be fun to pick out your favourite pen and an inspiring journal. Look online or go into any book, stationary or office supply store and you’ll find all kinds of journals, pens, markers and other things you might like to use in your journal such as stickers or other creative touches.

So over time, you can experiment with your journaling tools. Do you like blank pages or lined? Would you prefer a small journal or a large sketchbook style journal?  Would you use the same style journal or mix it up and try something new each time you begin a new one?

Sometimes people use loose leaf paper and put their journaling pages in a binder, or write small entries on cue cards. And some people even use big 18 x 24 pages of paper for larger visual journaling entries. You can create a mixed media art journal and much more.

Image of hand starting to write in journal

Just Write!

The key is to pick some simple journaling tools to start with – a pen and notebook – and just start writing.

Your writing will teach you what you need. For example, I used to write in a small lined journal and over the years, my writing longed for larger, open, clear spaces to fill. Now I use an 8 ½ by 11 blank page sketchbook, spiral bound and I keep my pilot pen in the spine of the journal.

Find your own tools and make your own way as you write. The only way to journal, is to write. And then write some more.

Whether you’re an avid journal writer, someone who journaled in the past, or have never written in a journal before:

“There is a Spanish proverb which says: there is no road, we make the road as we walk. I would say the same thing about journal writing: we make the path as we write.” Christina Baldwin

How to Journal – Creating Writing Rituals

What is a journaling writing ritual.

Dr. James Pennebaker, author of Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma & Emotional Upheaval , suggests some conditions that help enhance the expressive writing process.  His research shows that creating a journal writing ritual is very beneficial.

Being focused, non-judgmental, and connected to your interior world fosters deeper writing. But, it’s not a frame of mind that everyone can simply switch on and off.

The idea behind creating a ritual is to create a unique environment and/or behavior which helps you sink into the best journal writing mindset possible. The purpose of the ritual is to take you away from everyday life. Your ritual contains the cues you create for yourself which help you become relaxed, alert, and reflective.

How do you Create a Journal Writing Ritual?

Here are some suggestions, but remember, the ritual you create to transition into deeper journal writing is uniquely yours.

  • Select some music that creates a sense of serenity. Play it for five minutes, focusing on simply listening to the music. Consider closing your eyes. Do not read your mail or straighten out your desk! You may want to have just one piece of music you use each time as your centering pre-writing ritual. Or choose three or four pieces you love for some variety.
  • Begin with several minutes of a meditation or a prayer. You can write just for the occasion or create something spontaneously each time.
  • Brew a cup of tea or coffee, or pour yourself some fresh juice. Perhaps a glass of wine? Spend a few minutes holding the cup, feeling the warmth, smelling the aromas of your drink and deeply enjoy those sensations.

Write in an environment that’s inspiring for your journal writing

  • This could be by a bright and sunny window or a softly lit corner nestled in a cozy chair.
  • Light a candle and while lighting the candle say an affirmation, your intention or make a wish.

Journal at approximately the same time each day

  • This doesn’t have to be at the same hour each day, but it’s helpful if it’s at the same time in your daily routine. For example half an hour before bed, which will work whether you go to bed at 10pm or at midnight.

The trick, of course, is to find the cues that help you settle in quickly. Initially, experiment with different rituals to see which feels best and then stick with the practice once you’ve found one you like. Remember to use as many of your senses (smell, sight, touch, hearing and taste) as you can when creating your centering ritual.

Image of woman journaling to create a ritual for how to journal article

How to Journal – What To Write

You can write about anything you want to write about. For example write about your day including your thoughts, feelings, problems, challenges, upsets, joys, successes and dreams. Here are some journaling prompts to help you get started:

  • Right now, I am feeling…
  • In the moment, I notice…
  • Currently, I am thinking about…
  • So far, the best part about my week is…

You can also write about what you don’t want to write about—and explore your resistance!

Resistance offers you information about where you’re feeling stuck, perhaps procrastinating, or simply not quite sure how to proceed. Here are some journaling prompts to play with around resistance:

  • At the moment, I don’t really want to write about (and then write about it anyways)…
  • I am feeling resistant because…
  • If I wasn’t feeling resistant, what might be different in my life right now…

You can free write (simply go to the page and start writing) or you can do more structured journal writing activities such as using prompts.

There are many other journal writing techniques and methods such as mind maps, cluster drawings, dialogue writing, captured moments, poetic writing and more that you can learn about and use to keep your journal writing fresh and interesting.

Access our free 7 Servings of Journal Juice for new ideas on what to write about in your journal. And you’ll also receive journal writing prompts, exercises, tips and our inspiring Journaling Museletter .

How To Journal – How Often Should I Write

There are no rules about how often you should write in your journal. Like anything, the more often you do something that’s good for you, the more benefits you get from it. I doubt you would go for one walk around the block and expect to experience significant health benefits from it.

The same is true for journaling. While that one walk would have offered you ‘in the moment’ benefits like time to relax, feeling good from moving your body, fresh air and more, the same is true for journaling.

You could gain a sense of relief, renewal and replenishment from just 10 minutes of writing about your thoughts, feelings and life observations.

Journal Regularly

Much like any other activity that’s good for you like brushing your teeth, meditating or eating a healthy diet, journaling can also be done regularly. Journaling makes a great healthy daily habit.

Set a Timer

I often facilitate timed journal writing exercises in workshops and retreats that I offer. It’s a core part of my Transformational Writing for Wellness Salon , a 6 week group coaching program that takes people into the heart and art of transformational journaling.

So often people say, “I can’t believe how much I wrote in just 5 minutes” or “I can’t believe I gained new insights when I just wrote for 7 minutes!”

Journaling to Cope

Many people only write in their journals when they are going through difficult times. Then once things are going better, they stop writing. This is also a valuable way to use your journal as a life companion to help you cope during stressful or troubled times.

The key is not to get too caught up in “shoulds”: I should journal today, I should journal more often. That’s because ‘shoulds’ can open the door for negative self-talk and feelings of inadequacy and shame. Instead, your journaling practice is best treated like a kind friend. You journal because you want to, and because it’s an enjoyable, or at least helpful, relaxing experience.

It’s a question that most journal writers face at some point. Does it matter if you write often in your journal? Well, whether you write regularly depends on your purpose for writing. Is it to preserve memories? To sort out issues? To track physical or emotional, spiritual, or intellectual progress? Track health symptoms?

If journal writing is pleasurable, then writing is its own reward. If journal writing becomes a task you “should” do, rather than something you enjoy, then you’ll write less consistently.

So part of the issue can be reframed by asking, ”How do I make journal writing pleasurable?” The answer to this question will help you find your own way to make journaling a consistent and enjoyable habit.

How To Journal Consistently –  Creating the Journaling Habit

Think of writing a journal entry as the lowest cost and highest benefit way of taking care of your health. Remember that writing about meaningful events or activities in your life has been proven to positively impact your overall health without major cost of time or money and without having to leave your home!

If you do want to write in your journal on a regular basis and truly create the journaling habit, here are a few ideas to help you keep writing consistently:

Make your journal writing more upbeat

  • Review the good things that have happened in your day—your attitude, your progress toward a goal, a minor victory, even a two-minute interaction with someone that went well.
  • Remind yourself about the good stuff in your life and your good qualities.

Write when you have difficult issues in your life that need to be resolved

  • Who doesn’t experience difficult times? Consider the time that you write in your journal as an oasis of self-nurturing in your day. It’s a time to vent, rant, reflect, and process just for you.

If possible, write at the same time every day

  • Incorporate your writing practice into a daily routine.

Make it short and fun!

  • Write a one-word journal entry that captures your day.
  • It’s a challenge to come up with that one word. You can think about it while you are doing some mindless life maintenance activity—like flossing your teeth, taking out the garbage, or folding clothes.
  • Then once you’ve determined that word, writing your journal entry takes almost no time.

Back to the question: Does it really matter that you write consistently?

Writing consistently helps you maintain your journaling practice. It means that when you re-read your journal, there are enough entries to have meaning and flow.

Your ability to write consistently in your journal will be determined by how you feel and doing what’s right for you. So, while you’re writing and when you finish, notice how you feel.

  • Did you like the process?
  • Were you feeling relaxed and soothed during or after writing?
  • Did you feel at times frustrated, angry, confused, despairing?

This whole spectrum of emotions is simply part of the process of journal writing. I know that I feel better most of the time after I write – like I’ve released a burden or relived a pleasurable part of my day.

How to Journal – What Help and Support Can I Get?

One of the best ways to learn more about how to journal is with the support of a like minded community. When we join with fellow journal writers there are regular opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired about journaling. People who like yoga connect in yoga communities, and the same is true for meditation, scrapbooking, running and more. There is a human instinct to find supportive communities who share our passion or interest, so we can learn and grow together.

At the IAJW, our journal writing community is for extroverts and introverts alike. Perhaps you want the inspiration and support of a community, but would rather sit back quietly and take it all in. Or maybe you want to chat with fellow journal writers live on our monthly Zoom Chats with guest experts. You can gain regular  help and support for your unique approach to journal writing.

People journal writing in group for how to journal article

Join our Online Journal Writing Community

We know there is power in community. So come join fellow journal writers in the International Association for Journal Writing ! We offer a learning and inspirational community for journal writers worldwide. Access monthly online writing circles, interviews with guest experts in the field of journaling and expressive writing, courses, journaling tools, e-books and much more.

We also have our Journal Writing Facebook group . Connect with fellow journal writers, receive journal writing tips and prompts to support you on your unique journal writing journey. Everyone is welcome!

Treat Yourself to a Journal Writing Retreat

Lastly, you might want to join one of our virtual Renew You Writing Retreats . Take 3 hours for yourself to journal in a guided and nourishing way. Whether you want to kick-start or reinvigorate your journaling practice, this retreat gives you time for creative self-care and renewal!

“Wow! What an awesome experience! I must admit I was a tad bit skeptical about an online retreat. But woah! Was I wrong! The Renew You Writing Retreat was so invigorating, uplifting, therapeutic, inspirational….just plain awesomesauce. Have you ever had an experience like that? You go in a little skeptical and come out blown away? Have you had the experience of being deeply inspired through writing and sharing with others? If not, you’re missing out! Thank you, Lynda, for creating such a wonderful space and experience.” Airial W. Dandridge, Certified Life Coach

How to Journal – In Conclusion

If you’ve read this far, I know you’re passionate (or at least curious about) the many benefits of  journal writing. Journaling is an empowering experience because you’re always the expert of your own life. Journaling helps you explore both your inner and outer worlds and make sense of your life experience.

As a Registered Social Worker and Certified Co-Active Life Coach, I have been immersed in human transformation, growth, change and wellness for the past 30 years. I’ve learned many different tools and techniques for self-care, healing and growth through my studies and first-hand experience. Journaling is my go to practice that helps me live an intentional, healthy and happy life. And it has helped many people to do the same! Including you, perhaps?

There is only one way to experience the many benefits of journal writing—pick up your pen and write!

“Writing was the healing place where I could collect bits and pieces, where I could put them together again…written words change us all and make us more than we could ever be without them.” bell hooks

May your journaling support you to live an incredible life!

Authors :  Lynda Monk, Director of IAJW and Ruth Folit, Founder of IAJW , partnered to write this How to Journal article, attempting to answer some of the most common questions that new and, in some cases, even seasoned journal writers have.

23 Comments

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Such a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing!

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Thanks, Diana!

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I went to write lots bits to remember and copied it almost word for word in my common place book,but I love to write and am trying to get back into it,I’m writing for recovery from am 8yr relationship with a covert gaslighting narcissist,and I couldn’t write,let alone relax,I have been out for almost 2yrs,and when I start to feel joy or something didn’t work out and I’m hard on myself,I swear I can feel his presence in my house,he doesn’t know where I am,I left him and moved 2hr away in a different state,the feeling is almost overwhelming

Hi Dixie, personal writing can help heal from painful relationships. It’s great you are getting back into it!

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Thank you both Lynda and Ruth for this wonderfully informative resource. Never too old to learn something new! Thank you both for bringing this to us.

Thanks, Lyn. Glad it offered some new ideas!

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Great article Lynda! You’ve covered so many bases – lots of work, and very informative and knowledgeable as always :) Emma-Louise

Hi Emma, thanks for your kind feedback!

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You two put together a beautiful and accessible piece here. It’s filled with all the vast experience and love you have for journaling. Thanks, Beth

Thanks so much, Beth! Your feedback means a lot to us.

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Lynda, a beautiful gift to receive, words combing thoughts, insightful expressions and creative suggestions. Thank you for sharing a writing world held in heart, pen or typing starts journaling what is seen, felt or sensed from a human inner essence. Whole ❤️ Namaste.

Thank you, Denise! Namaste.

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My name is Jacki Smallwood. I have been watching your sight on Facebook, and all the various gifts you have given while on the sight. I have been in a nursing home for 3 years and in quarantine for the past 11 months, not leaving my room, no guests, no funerals or graduation s. To keep my sanity u journal, I share my journaling with other residents through Messenger to help others cope. I don’t have access to copy machine nor anyone to take it out to staples. I am asking if anyone of your organization would donate material that would help me so much and then share with others. I get 45.00 a month from SS and need every penny for my needs. Anything you can do would be so helpful.

Seniors are a special group often ignored through this Covid.

Thank you for anything you could for me.

Jacky Smallwood

Hi Jacky, thank you for your note and request. I removed your mailing address from your original comment before publishing it for your privacy. I will reach out to you by email. I am glad journaling is helping you during this difficult time. More to follow, Lynda

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Lynda, I’m very grateful to have ran across this article. I used to journal a lot when I was younger and I write poetry and music pretty consistently for the last few years. I have been told journaling could be amazing for me to get over some of my past pains and nasty relationships and getting to know myself, growing into a stronger (as well as better person), and just for my general mental health. So, as I begin to journal this very day, I was writing down many things that I want to include and accomplish with this journal inside the front pages of my book and I happened to run across your article! Now I just want to give you a big thank you BECAUSE I attained a lot of information, ideas, and format to include in my new journaling experience! I’m very excited to embark and I just wanted to let you know again I’m grateful for running across your words.

Chelsea Venice, Florida

Hi Chelsea, thanks for your note and for sharing some of your journaling hopes! I love the serendipity that you found our journaling website. We have lots of free journaling resources, including journaling prompts, that might be helpful along the way. You can find them here if you are interested: https://iajw.org/free-journaling-resources/ Happy journaling!

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Thanks for your article esp the prompts to change the language and freshen up what I usually write.

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wonderful article

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Thank you so much for this article! When I was in my deepest months I would always journal but then once I got better I stopped journaling. I really want to get back into it but instead of writing about the bad in my life, I am going to focus on the good.

' src=

thank you for this article!

You’re welcome, Gwen. Thanks for reading.

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I love the ideas for making journaling more appealing in order to journal more consistently. Sometimes I get so caught up in the “should do’s” that I forget that there really are no rules!

' src=

Very informative article on journaling! I’ve found journaling to be a wonderful practice for self-discovery and personal growth.

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how to write creative journal

Inside Of Happiness

How To Make Your Journal Creative Despite Lacking Creativity

By: Author RachelJo

Posted on Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Journaling , Self-Development

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As a person who strongly believes creativity in journaling is essential, I always try to experiment with new ways of expressing my thoughts and ideas. That’s why I did this post on 110 different types of journals you could have . However, I also often ask myself: How can I make my journal more interesting? How to make it more creative?

Having a creative nuance to journaling would actually get me to write more often and express my feelings in more than one way.

Why is Creativity So Important?

Creativity keeps your mind active and engaged with the world around you. It is connected to curiosity, exploration, and discovering new ideas and experiences.

You want to poke your creativity every day, so you stay inspired and enjoy life more. It helps you solve troubles easier and see a problem as an opportunity instead of an obstacle.

When you are creative , it is easier to express yourself fully and share positive emotions with others. Simply put, creativity is painting happiness from the inside out and adding shapes and colors that make life vivid and beautiful.

Why would you need to make your journal more creative?

how to write creative journal

Of course, writing in your journal is the essential part, and nothing could replace that. Yet, being creative and having fun while journaling is what could make you stick to the process at first. Creativity turns journaling into a habit.

I’ve experimented with journaling in many ways, yet I don’t consider myself creative. I cannot draw, sketch or paint. I rarely have originality when putting together creative pieces. Yet, I never miss the chance to tickle the creative part of my brain and put it to use.

How To Make Your Journal Creative

Today, I share with you 15 ways to make your journal more creative. Please, note that this post isn’t about creating a creativity journal. Instead, it shows you ways to add creativity to your journaling, I still emphasize the writing, but I offer you 15 ways to make it more fun and engaging.

Doodling is so easy and requires no additional tools; you could do it with your pen. Doodling on the sides of the page or between the text is a great way to break the huge writing blocks without putting too much effort and gluing stuff.

See the short video below for some cute and easy doodling ideas for beginners.

Whether you can paint masterpieces or just watercolor the page’s background before writing on it, using a mix of different colors could actually add a huge dose of creativity to your writing journal. See below a short video on some very easy watercolor tricks that will fit in your journal great (and you might not even need watercolor paint for it).

3. Stickers

I love using stickers because I cannot paint or draw (or at least I haven’t tried in 20 years or so). Stickers are those beautiful tiny pieces of sticky paper that someone else did for me, and I can just choose where to place them. I usually order my stickers from Etsy or AliExpress , but you could even check Amazon for some awesome options.

how to write creative journal

Junk journal ephemera sticker mystery garb bag | Etsy

how to write creative journal

Vintage Vellum Paper Pack Crafting | Etsy

4. upcycle paper.

This is one of my favorite things to do. Every time I see the paper on the horizon, I immediately think of how I could use it. Here are the things I never throw away:

  • Cute tags from new clothes – I just attach them to pages with a paperclip or a stapler
  • The paper that’s inside the box of new shoes – I glue it to the journal page and then write on top of it (if it’s not patterned) or I glue it, paint with white on top of it and then write.
  • Boxes from cereals, cookies and so on – they usually have cute images I might repurpose later on
  • Any craft or wrapping paper

5. Use Colorful Pens

That isn’t a surprise for you, but it deserves its own spot on this list. Writing with different colors in your journal will make it fun to look at, and you might not even do anything else to break the page. It’s easy, eye-pleasing, and smart as you could choose different colors for different topics you write or just play with various color palettes.

Of course, if you are good at it, just sketch in your journal. It goes great with travel journaling, but it’s an excellent idea for your bullet journal too.

7. Stick Newspapers/Book Pages

Another technique I love is ripping off newspaper pages and gluing them in the corners of the journal. The same goes for old book pages. I know not everyone approves the usage of old book pages, but I believe it’s another way to honor the book instead of forgetting it in the garage and letting it get moldy and completely useless.

8. Using Washi Tapes

Just as it is with stickers, washi tapes are that sticky colorful pieces of goodness that turn a boring page into an eye-pleasing piece of art. Stick it to the sides of the page, and you’ve got your page frame. Use it in between the paragraphs or simply fill every blank space on the page. There aren’t any rules to how you use them.

Washi Tape Suggestion For You

how to write creative journal

Vintage Design Washi Tape Retro Style Washi Tape Decorative | Etsy

how to write creative journal

Surprise bag of 8 washi tapes journaling supplies washi | Etsy

9. cut words from newspapers and books.

positive words cutouts

If ripping off the pages of the books and the newspapers isn’t your thing, this one might be. Cut off words from books and newspapers and create your own sentences or just use them as a decorative accent to the page. A great way to add more positivity to your journaling is to stick big positive words on the page. Why not searching for a “word of the day” and use it as a headline? Your options are unlimited.

10. Add Quotes

In my Sunday’s Read emails (you could sign up for them by clicking here), I always send a positive quote of the day. Why not doing something similar in your journal too. Start or end your journaling session with a quote that matches the mood or encourages you to change your point of view ?

Need some inspiring ideas? Check our endless quote library here.

11. Use Coffee or Tea to Stain Your Pages

coffee stained pages in journal

Another favorite technique of mine. I love old-looking stained pages, and I use coffee or black tea to do that. It makes the pages crinkle and gives them that vintage look you’ve seen in the old movies. You could even use your cup of coffee to create simple patterns on the page. All you need to do is to make sure you leave it to dry properly before writing on it.

12. Caligraphy

calligraphy writing

One of my goals for 2021 is to learn calligraphy. I’ve already tried it a few times, but I lack the discipline (and maybe the time) to sit and learn how to do it. However, since I’ve got a subscription with Skillshare, I watch some great calligraphy classes , and I must say it’s way easier than trying to figure it out on my own.

Writing your quotes with beautiful fonts or simple titles of your journaling sessions, your signature at the end of the pages (if you have such), or even random words (wherever possible), is a great way to add that pinch of creativity to your journaling.

13. Create Hidden Pockets

How to make your journal creative? Add pockets and hide your letters and journaling pages inside. All you need are some extra pieces of paper or envelopes , and some glue or tape. It makes the pages a bit bulky, adds texture to the journal, and it’s so fun. On top of that, you could almost double the usage of the journal as now you have pockets that fit more than one page for journaling. See the video below with some options to add pockets to your journal.

14. Choose a Color Theme

Choosing a color theme or palette for your journal pages is creativity itself. You could either paint the pages, select the right washi tapes or use specific color pens, or maybe all at once. It all adds up to give you a themed creative journal experience.

15 Mix and Match

Mix and match each one of these ways to make your journal more creative. Combine watercolor with calligraphy and upcycled paper. Spill some coffee on the pages, and then add aesthetic washi tapes. Choose your perfect combination, experiment, and don’t forget that the goal is to have fun and journal as often as you can.

Conclusion on How To Make Your Journal Creative

Creativity, in a nutshell, is the free expression of emotion and feelings in a way that you understand. It doesn’t obey any rules, and it shouldn’t. It is your choice how you approach your journaling and the extend of your combinations. You may be just fine with writing and add nothing else. On the other hand, you might be mixing and matching more than you actually write. It is still journaling, and it is still stress-relieving and enriching.

how to write creative journal

How to Make Your Journal Creative

Rachel Jo

Blogger, dreamer, procrastinator, and lover of everything soul-touching. My mission is to make you laugh, provoke your thoughts, light up your day and inspire you to fall in love with life and yourself.

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13 Tips and Prompts for Creative Journaling

  • September 4, 2023

Maybe you have to journal for a school assignment, or you want to start journaling for your emotional health. Maybe you want to write a book! Or you want to write about your experiences and memories in a travel journal. You want to journal (or you’re being forced to journal by a teacher or therapist), but you don’t know how to start journaling. These tips and questions for creative journaling will get and keep the ink flowing.

How to Journal Ideas for Journaling

How do you feel about a group journal? In Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection , Ahava Shira, Wendy Judith Cutler,  and Lynda Monk explore how they journal, what they journal about, and how their journaling helped shaped who they are personally, culturally, politically, and spiritually. They also describe how to cultivate the practice of journaling in your life, through journaling ideas and prompts, quotations from women writers, and suggestions for creating your own circle of women writing together. This is a wonderful book, especially if you’re new to journaling or are getting bored of writing in your journal. It’s “how to journal” with a group twist!

I started a writing group when I lived on Bowen Island, BC – and that’s when I wrote 7 Tips for Starting a Writers’ Group – Writing Alone, Together . A writers’ group is different than a journaling group, and Cutler et al’s book inspired me to start a whole new group for women who want to be creative together.

If you want to journal but don’t know how to start journaling, consider joining a group. You should have your own private journal – but you can also literally create a group journal . I taught my grade 8 students (who had to write in their journals every day, mandated by the school) how to write a group journal. One student starts a story in her journal and passes it to the next student. The next student has a few minutes to continue the story. Then the journal gets passed, until everyone has had the chance to write in everyone else’s journal. It’s fun for most students – especially if they don’t know how to start journaling.

The following journaling ideas and tips on how to journal are based on my experience with my students, as well as the Writing Alone Together book. several questions for creative journaling. I also included three photos of different journals at various stages of my life.

5 Tips to Help You Start Journaling

Journaling is often thought of as a solo practice – as is writing. But, Writing Alone Together – and my own experience with my writing group – has shown me that gathering with other writers creates a sense of community that inspires us to write more, and more deeply. Journaling helps you change, process changes in your life, and reflect more deeply on yourself.

1. Get a journal that inspires you to write

what is a journal

I wouldn’t recommend buying an expensive leather journal, because it may be too intimidating for you to start journaling. I’ve journaled in cheap notebooks – and I always buy hardcover ones because it’s easier to write in any position or on any surface. I’ve even journaled in artists’ sketchbooks, narrow accounting ledgers, and graph notebooks. There is no specific answer to the “what is a journal” question.

2. Ask people how and why they journal

Knowing why people spend time writing in their journals will help you learn how to journal. In Writing Alone Together, Cutler et al describe their experience with writing in their journals – which will give you ideas for your own journaling! To me, journaling has always been about personal growth, self-exploration, and learning what you really think and feel about your experiences, memories, and life.

A Piccadilly Soft Leatherlook Celtic Knot Journal  is what I’m journaling in these days. It’s also the journal I took on my recent trip to Nepal, Dubai and Hong Kong – it’s the perfect travel journal.

I think I started journaling because I was lonely. I had a very difficult childhood (foster homes, schizophrenic mother, no dad) and there were very few people I could rely on. My journals were my buddies, my companions, and my outlet for pain, grief, confusion, and crushes on boys.

3. Use creative journaling prompts (see below)

Most of my grade 8 students had a difficult time journaling, so I gave them a quotation or story prompt to write about at the beginning of every class. These journaling prompts are a great way to get the “journaling juices” flowing, especially if you’re new to journal writing. Writing Alone Together has several journaling prompts for group and individual writers to use in their journals.

4. Write about the past

How to Journal

Some writers need to process painful memories so they can heal and move forward in life. A journal is the perfect place to be honest and authentic, and express what happened to you and how you feel about it. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event that feels overwhelming, talk to a counselor or someone you trust. Share your journal with him or her. Secrets are only destructive when they’re kept secret.

“It’s not forgetting that heals. It’s remembering.” – Amy Greene. If you want to write your memoirs, read  10 Tips on How to Write Your Life Story .

5. Consider journaling in a group

In Writing Alone Together, Cutler et al share their Seven Principles for journaling as a group. “Through our journey of Writing Alone Together, recurring themes and benefits kept surfacing within our individual writing and in our shared conversations,” they write. “We refer to these as the Seven Principles.”

  • Grounding in the Moment
  • Slowing Down and Paying Attention
  • Developing Intimacy
  • Trusting Your Own Experience
  • Unleashing Creativity
  • Acknowledging Conflicts and Differences
  • Exploring the Personal as Political

The principles are fully described in Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection . The authors even share examples of each principle from their own journals. It’s a very helpful, practical book on how to start journaling in a group or even individually.

An excursion overseas, whether a solo trip or group trek, is an excellent way to learn how to start journaling. Read 10 Best Travel Journals for Solo and Group Trips to get started.

8 Prompts for Creative Journaling

The beauty of a journal is that you can write about whatever you want to write about! Just like there isn’t one right answer to the “what is a journal?”, there aren’t any clear-cut rules on how to journal.

The first five questions are more emotional and spiritual in nature, requiring deep thought and self-awareness. The next five questions are more descriptive, designed for creative writing and journaling instead of self-discovery.

1. What do you dream about at night? What do you daydream about?

Here’s what I wrote in my journal this morning: “My dream last night! I dreamed of encouraging girls to grow healthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually so they don’t allow themselves to be consumed by men.” I often journal about my dreams, both daydreams and night dreams. I dream about what my heart aches for, what I wise for, and what I’m struggling with.

2. What did you used to journal about?

Journaling Ideas How to Journal

In the past six months, my journaling has changed into talking to God. I pray in my journal now, and never seem to struggle with finding journaling ideas. I used to be bored with writing in my journal because I got tired of writing about the “same old” stuff all the time. It’s much more interesting to talk to God, and I feel so much healthier and happier after journaling with God.

If you want to use your journal to become “more” of a writer, read How to Write When You Have No Ideas. You’ll find inspiration and motivation to keep journaling even when you feel like you have nothing to say.

3. What excites or upsets you about politics, culture, society, humankind?

In the “Exploring the Personal as Political” Principle of journaling as a group, Cutler et al offer tips and ideas for tying your writing in with your culture. For example, they encourage writers to connect their life stories to the current social, cultural, and political context. They also encourage writers to celebrate the women whose voices and activism have made a difference in your life.

4. What would you write in a letter to someone you love or hate?

This creative journaling question is on my mind because my grandma’s birthday just passed. And the anniversary of her death is approaching next month; she died two weeks before my own birthday. I have so many regrets about the way I treated her, took her for granted, neglected and mistreated her. My grandma did so much for me – I even lived with her for a year when my mom was too sick to take care of me! She took me on vacations to Hawaii and Mexico, gave me a huge weekly allowance even though I did nothing to deserve it, and helped me achieve whatever goals I wanted. See how effective the right question for creative journaling can be?

5. What is on your mind, heart and soul right now?

Journal about something you’re struggling with, yearning for, or celebrating. What’s on mind? You saw from my previous question for creative journaling that my grandma is on my mind. Don’t think about what to journal about or how to write it; just put your pen to paper and write about something that is bothering you. Give yourself time and space. Get quiet, and allow your thoughts and ideas to bubble to the surface.

If you need to journal for school or an assignment, read 7 Ideas for Writers Who Have No Idea What to Write About .

6. What is your favorite thing about summer?

Summer is my least favorite season because it has no structure. It’s too distracting, beautiful, and hot to write. Lazy sunshine-y days lure me into daydreams, wandering through grassy fields, wondering what makes the summer breeze smell so delicious. If you’re a mom or even a kid in a family, your brothers and sisters may be underfoot, complaining they’re bored. Summer is the worst time to think about starting a journal or getting serious about journaling, right?

But wait a minute! Is summer the problem, or is it our preconceived notions that hold us back? For instance, as a child I survived summer by forcing my friends to play “school.” I don’t remember if I forced them to write in their journals 🙂 but I’d rather be in school than in the summertime.

7. Who or what distracts you from journaling?

As a freelance writer, distractions are everywhere . As a blogger working from home, I find myself more interested in dustballs than finding creative journaling prompts for you. So I picked up Robert Pagliarini’s book The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose – and it changed how I work and write and clean house (which is never, now). Last week I created my own “Goal Achievement Plan” (daily schedule) – and I can’t believe how much more productive, creative, and focused I am. In just a week! My new daily schedule frees me to be a better writer, blogger, entrepreneur, freelancer, friend, and wife. I’m not distracted by Twitter, emails, tweaking my blogs, reading other people’s blogs – those were the reasons I wasn’t writing as much as I wanted.

Distractions are a major reason people don’t do what they want or need to do – especially when they have the whole wide world literally at their fingertips. Can you creatively journal about what distracts you from journaling creatively?

8. What bores you about journaling?

Writers don’t write because they’re bored with the subject, characters, plot or setting. If you were enchanted, you would journal. Creativity might even come naturally. What do you know lots about? What are you fascinated by? Those are good topics to journal about. If you’re a student and journaling is part of your assignment, learn how to make a boring topic more interesting .

As you can see, creative journaling can be personal or professional, emotional or external. It can be for school or even business ideas, spiritual healing or self-discovery. My journal is very personal and spiritual right now and has been for a decade – but maybe some day I’ll journal about my political or social views on various events. Who knows? That’s the beauty of creative journaling 🙂

I mentioned that I love journaling in my Piccadilly Soft Leatherlook Celtic Knot Journal . Piccadilly also has a book of 300 Writing Prompts , which is perfect for writers who don’t know what to journal about or how to start journaling.

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5 thoughts on “13 Tips and Prompts for Creative Journaling”

I’m getting ready to start writing my first book and your tips for creative journaling really helped. I started a story awhile ago I spent so much time rereading and rewording the beginning I never finished it. I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen with my book by writing in my journal. Thank you!

Hey Laurie,

I like the fact that you highlighted the importance of having a writing group when creating a journal. Often times, most people believe that journals are made alone. Since it’s a record of daily experiences and happenings, most writers feel embarrass to share their journal. This perception is certainly no good at all. In any given sense, it is important that journals are made with a few friends around. That way, writers will not get only or depress while recording their thoughts and feelings.

Hi Laurie! This was a terrific read. I recently started my own journal blog and this article has a ton of tremendous useful and accurate information! Thank you for this share!

Yeah, this is the best posts I’ve read on how to start journaling. Lots of informative and easy to understand how to get an idea to create my journal blog… two thumbs up for Laurie! 🙂

Wow, what an inspiring post! I think in today’s world, the days of private journaling has almost become a forgotten art. Everything seems to be broadcasted to the world, and the intimacy tends to get shoved off to the wayside.

Great post Laurie!

The Simplicity Habit

Creative Journaling Ideas to Help You Express Yourself

Inside: Learn creative journaling ideas that will help to express yourself and get your thoughts and feelings on paper.

When it comes to hobbies that bring big benefits to our wellbeing, it doesn’t get much better than journaling.

Journaling can improve mindfulness, lower stress and anxiety, boost your confidence, give you clarity, and strengthen your memory – just to name a few. 

While there’s no wrong way to journal, most people embrace a fairly traditional approach – grabbing a notebook and a pen, and dedicating a little time each day to capture your thoughts, with or without the help of a prompt.

But others?

Others take a more creative approach to journaling – which can be a great way to make the process more fun and mentally stimulating while reaping all of the benefits that journaling can bring. 

Whether you consider yourself a highly artistic person who’s totally excited by the idea of a creative journal, or the thought of incorporating more creativity into your journaling process sounds a little scary, virtually anyone can embrace creative journaling ideas, transform your practice, and reap big benefits.

Give it a try. You might be surprised to see just how excited you are to spend time with your journal each day. With some creative journaling ideas, you might be able to shift your journaling practice from a habit to a hobby that benefits your health and wellbeing in big ways. 

writing in a journal

Why Should I Try Creative Journaling Ideas?

Not convinced that creative journaling is for you? Truly, creative journaling can be for everyone . Approach it with an open mind and find a way to silence your inner critic! 

There are a few reasons you might want to give creative journaling a try.

Your current journaling practice is feeling stale.

Maybe you’ve been journaling for a while, and you’re reaching a point where you just can’t get inspired to come up with something new to write.

You’ve leveraged lists of prompts online, captured your feelings, and summarized your day-to-day more times than you can count, and you’re looking for inspiration. Creative journaling ideas can help!

You love to express your creativity.

Some of us don’t consider ourselves inherently creative people – and that’s OK. But if you do think of yourself as an artist, or a creator, or a maker, incorporating that into your journaling practice can be huge.

And if you’re an artist who doesn’t have a ton of time to spend focused on creative projects, creative journaling can be an easy way to kill two metaphorical birds with one stone – journaling and expressing your creative talents. 

You like to change things up.

The beauty of creative journaling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can change your approach virtually anytime with no consequences whatsoever.

If you’re the type of person who struggles to stick with a very fixed routine, embracing some creative journaling ideas can go a long way in helping you maintain your journaling momentum. 

creative journaling ideas

Creative Journaling Ideas You Can Try Today

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and try a few creative journaling ideas? I’ve got you covered!

There are endless ways you can explore your creativity through journaling. Here are just a few approaches you can take to be a bit more creative and have more fun with your journaling practice:

1. Don’t be afraid to doodle and draw.

Most people pick up their journals to write, not draw – but that doesn’t mean it has to be that way. 

You’re free to do whatever you want in your journal. Drawing, sketching, doodling, and designing are all fair game. They’re a great way to capture your feelings, work through emotions, and navigate your past.

Incorporating a little fun and lightness into your current journaling practice by adding illustrations to capture your ideas and bring life to certain stories can ultimately add another dimension to your journaling experience. 

Struggling to put something in words? Try drawing, sketching, or painting an image to represent it instead. Let yourself create with no clear goal in mind.

Or maybe you want to incorporate a little fun and lightness into your current journaling practice by adding illustrations to capture your ideas, bring life to certain stories, and ultimately add another dimension to your journaling experience. 

girl thinking and journaling

2. Focus on stories.

Creativity isn’t all drawing – writing can be creative, too. Instead of sitting down each day and journaling to capture your thoughts around a specific prompt, challenge yourself to get creative and use your journal to tell stories. 

Bringing your memories to life through storytelling can be an incredibly powerful way to remember the past, work through difficult moments, and bring clarity to situations that may not have been so clear at the time.

By writing your story in third person, you can put a little bit of distance between yourself and that particular event, which many find to be one of the helpful benefits of journaling. 

3. Consider bullet journaling. 

Bullet journaling is another great way to embrace your creativity and incorporate it into your journaling practice.

Many bullet journals start as a blank slate – most commonly, pages with a faint grid outlined by dots. It’s up to you to choose what information you’d like to capture and how you want to document it. 

You can create different themes using specific color schemes, stickers, and other design ideas – or take a more casual approach and change it up by the day. Again, there’s no wrong way to journal; it’s all up to you. 

Bullet journaling is a popular practice, and a quick search on Google or Pinterest is a great place to start for a little inspiration.

creative journaling ideas

4. Try mind mapping.

Another creative journaling idea to inspire you? Try mind-mapping in your journal.

Mind maps are a great way to step back and gain perspective, especially when it comes to your thought process. They can help you both process and organize your existing thoughts and open your mind to new and exciting ideas.

To start, write a main theme or idea in the middle of your page. That’s the focus of your mind map. Draw a circle around that, and then begin to branch off of that focal point with additional ideas.

Connect these ideas back to your main theme with lines, and incorporate additional branches to tie these ideas to additional thoughts, feelings, or ideas you’d like to capture. By creating a mind map, you can literally see how your ideas flow and connect – which is a big benefit of embracing this methodology. 

You can incorporate mind maps into your regular journaling practice, dedicate a new notebook to capture them, or take a different approach – there’s no wrong answer.

creative journaling ideas

5. Add additional media.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut, creative journaling is a great way to change your mindset and improve how you’re feeling . Creative journaling is all about thinking outside the box. Allow your mind to take you in a variety of creative directions.

If you don’t consider yourself to be as artistic or you just have paper memorabilia or magazine clippings that are meaningful to you, incorporate them into your journaling.

It can be a much more free form way of using scrapbooking elements by adding them to your journaling practice. If collage isn’t your thing, feel free to add any alternative forms of media that you want to your journal.

Clear your mind and express yourself by using these creative journaling ideas in your daily habits .

How have you incorporated creativity into your journaling practice? Leave a comment and let me know!

Sign up on the form below to get weekly simplifying and intentional living inspiration sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also receive the free Priorities Assessment Worksheet to help you declutter your schedule and focus on what matters most!

after losing our new orleans home in katrina, we moved to texas where my 2 sons lived. 1st thought was to write. have always written short stories, journals, long letters. writing has always been a most lovely part of my life. but for 1st time, found it impossible to write. depressed, felt lost, felt like a grieving that would never end. felt i’d be in a kinda writing limbo forever – yet another katrina loss. add anger. after about 5 years of this mess, became seriously ill with heart problems. now believe that broken hearts really do exist. there was so much i wanted to share with my young grandchildren and might never get that chance. so decided to make myself write a journal to them. that was the return of creativity. that was 2010, so have been keeping this journal for 12 years now. medical problems slowly improved. a healing journal?? little by little told my babies my katrina story. could write only a little at a time before crying, but that was ok – kept going. introduced them to their deceased great grandparents, how i met grandpa at 17, and all about our 56 years of marriage, all the way down through love stories about their dads’ growing-up years. took them on vacations with daily journal entries. screamed about years of crazy politics. grieved for innocents shot down in mass shootings. i continue to update them on each january 6th hearing on tv. the 5th hearing is starting in 2 hours, and they’ll know what happens. they’ll have a living history lesson. my journal has been my literal lifesaver. plan to use your great suggestions for more creative journaling and looking forward to your intentional living inspiration. thank you for the chance to share my story.

For Toni, Thank-you for your courage to share your story. I am inspired. I am sorry you lost so much, your resilience gives me hope. I am lying in bed with covid, thought I might start some writing for my granddaughters. I did not know where to start, and landed on your comment… I will begin after my next nap.

Love all these ideas! I have been wanting to be more consistent with journaling. One thing I’ve been doing is from the gap and the gain. I write down three wins I had in each day and that makes me feel happier and makes me better at looking at things optimistically. It also doesn’t take much time!

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creative journaling ideas

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  • Journal Writing

How to Write a Journal

Last Updated: September 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD . Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 236,125 times.

Journal writing is a creative form of recording your feelings free from the fear of judgement or criticism. Writing in a journal can allow you to work through complex issues in your life, exploring them thoroughly and candidly. It can also be a way of relieving stress, rather than inadvertently taking out your unexplored feelings on someone else. See Step 1 below to start writing your own journal.

Journal Entry Template

how to write creative journal

Starting Your Own Journal

Step 1 Find something to contain your journal entries.

  • If you're looking at computer-based options for your journal, you might want to consider starting a blog - essentially an online journal that other people can read . A variety of free blog sites exist, some of which allow you to control who can and cannot read your blog.

Step 2 Start your first entry by setting the scene.

  • If you're writing a blog, you may want to begin by addressing your readers.

Step 3 Write!

  • As an exception to this rule, if you're writing a blog, while you'll want to be open with your emotions, consider your audience. You may want to consider censoring your most intense and/or personal thoughts.

Step 4 Develop a routine.

  • Many journal-writers like to add an entry every night before bed. This is a healthy routine because it allows the writer to relax and unwind at the end of the day by "letting out" any lingering emotions. Be sure to write honestly, don't overthink it, and stay focused.

Step 5 Re-read your past entries for insights.

  • Use your past entries to reflect on your life. As you read, ask yourself questions like, "Am I the same person who wrote this entry?", "Is my life going the way I want it to?", and "How can I work to solve any problems that may have been troubling me when I wrote this entry?"

Step 6 Give your journal some personal style.

  • The experiences you have while travelling can be some of the most influential ones in your life. Discovering the beauty of nature, making a friend in a far-off place, and even simply leaving your home can shape you, so document these things!

Step 8 Customize your journal.

  • If you're using a digital journal, like a blog, try adding photographs to your posts, including links, and choosing colorful templates.

Writing Great Journal Entries

Step 1 Think of your journal as a safe place to express yourself.

  • If you're having trouble turning off your filter, try writing "free form" as an exercise - scrawling your thoughts down in a stream-of-consciousness form the moment they come to you, whether they make sense or not.

Step 3 Comment on past journal entries.

  • For instance, were you in a miserable mood when you wrote yesterday, but are now feeling better? Comment on this! By doing so, you may start to understand why you felt this way in the first place.

Step 4 Use writing prompts when you're bereft of ideas.

  • You may find that, by pursuing a prompt, your writing ventures into interesting new areas you might otherwise never have explored. Be adventurous and pursue these new topics to your heart's content!

Step 5 Learn from the greats!

  • The diary of Samuel Pepys
  • The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank's diary)
  • The diary of Jemima Conduct
  • The diary of Franz Kafka
  • Bridget Jones's Diary
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid
  • The Color Purple
  • Flowers for Algernon
  • Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Expert Q&A

Catherine Boswell, PhD

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

  • Find a secluded and familiar place to write (for example, your bedroom with the door locked), but other secluded places are good too. (Your backyard.) Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
  • It's best to write with a pen because pencil can fade. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
  • It's best if it is a secret. It's better if no one reads about your feelings and your secrets. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3

how to write creative journal

  • Always keep it in a safe no-one-knows box of secrets after writing. It's best if it has a lock. Thanks Helpful 84 Not Helpful 7
  • If this person does and reads it, confront them and tell them you absolutely do not want them to read it. Then take necessary precautions, such as getting a notebook with a lock. Thanks Helpful 76 Not Helpful 7
  • Your secrets may be posted around the net if you don't lock it. (This is for blog authors only.) Thanks Helpful 59 Not Helpful 8
  • Someone could find out about your journal. Thanks Helpful 66 Not Helpful 15

Things You'll Need

  • A cheap but good composition notebook.
  • A working pen or pencil.
  • Colouring in pens or pencils.

You Might Also Like

Write a Journal Entry

  • ↑ https://docs.google.com/
  • ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-musings/201611/3-reasons-let-yourself-feel-your-emotions
  • ↑ Catherine Boswell, PhD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 29 December 2020.
  • ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/7-writing-routines-that-work
  • ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing
  • ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/travel-photos-journal-memories-/
  • ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
  • ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery#the-journal-prompts

About This Article

Catherine Boswell, PhD

To write a journal entry, start by writing down the date, time, and location where you're writing. Then, let your emotions flow and write about your feelings, like your family life, crush, or dreams. Try not to overthink it by writing things down as soon as they come into your head. You can also use writing prompts. To make your entries as useful as possible, get into a routine of writing regularly. Then, review your past entries to assess your feelings with the benefit of hindsight. To see a list of some famous journal writers and get tips on how to decorate your journal, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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All Posts / Motherhood / How to make writing in your journal fun and creative

How to make writing in your journal fun and creative

how to write creative journal

By Brittany

Craft the Rainbow creative journaling

Consider this your complete journal writing guide. For Craft the Rainbow month , celebrating 2 years of my book Craft the Rainbow, we have been getting back to our creative basics. Think rainbows, craft supplies we all have around the house, kid’s projects, and – writing in our journals! Whether you haven’t missed a day of writing since grade school, or your have never gotten past page 2 of your fresh new diary, this post is for you!

To celebrate, all of our journals and pens are on sale now! Including My Life in Color , my exclusive guided journal to create a keepsake of your past, present, and future. Click here to see the sale!

Scroll down to find:

+ tips on how to make writing creative and fun + how to actually fill an entire journal + how to stay motivated to write in your journal + Our favorite journals of every kind – hardcover, lined, blank, and way more! + How writing daily can help you make better art

And that is just the beginning!

  • My Life in Color Guided Journal
  • Other fun supplies below!

Why should I write in a journal?

Baby prompts journal with promptly

We have all been told the importance of writing in a journal for our posterity’s sake. If this is the reason you write, I admire you for it! Preserving history and making sure your great-grand kids know what it was like during the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of tik tok is a noble reason to keep a diary. Though for some of us this motivation wanes from time to time, and we find our personal history missing some pretty major gaps.

For me, I have found I am the most consistent with writing when I make it a creative project. This post is full of tips on how to make your journal writing more fun and creative, and we think it will keep you more motivated than ever! Keeping a diary can be a creative outlet that helps you  get pumped up in the morning or wind down at the end of the day. It can help you learn discipline making good habits.

How writing in a journal can improve your art

I remember reading the book Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron which discusses the importance of “morning pages.” The idea is that, first thing when you wake up, you write at least 3 pages of stream of consciousness in your notebook. No thinking of making sense, just writing whatever (whatever!) comes to your mind. Doing this regularly unlocks your creativity and trains your mind to let ideas flow freely. I love this idea! It takes all of the pressure out of writing daily.

Different types of journals

If you are stuck on page 2, it’s possible you aren’t using the right kind of journal for you! Try out a new kind from the list below:

Writing prompts

how to write creative journal

Wreck This Journal

(And other journal books you get to color in!)

how to write creative journal

Photo books

how to write creative journal

Write one line a day

how to write creative journal

Travel journals

how to write creative journal

If writing daily feels like too much right now, stick to travel books instead! Find one that will be sturdy enough to stay nice in your carry-on, reflects the place you are visiting, and fill it with memorabilia and travel stories to tell your friends back home!

how to improve your handwriting for journaling

Different ways to fill in your journal

If you’re the queen of filling up the first few pages of a notebook never to touch it again, I feel you. I see you. No one wants a journal that jumps from 8th grade to Senior prom to their wedding day; so when we find an old (and mostly blank) book it’s hard to find the motivation to start writing in it again. Though there are not many feelings better than starting a fresh crisp new notebook, our hope is that with this complete journal guide we can all start a brand new diary and then actually stick with it! And remember, when you reach the end you can reward yourself once again with another beautiful empty book.

The key to filling an entire journal is remembering this is meant to be a mod podge book filled with your growth, mistakes, good days, and everything in between. No one’s life is free of spilled milk and mascara stains, and your journal shouldn’t be either! As a recovering perfectionist, even I can promise that a full messy journal is a much bigger accomplishment than a half empty perfect looking one.

If you are having trouble overcoming your desire for perfectly dotted i’s and margins free of doodles – try this: abandon your perfectionism in at least one area of your life – your diary. Doodle to your hearts content. Bring your notebook with you to the breakfast table and don’t worry about spilling your coffee. Fill your book full of ticket stubs and anxious scribbles.

If we are overwhelming you, take a deep breath. There is a more structured way you can learn to love a messy journal – this Brave New World journal is filled with prompts to help unleash your inner artist. Baby steps, baby steps.

Try these creative ways to fill your journal

how to write creative journal

While trying to jog your memory of what happened this morning, don’t be afraid to doodle in the margins, or fill the entire page! This snapshots in time say just as much about your current self as your words do. Draw a daily flower in your notebook and use this to keep yourself on track with writing!

Bullet points

Don’t stress over a novel of your day, just write at least a few key bullet points at the end of your day and call it good! If that’s all you can do, it’s a great place to start. Before you know it you’ll find yourself wanting to write more and more!

Collect recipes

If writing or doodling aren’t really your things, figure out what is! One idea is to gather family recipes and write down the memory you have attached to them. Making and writing our the recipe for your mom’s infamous chocolate cake is sure to start a flood of memories you’ll be itching to get down on paper. Try keeping a notebook dedicated to recipe related memories!

how to write creative journal

For Jasper’s first birthday I filled his baby book with photos, pins, and other paper momentos from his party! I can’t wait to show him when he is older.

Our favorite journals

how to write creative journal

Simple ruled

how to write creative journal

This colorblock journal is customizable, comes in multiple color choices and page options!

Customizable

how to write creative journal

Journals for kids

how to write creative journal

We promised you ways to make writing more fun, so of course we had to include stickers!

how to write creative journal

These habit forming stickers are such a fun way to keep yourself accountable (for more habits than just writing daily!)

Journal supplies

how to write creative journal

Hold all of your journaling supplies in this folio ! These pastel pens are on sale in our shop now for a limited time!

Craft the Rainbow full set

All of the items in the photo above are on sale right now for Craft the Rainbow month! Click here to see the sale and start your own My Life in Color journal! 

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How to Start Journaling: 21 Tips to Make it a Ritual You’ll Keep Up

Posted on Published: July 18, 2021  - Last updated: June 19, 2022

Home » Journaling » How to Start Journaling: 21 Tips to Make it a Ritual You’ll Keep Up

One of the best self-improvement tools to engage in, journaling is a cathartic and rewarding process, offering many benefits. Learn how to start journaling effectively, stay motivated, and form a ritual of calm, joy and inner peace , with these valuable journaling tips.

How to Start Journaling By Making It Into a Ritual You’ll Cherish

How to start journaling | Journaling tips | Image shows a woman writing in a journal with a peach background and a cup of tea beside her.

Whether you’re new to journaling and curious about what this powerful tool might be able to do for you, or if you’re a seasoned journal writer looking for some tips or inspiration – this post is for you.

What You’ll Find on This Page…

Journaling for beginners – an introduction, what is journaling and how do you do it, what can i use journaling for, what do i need to start a journal, how to start journaling for beginners, what do you put in a journal, getting started with journaling, how to start a journal that will really benefit you, is it healthy to write in a journal, what are the benefits of writing in a journal, how do i start writing a journal, what to write in a journal, what’s the best way to journal, do you need to write in a journal regularly, how often should i write in my journal.

  • How to Start Journaling and Stick With It Consistently

16 More Top Journaling Tips For Beginners

I’ve collated all my best tips into this ultimate guide to help you get started, or to introduce some new journaling techniques and ideas if you’re seeking inspiration.

Don’t forget to check out the resources library for all of our printables to help you with your journaling journey!

This post is designed for anyone wanting to start a journal and to (mostly!) keep it up in order to enjoy all the benefits journaling can offer, or those who are looking for some new ideas for their journal entries to reignite their motivation.

The psychological benefits of journaling are a vital element of every self-improvement technique I advocate.

There’s decades of research related to the benefits of journaling, and you’ll see I link out to lots of supporting studies. My personal interest and passion for journaling stems from the psychological benefits it provides, and this is a vital element of every self-improvement and personal development technique I advocate.

I also share the tips I’ve picked up along the way, which may not always mirror the more traditional or generally accepted ‘rules’. 

I strongly believe that while some structure is helpful, too much can be stifling, both in terms of creativity and also inclination. Journaling is an amazing hobby; it should never become a chore.

Journaling is keeping a written record of one or multiple elements of your life. 

It’s also much more than that.

Weekly bullet journal spread for March.

It can be a practical tool for organisation. Or it can be a creative process. Or it can be the therapy you turn to when you’re feeling anxious or down or uncertain. 

Best of all, it can be any combination of these things.

To join the world of journaling you don’t need much at all. You could use a basic pen and a scrappy notebook you have lying around at home if you don’t want to spend any money to begin with (a cute notebook might be more enticing!).

Or if you’re planning to try your hand at bullet journaling then dotted grid paper is a better bet (which you can print for free from our resources library).

However, if you’re serious about journaling I do recommend investing just a little as it can be the allure you need to entice you to commit to a regular writing routine until you form a healthy new habit . The first thing I recommend is a dot grid journal, and then later perhaps some journaling pens .

If you’re ready to make a purchase, this is one of the best journals I’ve used and highly recommend:

how to write creative journal

If you’re wondering how to write a journal, you’ll find lots of tips in this post.

The most important thing at this point is to get curious and try to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the huge variety of options available to you. And there is a lot . But that’s why it’s such a fun hobby for so many different people, because it’s so versatile:

There’s no wrong way to do it, and there are a thousand right ways!

If you look online for inspiration you’ll find an abundance of great ideas and stunning and stylish examples of journals, and these are perfect for those who take pleasure in beautifying their journals.

But that’s just one kind of journaling, and certainly not something you have to do in order to enjoy the associated benefits.

The beauty of journaling and bullet journaling is that there are many wonderful ways of filling your journal. You might choose to include some of the following throughout, or have specific pages dedicated to:

  • Beautiful fonts and headers;
  • Art and cute doodles (even if yours isn’t exclusively an art journal);
  • Creative writing;
  • Poetry or expressive writing;
  • Ticket stubs.
Essentially, journaling is whatever you need or want it to be.

Essentially, journaling is whatever you need or want it to be. And it can and almost certainly will evolve with you.

So now you have a few ideas of what your journal could include, but it’s important to refine them down to what resonates with you. One of the best ways to achieve that is:

Find your why .

You could choose to make this your very first journaling exercise!

How to write a journal | Image shows a journal and pen on a pink background beside some pink peonies.

Consider it practice for your new hobby – an important first entry point. You could do this in the inside of your journal, or simply on a piece of paper before you start your journal proper.

Or, another great way to become familiar with what type of journaling appeals to you is simply to try a variety of techniques. I highly recommend going through our journal prompts for beginners , which has a selection of writing and art ideas for creating different kinds of journal pages.

If you feel you’re losing your way, it will help you remember why you chose to make journaling an important part of your life.

Write down the following questions:

  • Why does journaling interest me?
  • What do I hope to gain from journaling?
  • How much time do I have to journal each day/week?
  • What kinds of journals inspire me?
  • What do I want my journal to look like?

Spend some time thinking over the answers to these questions – and go deep. Get to the heart of the reasons you’re curious about or fascinated by journaling, because this information will be really helpful for you later on.

Save this list and if at any point you feel you’re losing your way, you can come back to it to remind yourself of exactly why you chose to make journaling an important part of your life.

Of course it’s also fine to update your list, as your lifestyle and priorities change. But writing this information down and keeping it somewhere safe is an effective act of accountability, to – and for – yourself.

Journaling has proven benefits for mental health and physical health .

There are many ways in which journaling can be used as an effective therapeutic tool for personal growth and improved wellbeing, especially when combined with specific techniques such as exercises to heal the inner child or shadow work journaling .

The advantages journaling can offer are invaluable!

The myriad of benefits journaling offers include:

  • Providing calming and reflective time;
  • Encouraging self-awareness;
  • Exploring, identifying, and analysing difficult thoughts and feelings;
  • Observing feelings feelings without judgement;
  • Opportunities to process difficult emotions, thoughts, and emotional experiences;
  • Increasing awareness of emotional triggers;
  • Stress and anxiety relief;
  • Facilitating the process of making peace with a traumatic event;
  • Laying the foundations for greater empathy;
  • Improving communication skills;
  • Exercising self-compassion;
  • Practicing gratitude;
  • Increasing positivity and a more optimistic mindset.

Journal beside a cup of tea and some purple flowers.

As you can see, the advantages journaling can offer are invaluable!

Think about your objective or goals for keeping a journal: if your reasons are compelling, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get started with journaling. 

If you’re looking for practical guidance, keep reading for my tips below.

If it’s direction or inspiration for filling that blank first page you’re looking for, I highly recommend reading my post with 750+ journaling prompts which are perfect for this purpose.

There are many different kinds of journaling , which is (literally!) a whole other post. They include:

  • Gratitude journaling
  • Using journaling prompts
  • Making lists
  • Bullet journaling
  • Free writing
  • Unsent letter
  • Dream journals
  • Reflective journaling
  • Journaling with a guided journal
Journaling is not something that you can do once and experience all of the benefits it offers.

This list is not exhaustive, but gives you an idea of the many different uses a journal can have and how it can be used. Each different technique brings a different dimension to journaling, with its own benefits.

To enjoy all the advantages of journaling, it’s a good idea to journal regularly, though that doesn’t necessarily mean every day. 

Why regularly?

Well, journaling is a process. It’s not something that you can do once and experience all of the benefits it offers. But, again, it goes back to your objectives for journaling in the first place.

If your main goal is to find an outlet for your creative juices, then it’s totally fine to pick up your journal as and when the mood strikes. Of course this does leave room for a new journaling habit to slide, so it’s still a good idea to commit to a set number of times each week or month, just to keep you engaged.

On the other hand, if you’re journaling specifically for mental health, I’d definitely encourage you to try to journal every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.

Journaling tips pin

You’ll likely find that over time, you’ll want to set aside time for your journal, and that you’ll end up spending far longer on the activity than you’ve committed to simply because you feel its benefit and find the process liberating and satisfying.

We’ve established the answer is ‘regularly’, but what does that actually mean ?

Being perfect is not the goal.

It will be different for everyone, depending upon your reason/s for journaling, and how busy your lifestyle is. If you can feasibly build journaling into a daily habit, perhaps committing to writing morning pages at the same time of day, great. But if not, then just do what you’re able to.

Ultimately, if you can, it’s worth promising yourself that you’ll dedicate a set amount of time to creating a consistent journaling routine, whether that means as part of your everyday life, every other day, or weekly. The important thing is that you continue to choose to return to your journal.

The aim should be to find a balance where you’re journaling regularly and often enough, but without it feeling like a duty. As soon as it becomes too much effort and unenjoyable, it’s defeating the object: you’ll be less likely to keep it up and you won’t get so much out of it.

I won’t claim to be perfect when it comes to journaling – I’m not. Do I wish I was better? Of course – but being perfect is not the goal.

Journaling is a huge part of my life in spite of me not being perfect – because I fundamentally believe in its power and value. It has changed my mindset from a negative bias (which we all have naturally – more on this later), to a positive one.

Journaling provides an antidote to negativity.

Journaling has the potential to improve your wellbeing enormously, and that’s why I remain committed to keeping it up, as best I can.

Spending time around negative people increases your likelihood of adopting a negative outlook yourself; because as well as being natural, it’s also contagious.

Journaling provides an antidote.

In the same way that exposure to negativity can influence us, consistently focusing on positivity can also impact our outlook for the better .

Actively spending time on exercises to combat negativity works .

How to Start Journaling and Stick With it Consistently

One issue that comes up often for people new in the community is how to write in a journal and stick with it.

If you’re committed to a consistent journaling schedule but are unsure how to keep up the motivation, below I share some of my best tips to help you stick to a daily writing practice (or at least regular! ).

Decide when you’re going to journal, and stick to it.

5 Tips For Creating a Journal Writing Ritual

Open notebook with blue scarf and white flowers and a bowl of strawberries in background.

1. Make it a part of your self-care routine

The easiest way to journal consistently is when you look forward to it because it’s a joy, then it’s not difficult at all! Here are a few self-care tips to help:

  • When you very first begin it may not be worth spending lots of money on journaling, but over time perhaps you could treat yourself to some beautiful stationery? 
  • Create a little haven for when you journal; make a cup of your favourite hot drink, perhaps a couple of squares of chocolate, light a candle, snuggle in a warm blanket. Whatever makes the experience a positive one.
  • Be sure to spend at least some of your journaling time on an element that brings you pleasure. So if you’re doing shadow work which can be very intense, perhaps end with a short gratitude list or creating some fancy headers.

2. Commit to a journaling schedule

The net step is to decide when you’re going to journal – and stick to it. 

Schedule time for journaling sessions, perhaps with your morning coffee.

It’s so easy to put off a vague idea and then never get around to it, whereas if you have a set time blocked out for a specific purpose, you’re more likely to follow through.

That’s a pivotal moment because it could be the one you quit.

3. Don’t wait to feel motivated

I read a really good piece of advice once, which can be applied to just about anything:

Do it even if you’re not motivated.

Essentially, don’t buy into the idea of motivating yourself being more important than just getting on with it, because that won’t always work. If it does, that’s great – but there will be times when you just can not find the motivation no matter what you do. 

And that’s a pivotal moment because it could be the one you quit.

Instead of using your energy to find motivation, use your energy to simply open the page, and start. My recommendation on a day like this would simply be to write three good things you’re grateful for.

Usually, that will be enough to get you in the right frame of mind to continue journaling; if after five minutes you’re still not feeling it, then stop. But at least you’ve done something .

4. Accountability is helpful

If you still don’t trust yourself to follow a schedule but you really want to get into a healthy daily journal habit, get some accountability. You could:

  • Join a journaling group
  • Find a friend who also journals
  • Start a social media account sharing ideas and inspiration
  • Get involved with a writing challenge

Having a community to for mutual support and to bounce ideas off of is hugely beneficial for keeping you motivated! 

Camera, flowers, journal and macarons on a white desk.

5. Get inspired!

Sometimes you just need some inspiration to keep things fresh.

You could try one of the journaling methods mentioned above, or follow some new journaling accounts on Instagram. There are some truly stunning accounts with so much inspiration to be found.

Here are some more general tips for journaling to get the very most out of it so it will hopefully become a healthy new hobby with a positive effect on your future self…

6. Do not compare

Comparison is the thief of joy. Theodore Roosevelt

All forms of consistent journaling are equally valid and equally beneficial.

Inspiration is good, but comparison is bad. 

Remember, the super popular accounts are probably very established and give you an idea of what is possible with time, practice, dedication. But nobody can create a fabulous bounce font using a brush pen on their very first go.

7. Start small and manage your expectations

The above point leads nicely onto this one…

While having all of the equipment is helpful for diehard journalers and can make specific areas of journaling much easier to accomplish with a more polished finish, the fact is that all of those products add up.

Purchasing items over time is a great way to keep yourself engaged and enthusiastic about journaling, but remember they’re not all necessary. And some people will journal religiously with nothing more than a notebook and a pen.

8. Personalise your journal

Putting aside some time to make your journal your own is a really great way to foster a deep connection with your daily journaling practice.

When you spend time making your journal visually appealing – based upon your personal preferences and not what is currently in vogue! – you’ll likely be more inclined to take it out and continue returning to it.

Plus breaking up your journaling time between writing exercises with more creative and artistic ones can help to hold your interest and enthusiasm.

9. Make time for gratitude lists often

If you’re anything like me, you’ll believe in the power of gratitude and how, over time, it can change your mindset to a more positive outlook . If you’re not yet convinced, check out this study showing the effects of gratitude on mental health.

Wellbeing Journal

With the above in mind, writing gratitude lists regularly as part of your journaling is a really worthwhile activity and one I highly recommend prioritising. This can be as simple as jotting down bullet points, or as involved as you wish to be!

10. Try journaling prompts when you have writer’s block

Sometimes, especially if you’re feeling anxious, the words just won’t come.

This is when writing prompts can be really helpful.

  • 56 gratitude journal prompts to help you find the joy in the little things
  • 55 positive prompts for your journal to increase your happiness
  • 79+ journal prompts for personal growth and self discovery

11. Try different journaling techniques

Just because you’ve always done it a certain way, doesn’t mean you can’t try a major change.

If you’re only familiar with writing a regular journal entry, why not try composing an unsent letter? Or, if you’ve only ever tried gratitude lists, why not look into bullet journaling or journaling for manifestation ?

After the fantastic benefits of journaling, one of the other best things about it is its versatility!

If you’re feeling apathetic about journaling, making a change is a good way to rediscover your passion – maybe you simply need to switch up how you’re doing it. Either try being more creative, or perhaps you need a break from that and the opposite could be true for you.

The point is, just because you’ve always done it a certain way, doesn’t mean you can’t try a major change. You can always come back to your regular journaling.

If you’re really not comfortable with making a big change midway through your journal, perhaps consider starting a second one that you can use in different ways.

The beauty is that week to week or month to month, you can try new styles and aesthetics to keep your journal fresh and interesting, if you want to!

12. Treat yourself occasionally 

From time to time, to keep things fresh and hold your interest, consider treating yourself to some good quality new pens for journaling , some beautiful wash tape, or perhaps some stickers or stencils.

Washi tape and journaling accessories.

If journaling is a hobby that you’re committed to and you’re able to afford it, then there’s no harm in budgeting to add to your collection of supplies if it will enable you to better enjoy the activity, and achieve better results.

13. Take the pressure off

While journaling regularly is vital to make the most of the mental health benefits, it shouldn’t become a chore. 

Keep in mind the reason you started journaling in the first place and double-down on that purpose.

If you have the occasional day when you have other commitments and you prioritise them, that’s totally fine, so long as it doesn’t become a pattern which results in your journaling sliding completely.

Take the pressure off yourself, and try to embrace the mindset of this being something you do for you , as a way of taking care of yourself.

14. Remember your purpose for journaling

Striving towards a goal provides meaning and fulfilment in life.

Having purpose is so vital to the human condition because it impacts our mental health in a huge way – it’s fundamental to our sense of wellbeing . 

If you do find your journaling sliding, keep in mind the reason you started journaling in the first place and double-down on that purpose.

Striving towards a goal, whatever it may be, provides meaning and fulfilment in life.

15. Environment is key

Just like with exercising, you’ll likely find that you have a preferred time and place to journal. Experiment. 

Try journaling when you wake up, or right before you go to bed – being sure to finish on a positive note.

Likewise, consider your surroundings. You may be more content journaling in your bedroom, on a cosy sofa, or from the garden. 

Slow living minimalism at its best. The image shows the corner of a bright living space decorated with plants, and a hammock is hanging in the foreground.

If you’re not comfortable, you’ll be less likely to get into the practice, and you’ll get less out of your journaling experience.

16. Think outside of the box

As we’ve already established, journaling is very versatile. There are many different types of journals, including the classic hardback paper kind, digital journals, and the method I often use myself alongside my treasured paper one…

Life is dynamic, and as our situations change, so too will our reasons for journaling. 

One of my favourite ways to journal is via this journaling blog . I realise that not everyone would consider it journaling, but a lot of my writing is cathartic, because I spend time researching and I’m able to apply what I learn to my own situations.

My point is that journaling doesn’t have to look like the traditional notebook and pen kind that’s so popular – though that type of journaling does hold a very special place in my heart.

If you’re more inclined, you could try keeping a digital journal instead. 

17. Make notes

I highly recommend keeping journaling notes either on your phone, in a notebook in your bag, or – if it’s not too bulky – carrying your journal around so that you’re able to access it at any time.

There’s nothing more  frustrating than the opportunity to journal presenting itself, and not having the tools you need to do so.

Don’t forget to keep a pen handy too! 

18. Revisit your goals regularly

Life is dynamic and as we and our situations change, so too will our personal goals and reasons for journaling. 

It’s a good idea to check in regularly to see whether you can adjust anything to make your journaling more relevant or useful in any way.

For example, bujo can be insanely good for organisation. If you start out using a bullet journal for creative purposes and mental health, as time goes by you may find that the bujo system becomes more applicable in terms of also helping you to keep with planning and efficiency.

19. Be open and honest

Spend time working on exorcising negative feelings, letting go, and recalibrating.

In order to gain the full therapeutic benefits of journaling, it’s a good idea to be brutally honest when writing about how you feel. 

Keep your journal a completely private safe space, and write entirely for yourself so you can share your deepest thoughts without the fear of causing offence.

And then, spend time working on exorcising those negative feelings, letting go, and recalibrating. 

This is why I personally work hard on forgiveness and I always recommend ending journaling with a short gratitude list, in order to refocus on positivity.

This is when journaling truly comes into its own.

How to keep a journal | Image shows a journal beside some glasses and a bunch of pink carnations on a pale wood background..

20. Use your journal as a form of free therapy

My absolute favourite reason for journaling is that in difficult times you can spill out your stresses and frustrations onto the page. My advice is to simply allow the words to flow, don’t hold back.

Consider whether the issue causing you distress will still be important in five years time.

Sometimes you may find yourself writing things you were not even consciously aware you were thinking or feeling, and this is when journaling truly comes into its own.

I know I keep returning to this point, but once you’ve got it all down, find a fresh page, and note down a few reasons you have to be grateful.

If you’re able to relate them to the difficulties you’ve been writing about that’s great, but it’s not necessary. This will ensure you end your time journaling on a positive note.

Then – walk away, and take a break. Do something else to bring you some relief.

Keep your journal as a powerful, uplifting form of therapy.

Come back a few days later and review your writing, and very often you’ll notice that the stressful event you were so preoccupied with seems diminished and less important.

A great piece of advice I once read is to consider whether the issue causing you distress will still be important in five years time. If the answer is no, you can use that to gain some valuable perspective.

So, keep your journal as a powerful, uplifting form of therapy. Examine your inner thoughts, but with a strong focus on positive self-talk. Exorcise your negative emotions during hard times, but be careful not to wallow for too long.

Remember, journaling is supposed to help you to identify, label, and process your feelings so you can embrace a brighter and more positive attitude.

21. Keep your focus towards positivity

Negativity is an intrinsic characteristic, hardwired into us ; it’s also very damaging.

The good news is that mindfulness and living in the present moment (hello mindfulness journaling ), can counteract the negativity bias we’re all predisposed to.

It’s also worth keeping this in mind when writing about difficult, challenging, or negative thoughts and emotions. It can be cathartic to purge those feelings, but in order to be cleansed and feel liberated it’s important to reach a healthy point of letting go and moving forward positively.

Happy journaling!

  • How to write a story
  • How to write a novel
  • How to write poetry
  • How to write a script
  • How to write a memoir
  • How to write a mystery
  • Creative journaling
  • Publishing advice
  • Story starters
  • Poetry prompts
  • For teachers

Creative Writing Journal Ideas - Part 1

On this page, you'll find ideas for keeping a creative writing journal to use for your poetry, fiction, and dramatic writing. This is just one of many pages on this website with journal ideas and creative writing advice. At the bottom, you'll find links to related pages on how to keep a journal.

Your creative writing journal

If you write fiction, drama, or poetry, a journal can build your writing muscles and generate ideas. It can be a laboratory, where you experiment with different approaches. It can be a source of details to add texture and crispness to your writing. And whenever you get stuck or feel uninspired, you will be able to go to your creative writing journal for fresh material.

Here are some journal ideas for creative writers:

1)  People-watch.  The people around you can become fictional characters or the subjects of poems. You can give them roles in your writing, or just borrow details: your neighbor's nervous laugh, the shiny makeup that makes your mother's friend look like she's made out of plastic... Make notes about people you know; take your creative writing journal to a coffeehouse or a hotel lobby and describe them: their appearance, their body language, their voices, the way they relate to each other. You can go beyond mere reporting and write what you imagine as well. What do you think that woman's name might be? Where do you think she lives? Is she having an affair with that man, or are they just business partners? What is she thinking right now? What is she hiding in that big purse? Any of this can be the beginning of a story or poem. (Caution: if you are writing about people you know, be careful where you leave your creative writing journal. You may want to change names and identifying details to protect yourself against prying eyes. But you already know that.)

2)  Listen.  Eavesdrop in restaurants, in stores. Listen to your own family and friends -- really listen. Not just to what they're saying, but to the words they use, the pauses, the unique rhythms of their speech. And write down pieces of speech when they are still fresh in your ears. If you wait too long, you'll find the sentences coming out in your own voice. Learning to capture different voices on paper will help you with dialogue for stories or scripts. It can also be a source for poetry.

3)  Take a walk.  Describe your neighborhood. Describe the weather, the colors and textures, the light and shadow. Go beyond what you see -- describe the sounds, the smells, the feeling of the air on your skin. Look for the surprising details, the ones that aren't quite as you'd imagine, the ones you could never have made up. These details will give authenticity to your creative writing, make it feel real to the reader.  Click here for tips on descriptive writing .

4)  Take a field trip.  Are you writing a scene in a police station? A city dump? Visit one. Write down the details that will make the setting come alive on the page. On the other hand, if you're not in the middle of a writing project, taking a field trip can give you ideas for one. Go somewhere you would normally never go. By explaining you're a writer, you can get permission to visit places not normally open to the public. The basement of an aquarium? The backrooms of a funeral parlor? Take notes on your observations and see what story ideas emerge.

5)  Use real-life stories.  The news, gossip, the experiences of your friends, and even stories from history books can be sources for creative writing. Make notes on the story, and imagine the parts you don't know. Imagine it as if you were there. What, exactly, did people see? What were they thinking? What did it all feel like? What led up to the event; what happened next? Let your imagination fill in the gaps. Or imagine that some part of it had been different. How does that change the story?

The children's book writer  Linda Leopold Strauss  used this method to write the novel novel Really, Truly, Everything's Fine. She saw a newspaper story about a man accused of a white-collar crime, and her imagination began to work. She started to wonder if the man had a family, what conversation they would be having over their breakfast table that morning when the newspaper story came out, how the man's child might react to the news of her father's crime, how this would change the life of his child. And so a novel was born.

6)  "Free-write."  This technique is especially useful as a warm-up for creative writing or as a cure for writer's block. The way free-writing works is that you keep your pen moving on the page, normally during a set amount of time (try setting a timer for five minutes, for example). If you don't have anything to say, you can write, "I don't have anything to say," over and over until something else occurs to you. Don't judge or correct yourself as you are writing; don't worry about sounding smart or even making sense. It is a way of tricking your mind into relaxing. Then interesting things often start to happen on the page.

Continue to Part 2 of this series  for more journaling ideas.

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Motherhood Life Balance

What is a Mindset Journal to Help Growth and Change?

T here’s no doubt that your mindset has a significant impact on everything from your mental health to how organized you are with your housework. For lots of us, a mindset journal is a great way to help adjust a fixed mindset and instead embrace the power of positive thinking. But what is a growth mindset journal? And how do you use one? This blog post will look at the basics to help you take the next step in your mindset journey.

What is a Mindset Journal?

A mindset journal is a dedicated space where you can record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a means of promoting personal growth, self-awareness, and mental well-being. Unlike a traditional diary or journal, a mindset journal focuses on developing a positive outlook, setting achievable goals , and reflecting on your progress.

It is also designed to be quick, taking just five minutes each morning or evening. The idea is that the journal is a quick mindset boost for your day that can have a big impact.

A mindset journal, such as the Beautiful Mind 90-Day Journal , is a powerful tool designed to help you cultivate a strong and positive mindset while efficiently managing your daily tasks. This comprehensive journal offers 90 pages for daily gratitudes, affirmations, and to-do lists, along with “I am” affirmations , daily affirmations, and notes pages for additional insights. 

By committing to this 90-day routine, you’ll stay focused on your mindset, unleashing the positive power of the universe in your life. As a result, you’ll become more receptive to opportunities, notice increased positivity around you, and feel happier, more determined, and open to life’s wonders.

Why Can One Help with Growth and Change?

Regular use of a mindset journal can help you make a positive change. There are also other benefits that you can receive by having a regular journaling routine. These might include:

  • Enhanced self-awareness : Journaling can help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, allowing you to recognize patterns and make necessary changes.
  • Reduced stress : Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process and release negative emotions, lessening stress and anxiety .
  • Improved emotional regulation : Regular journaling can help you better understand and manage your emotions, enhancing emotional intelligence and overall well-being. It also helps to reduce negative thinking and free yourself from self-limiting beliefs.
  • Increased motivation : Setting goals and tracking your progress in your journal can help keep you motivated and focused on your personal development.
  • Boosted creativity : Journaling can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, contributing to personal growth and success.

How Do You Use a Mindset Journal? 

Using a mindset journal can be done however works for you. But my basic three action steps are:

  • Think about what to write about
  • Plan when to write
  • Decide how often to write

That way, you sit down to journal and already have a clear plan for what you are going to do. That means more time journaling and less time procrastinating!

What to Write About

Your mindset journal can cover a variety of topics related to your mental health and personal growth, such as:

  • Gratitude : List things you are grateful for or appreciate in your life. Reflect on your experiences, challenges, and accomplishments.
  • Affirmations : Write positive affirmations and statements about yourself and your abilities.
  • Desires : Write about what you want to achieve so you can work towards it.
  • Inspirational quotes : Record quotes that resonate with you and provide motivation.
  • To Do List : Help be more focused by having a simple to do list for the most important tasks to complete.

The Beautiful Mind Journal was designed to help you do all of the above in 5 minutes. The prompts are on each page, so it doesn’t take you any time at all to think about what you want to write.

Focus on the list above and watch your mindset shift and your life change almost immediately.

When to Write

Choose a time of day that works best for you, whether in the morning to set intentions for the day or at night to reflect on your experiences. 

Aim to write in your mindset journal daily, but don’t worry if you miss a day – consistency is more important than perfection. This helps to build the journaling habit and puts you in a good place to get the most from it.

How Often to Write

For maximum benefits, aim to write in your mindset journal every day. However, if daily journaling feels overwhelming, start with three or four times a week and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable with the practice. You are making a meaningful change but want this simple act to feel like part of your daily routine, which will help it positively impact your life.

Why Prompts Can Help with Journaling

Daily prompts can be incredibly helpful in journaling because they provide a starting point or guidance for your thoughts, making it easier to begin writing. They can spark inspiration, encourage introspection, and help you explore specific topics or emotions that may not have surfaced otherwise. 

By offering a focused direction, gratitude journal prompts can alleviate the pressure of coming up with something to write about, making the journaling process more enjoyable and accessible. Ultimately, prompts serve as valuable tools for overcoming writer’s block and deepening your self-discovery journey.

Some of the most popular types of prompts include:

  • Gratitude journaling : Focus on the positive aspects of your life by listing things you are grateful for each day.
  • Affirmations : Write positive statements about yourself, your abilities, and your future to boost self-esteem and confidence.
  • Goal-setting : Define your short-term and long-term goals, and outline the steps needed to achieve them.
  • Reflection : Look back on your experiences, challenges, and accomplishments, and consider what you have learned and how you can grow from them.
  • Mindfulness exercises : Practice mindfulness by describing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment without judgment. Embrace new ideas and help your inner voice be more positive.

Overcoming Obstacles and Creative Blocks

It’s common to encounter obstacles or creative blocks using a positive mindset journal. Here are some tips to overcome these challenges:

  • Set a timer : If you struggle with getting started, set a timer for 5 minutes and commit to writing until the timer goes off.
  • Use prompts : If you’re unsure what to write about, use journaling prompts or exercises as inspiration.
  • Embrace imperfection : Remember that your mindset journal is for your eyes only – it doesn’t have to be perfect. Allow yourself to write freely without worrying about grammar or structure.
  • Be patient : Don’t worry if you don’t see immediate benefits from journaling. It takes time and consistent practice to experience the full range of benefits.

Using a Mindset Journal for Success

Maintaining a mindset journal can significantly benefit your mental health and personal growth by promoting self-awareness, reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and boosting motivation. By incorporating various prompts, exercises, and techniques into your journaling practice, you can create a comprehensive and effective tool to help you stay focused and motivated, and improve your overall well-being.

What is a Mindset Journal to Help Growth and Change?

How to Write Better: Inside Investigative Journalist Will Carless’ Award-Winning Career

Featured uc san diego extended studies creative writing program instructor shares winning tips, media contact:.

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From examining book bans across America to white supremacy and online hate groups, the January 6 insurrection, and many compelling issues in between, investigative journalist Will Carless not only has a penchant for an important story, but also feels a civic obligation to uncover the truth to ensure fairness, accuracy, transparency, and accountability.

As a veteran national and international correspondent, he serves as a public watchdog of sorts by uncovering the intricate details of extremism and current events or emerging issues — these days, his byline can be found in USA TODAY .

In his two decades in the profession, the award-winning journalist — who has interviewed presidents, hardcore neo-Nazis, international superstars, and fishermen on the Amazon river — has worked in newspapers, radio, television, and feature films.

“I got into this career because of the altruism of it. I wanted to make the world a better place,” Carless said. “These days I’m less starry eyed than I used to be. But I have to spend eight hours of my day doing something; I could spend eight hours doing something that doesn’t change or improve the world. At least I’m doing something that informs people.”

Imparting expertise

Carless believes that part of that mission should include sharing his expertise with others, including aspiring journalists and those who want to hone their writing and interviewing skills. 

One way he does that is by teaching two courses for UC San Diego Extended Studies: The Writer's Art of Interviewing , which he began teaching during summer quarter 2023, and News and Feature Writing , which he started teaching during winter quarter 2024. Both online courses are elective options within the Professional Certificates in Creative Writing and Science Communication programs. “The Writer’s Art of Interviewing” is also an elective within the Content Marketing Specialized Certificate program

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Following the path to the next story

For both of his courses, Carless pulls from his journalist playbook, one that spans across the globe. Carless — who was packing for a weekend trip to Mexico City during this interview — has traveled to more than 80 countries, reporting in most of them. Before joining USA TODAY in 2020, he was a correspondent covering extremism at Reveal, The Center for Investigative Reporting. Before that, he worked as a foreign corresponden t for Public Radio International in South and Central America and was also the Head of Investigations at the Voice of San Diego .

Born in New York, Carless spent most of his youth in Brazil and then England and didn’t have his sights set on journalism — at first. It was after earning a law degree at the University of Exeter that he discovered he wanted to be a journalist and not an attorney. It turned out to be a good choice. Launching his journalism career in 2003 as the Arts & Culture Editor at the La Jolla Light , he has won several international and national awards for his investigative reporting. 

The globetrotting journalist shared some of his career highlights so far, some of which he has explained more in-depth in his Art of Interviewing course. 

“I was standing only a few feet away from Dilma Rousseff in Brazil when she was impeached. That was a historic moment,” he said. “I was also pretty much held up at gunpoint in Brazil, which was a hairy moment. I covered Obama’s visit to Jakarta, which was cool.”

Mining the “gold”

While he has had some once-in-a-lifetime moments, Carless said a big part of being a foreign correspondent is “putting yourself at the right place and right time. It’s jumping on a plane and staying in a crappy hotel room and jumping on a motorbike and finding someone who will talk to you.”

Another memorable assignment Carless likes to share with his students is when he was in a refugee camp on the side of a mountain in Indonesia where people had escaped the lava from an erupted volcano.

“People in Indonesia tend to be very shy and people won’t talk unless they are addressed. It’s very important even if people haven't said anything to acknowledge everyone who is there,” he said. “I went around the circle and asked everybody their name and one guy had his daughter on his lap. He hadn’t said a word.  I asked his name and age and his daughter’s name and age. His daughter's name was interesting — Wahyu Lavania. It means born from the lava. She was born in this refugee camp three years ago when they were also escaping the volcano. That was a memorable interview. The lesson I learned is you do the formalities because you never know what’s going to come out of it. Sometimes you get some gold.”

I was standing only a few feet away from Dilma Rousseff in Brazil when she was impeached. That was a historic moment. I was also pretty much held up at gunpoint in Brazil, which was a hairy moment. I covered Obama’s visit to Jakarta, which was cool.

That “gold” became the lead for Carless’ article, which was published in the New York Times . Here’s an excerpt: 

Karjono knows the Umbulharjo evacuation camp well. It was here, four years ago, while his family was seeking shelter from Mount Merapi’s last spate of eruptions, that his first daughter was born into the chilly mountain air. Mr. Karjono, a hollow-faced 34-year-old farmer from the tiny village of Pangurejo, two kilometers, or a little over a mile, from Merapi’s fiery crater, named his daughter Wahyu Lavania —" A Revelation from the Lava.”

On Thursday night, Lavania huddled against her father and tried to sleep as the evacuation camp hummed around her. The family was among the victims of twin natural disasters that caused havoc in separate parts of the Indonesian archipelago this week.

Sharing compelling tales

Carless likes to use this example during his course to show the ingredients of a compelling story.

“In the class, we break down what makes a good story, before we even think about interviewing. It has to be original, informative and engaging,” he said. “I want people to leave my class with some real practical knowledge.” 

Some of his students are aspiring book authors while others are science writers who want to improve their interviewing skills.

“I've been incredibly impressed with the variety of my students and how accomplished and smart they are,” he said. “I have a lot of professionals who want to do more writing. I’ve had a couple of post-graduate students who want to be science journalists. My ideal student is someone who is going to use these skills the next day.”

Building an equipment checklist

Carless also gives tips on what kind of equipment needed to prepare for an interview: such as a recorder, laptop, battery charger, backup battery for your phone, snacks, and a water bottle.

“You should have a checklist,” he said. “It has taken me 20 years to make sure I have this stuff in my bag ready to go.”

I've been incredibly impressed with the variety of my students and how accomplished and smart they are. I have a lot of professionals who want to do more writing. I’ve had a couple of post-graduate students who want to be science journalists. My ideal student is someone who is going to use these skills the next day.

Inspiring and informing

To some extent, Carless hopes both of his courses will also encourage a new crop of savvy writers who will carry on the torch. While he says the heydays of journalism were “much more swashbuckling and sexy than it is now,” a well-informed and well-written story can help inspire meaningful discussions and even change.

“There are major American communities now with no local news source. It’s pretty terrifying,” he said. “Journalists are like teachers and educators. We put out information so society can make greater informed decisions. It's a small cog in the wheel, but it’s an important one. I’m still proud to be doing it.” 

Creative writing and content marketing certifications

The UC San Diego Extended Studies Professional Certificate in Creative Writing is designed for students and professionals to practice and master the art and craft of good writing, imparting skills to write in a variety of genres. Core creative writing courses are balanced with select electives in areas like Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Children’s Writing, Poetry, and/or The Business of Writing in order to develop more specific skills.

The Specialized Certificate in Science Communication is designed to provide current and future science professionals with the skills to communicate effectively about science from a journalistic perspective. Students will learn the art of making science relevant and more accessible to different audiences.

The Content Marketing Specialized Certificate is aimed towards strategic storytelling skills for the creation and distribution of content to attract, acquire, and engage a clearly defined and targeted audience. Students learn how to drive profitable customer action by building and retaining audiences and increasing ROI (return on investment) through the development of valuable and accessible content.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. 50 Inspiring Journal Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

    50 Inspiring Journal Prompts to Spark Your Creativity By Sanjana Gupta Published on August 22, 2023 Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Cavan Images / Getty Images Table of Contents Benefits of Using Journal Prompts How to Use Journal Prompts Journal Prompts You Can Try How Do You Come Up With a Journal Prompt? Conclusion

  2. How To Write a Creative Journal in 6 Steps

    1. Gather inspiration Most people don't just wake up one morning, say 'I'm going to start a creative journal today,' and then proceed to write the most amazing journal ever without any time to think or prepare. Sure, there are probably a few people who could do that, but overthinkers like us? Not very likely.

  3. 8 Effective Journaling Techniques for Creative Writing

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    4 Advantages of Keeping a Journal. Julia Cameron, acclaimed author of The Artist's Way and more recently a 6-week program outlined in a book called Write for Life, begins the writing and artistic life with a practice she calls morning pages. In essence, she suggests writing three pages each morning to explore ideas and life, and to clear the mind.

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    Better self-knowledge A chance to improve your writing skills on a daily basis A better frame of mind for reconciling with others (improved relationships) Better problem-solving An enhanced capacity for learning new things How to Start a Journal A fresh new journal represents a fresh start — with new ideas and discoveries.

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    1. Traditional Written Journal "What?" you might be thinking, "How is a traditional journal creative? I already know how those work." The goal is to use a traditional journal to unlock new thoughts. Open up a notebook, and you are confronted with very normal lines to write on.

  7. What is a Creative Journal and Should You Make One

    Ideal for brainstorming ideas As a creative person, one problem you've no doubt faced many times is coming up with new ideas. For example, a writer often struggles with "writer's block", finding it hard to know what to write. In this instance, a journal could be used to write down ideas, in no particular order.

  8. How To Start A Creative Journal And Nurture Your Artistic Side

    Emily Ker 2 Jul 2021 • 6 min read There's truly no limits to what journals can be used for. We've looked at gratitude journals, reflective journals and even bible journals. Now, let's celebrate our artistic sides and take a look at what creative journals have to offer! What is a creative journal?

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    As a writer, one of my favorite ways to do creative journaling is to keep a story journal. This is basically a journal in which you write responses to a question or single word prompt every day. The idea is, you roll the question or word around in your mind for a moment and then start writing.

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    Try these 14 creative things to write in a journal and just see what happens! From moments in time to pets and more, these 5 creative journal topics will be sure to spark endless writing possibilities. How To Use Creative Writing Exercises. We all know the old saying that practice makes perfect. Well, let me tell you something: practicing with ...

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    Published: August 4, 2022 - Last updated: August 5, 2022 Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Productivity, Self Improvement, Writing If you're looking for a way to jumpstart your creativity, a creativity journal or art journal may be the answer. A creativity journal is a notebook in which you record your thoughts and ideas.

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    Maybe you've heard of creative journaling and are curious what it is? Perhaps you're a writer and want to journal to deepen your craft? This comprehensive "How to Journal" article will answer all of your questions about journal writing.

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    1. Doodle Doodling is so easy and requires no additional tools; you could do it with your pen. Doodling on the sides of the page or between the text is a great way to break the huge writing blocks without putting too much effort and gluing stuff. See the short video below for some cute and easy doodling ideas for beginners. 2. Paint

  14. 13 Tips and Prompts for Creative Journaling

    Journaling helps you change, process changes in your life, and reflect more deeply on yourself. 1. Get a journal that inspires you to write. My Previous Journal (2014) - An Artist's Sketchbook. I wouldn't recommend buying an expensive leather journal, because it may be too intimidating for you to start journaling.

  15. Creative Journaling Ideas to Help You Express Yourself

    By writing your story in third person, you can put a little bit of distance between yourself and that particular event, which many find to be one of the helpful benefits of journaling. 3. Consider bullet journaling. Bullet journaling is another great way to embrace your creativity and incorporate it into your journaling practice.

  16. How to Write a Journal: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

    Part 1 Starting Your Own Journal Download Article 1 Find something to contain your journal entries. Traditionally, people who kept journals used literal, physical journals - small paper notebooks. You may want to use a cheap spiral or composition notebook or opt for a nicer hardcover journal.

  17. How to make writing in your journal fun and creative

    By Brittany April 14, 2020 Consider this your complete journal writing guide. For Craft the Rainbow month, celebrating 2 years of my book Craft the Rainbow, we have been getting back to our creative basics. Think rainbows, craft supplies we all have around the house, kid's projects, and - writing in our journals!

  18. How to Start Journaling: 21 Tips to Make it a Ritual You'll Keep Up

    18. Revisit your goals regularly. Life is dynamic and as we and our situations change, so too will our personal goals and reasons for journaling. It's a good idea to check in regularly to see whether you can adjust anything to make your journaling more relevant or useful in any way.

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    Here are some journal ideas for creative writers: 1) People-watch. The people around you can become fictional characters or the subjects of poems. You can give them roles in your writing, or just borrow details: your neighbor's nervous laugh, the shiny makeup that makes your mother's friend look like she's made out of plastic...

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