Tips for Journaling Beginners: Totally New to Journaling? Here Are Some Tips…

Daisy Moore, founder of journl., blends therapy, coaching, and mindfulness to guide you on your journaling journey and personal growth.

When it comes to journaling, there are no hard and fast rules. It’s a practice that’s unique to you. Here are some of my suggestions to get the most out of journaling. You might like to think of this like a journaling framework - the lines in which you colour within.

  1. Begin with breath - Before you journal, take a few moments to relax your body and mind. This helps to oxygenate your prefrontal cortex, where you can think clearly. For you, this might be closing your eyes and taking 10 deep and slow breaths. If you need help with this download the free Insight Timer app and search my name ‘Daisy Moore’ there you will find some short guided breathing exercises. 
  2. Be honest - This might sound obvious, but we live in a world that often encourages self-censorship. We quieten our thoughts, opinions, and feelings to fit in, keep the peace, or out of fear of disapproval. I know people even lie to their own therapist. Your journal is a unique space where you can be completely honest When you’re journaling, be completely truthful with yourself. Write without self censoring. 
  3. Get curious and stay open - When journaling, be open to what arises even if it doesn’t make sense. Judgement might creep in from time to time - you are human after all. When it does, remind yourself to be curious instead. Curious about how we answer a prompt, curious to any feelings we have or resistance to the practice that we experience. 
  4. Make it feel special - we want to create a positive association with journaling so that we’re motivated to do it more often and ultimately, see greater results. Create some kind of ritual around journaling that you really enjoy. You could light a candle, write in a beautiful journal, get a nice drink, or find a cosy spot outside. It doesn’t need to be big, just special.  

Keep Going with Your Journaling Practice!

As you begin this exciting journey of self-discovery and growth, remember that journaling is personal and doesn’t have to be perfect. Every entry is a step toward greater clarity and understanding of yourself.

If you’re interested in learning more about journaling, check out Daisy’s blog How to Set Goals: A Journaling Routine to Help You Get Clear This Year, where she walks you through a reflective journaling practice that will help you align your goals with your true desires.

And don’t forget, to help you stay on track with your goals, you can download Daisy’s free Habit Tracker here. It’s a simple tool (and FREE) to keep you focused on the healthy habits that will support your growth!

Take the first step with journaling today, and remember—you already have everything within you to create the change you seek.