How Do I Start Journaling: A Guide for Those Who Love to Write, Think, and Observe

Journaling has become something of a modern fascination. Forums, social media, and even research papers speak of its rewards: a clearer mind, steadier emotions, a sense of order in the noise. Some keep their notebooks spare and minimal; others fill their pages with sketches, colour, and collage. And yet, despite all the enthusiasm, many still hesitate to begin — perhaps unsure what to write, how often to journal, what medium to choose. And here we are, on the verge of overthinking the mindfulness practice. 

As lifelong admirers of the written word, we’d like to share a few thoughts on why beginnings can feel difficult — and how to make the process gentler, more personal, and genuinely meaningful. And we invite you to join!

Know Your “Why”

Behind every sustained habit lies a reason. Without one, even the best intentions tend to fade. So, before you buy a new notebook or open a blank page, ask yourself: why am I doing this?

There is no single answer, only your own:

• To understand your emotions and reactions.

• To feel more grounded, more present in the moment.

• To replace an unhelpful habit — whether doomscrolling, smoking, or simply drifting through hours unnoticed.

• To keep your ideas safe and visible instead of letting them vanish beneath everyday clutter.

• Or perhaps simply to try it — to see what happens when thought meets paper.

Each of these reasons is enough. What matters is that it’s true for you. Once that’s known, the rest becomes easier to shape.

What You Can Adapt

There is no such thing as the “correct” way to journal — only what helps you return to it willingly. Think of the practice as a set of small variables you can adjust: frequency, structure, and subject.

How Often Should You Write?

If you’re experimenting, let it happen when time and mood allow. Try journaling on different kinds of days — joyful, anxious, tired, restless. This helps you see the effect that writing has on different emotional states. Many people give up because they only write when they feel like it, rather than when it might truly help.

If you seek grounding or calm, begin when life feels unsettled. The act of writing steadies the mind and releases what doesn’t need to stay. Over time, you may find yourself journaling more often, simply because it feels right.

If your goal is self-understanding, set aside a few minutes daily. Note what you felt, what those feelings led you to do, and what followed. You don’t need psychological precision — even simple words like tense, hopeful, bored, energised form a language of awareness.

What Should You Write About?

Start small. A few honest lines are better than pages forced from fatigue.

• Write about not knowing what to write. That hesitation is a thought too.

• Record a moment from yesterday — a kind exchange, a meal you enjoyed, a loss that still lingers. Ordinary details give your memory texture.

• If your thoughts are racing, catch them as they come. Name each one; write it down. The act alone will slow your pace and reveal what’s real, and what’s simply worry in disguise.

Over time, you’ll find your rhythm. What matters most is not eloquence, but continuity.

Pen to Paper or Digital?

The medium you choose shapes the experience. Neither is superior — they simply invite different states of mind.

Pen to Paper

There is something profoundly human about hand and ink. The drag of a nib, the scent of paper, the deliberate pace — all of it reminds you that you are present. Handwriting slows the current of thought and gives it shape. Many writers find this tangible process comforting, even meditative. It can also become a small daily ritual: choosing the pen, opening your notebook, pausing before the first line.

Of course, it’s not without its inconveniences. Handwriting can feel tiring; some may even feel self-conscious about how their handwriting looks. A notebook takes space, and it can’t sync to the cloud. Yet those same imperfections are what make it real — the way you put words to paper is uniquely yours, just like your thoughts.

Digital Journaling

Writing digitally offers freedom and speed. Your notes are always within reach, ready to capture a sudden idea or fleeting reflection. Organisation is effortless; your entries are searchable and safe. For some, typing removes hesitation and makes expression flow more naturally.

Still, screens bring distractions — the quick flick to another app, the temptation to check notifications. And while convenience is valuable, the physical disconnect from pen and paper can make the experience feel more functional than emotional.

In truth, you needn’t choose one over the other. Many writers combine both: longhand for quiet reflection, digital notes for fleeting thoughts. The best tool is the one that makes you want to write.

Creating a Gentle Ritual

Once you’ve found your rhythm, consider building a small ritual around it. Not something strict, as a rule, but something more flexible and convenient.

Perhaps you light a candle, make tea, or simply sit by the window for a few minutes before you begin. Small gestures like these signal to the mind that it’s time to slow down. Another great way is by introducing small totems to your journaling routine: the blanket you like, the warm drink that makes you feel warm and relaxed, the pen that has something special to it — the timeless metal finish, or the colour of the ink in the fountain pen converter.  They turn journaling from a task into a moment you look forward to.

Ritual also means forgiveness: if you miss a day, you return the next without guilt. Writing, after all, is not a competition but a dialogue — between your thoughts, your hand, and your quiet self.