5 Easy Ways to Start Journaling 🖊️

Summary

This video provides five low-effort journaling tips for people who want to start a diary or improve their existing journaling habit. It suggests using a line-a-day journal to avoid blank page anxiety, downsizing to small notebooks that seem easier to fill, simplifying entries to quick logs of weather/meals/hobbies, incorporating art and decorations instead of writing, and keeping a running list of writing prompts for inspiration. It aims to make journaling an enjoyable, sustainable daily practice rather than a stressful or short-lived endeavor.

Takeaways

• 😊 Use a line-a-day journal to avoid feeling overwhelmed by blank pages
• 📝 Downsize to a small notebook that's easier to fill
• ✏️ Simplify entries with short, simple logs of weather, meals, hobbies etc.
• 🖍 Turn diaries into visual journals with scrapbooking, drawing, washi tape etc.
• 💡 Keep a running list of journal prompts for inspiration when stuck
• 🤔 Reflect on your day in just a line or two
• 📅 Dated journals have dates filled in already
• 🗓 Undated journals allow you to start whenever
• 🎥 Consider journaling by video if writing is tough
• 👍 Share your own journaling tips in the comments!

Q & A

What are some solutions suggested for dealing with the fear of the blank page when starting a journal?

Using a line-a-day journal that dedicates a page to the same day over successive years, writing in smaller notebooks that are easier to fill, and simplifying entries.

What are some examples of simplified journal entries?

Keeping a log of each day's weather and meals, making brief updates about a hobby like crafting or tabletop gaming, or just warming up with a quick, simple entry.

What are some non-writing ideas suggested for keeping a journal?

Scrapbooking by gluing found objects and ephemera, drawing simple four panel comics about something interesting that happened, or decorating pages with washi tape and stickers.

What is suggested for getting inspiration for what to write about in a journal?

Making a list of journal topics and prompts ahead of time on index cards or sticky notes that can be moved from page to page.

What are some sample journal prompt ideas provided?

The weather, meals, updates on a hobby, something funny or interesting that happened, etc.

What are the benefits of a line-a-day journal?

It dedicates a page to the same day over successive years so you can journal every day without feeling overwhelmed, and read previous years' entries to see personal growth.

Why might smaller notebooks be better than large journals for some people?

Smaller notebooks like A6 or pocket-sized are less intimidating and easier to fill out than a journal with too much empty space.

What options are available for undated line-a-day journals?

Undated diaries from Apica and Midori are available in 3- and 5-year versions, allowing you to start writing whenever.

What is a benefit of simplifying journal entries?

It's useful for those who find it difficult to write long, detailed accounts of their day and makes journaling more approachable.

Why are journaling tips being provided in this video?

To help serial notebook abandoners, first-time journalers, and others who struggle to maintain a journal find easy ways to start and stick with it.