You want to start journaling, but you don’t even know where to start. Does that sound familiar? Not sure what kind of journal to get or pen to use?
I have journaled for 25 years, not every day and sometimes not very consistently. But over the last 5 years, I have tested different styles of journaling, different sizes and types of journals, and different tools for journaling.
For an entire year, I handwrote the guided sections of my journal every single day. That’s right. The layout of my morning pages journal started with handwriting each section until I refined and published it.
Having the right supplies can make a big difference in your journaling experience. While you don’t need anything fancy to start, investing in quality tools and fun accessories can help you stay motivated and inspired.
In this blog, I’ll share the following:
- The benefits of journaling
- Essential journaling supplies
- Fun and creative journaling supplies
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The benefits of journaling
I first started journaling when my dad died in 1999. I was 14 years old and didn’t know how to process my emotions. Journaling and writing poetry became an outlet for me. I could put what was spinning in my head on paper without anyone judging me. I have continued to use this tool throughout my adult life.
A 2013 study by Ullrich and Lutgendorf found that journaling about stressful or traumatic events was associated with increased emotional regulation and greater feelings of well-being. My dad’s death was very traumatic; it was unexpected and ignited years of pain. Journaling through it helped me to grieve, feel a sense of purpose, and focus on my emotional well-being.
Even if you haven’t experienced trauma, there is so much value to your mental and emotional health in spending time intentionally with your thoughts. Digging deeper into who you are and how you feel is freeing. It can help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression by providing a space to prioritize fears, problems, and concerns.
Essential journaling supplies
There are over 80,000 results when you search “journal” on Amazon. So how do you know which one will be the right one? A lot of it is personal preference. I personally like a smaller 6 x 8 journal, but some people like a larger one. I like a soft cover that is bound. Some people like a spiral-bound hard cover. I like cream-colored paper, some people like white. Some people prefer lines, and some prefer a dot grid journal. So, your very first task is to figure out what you like.
And, of course, the pens. I am pen-obsessed and have very strong opinions about pens and their uses. Finding a reliable pen that gives consistent ink and doesn’t skip is the most important thing. You don’t want to start writing only to have to scribble circles to try to get the pen to work.
Here are my favorite journals:
- Morning Pages Journal
- Leuchtturm1917 notebooks
- Paperage Dotted Notebook
- 7.5 x 9.25 Notes Journal
- 7.5 x 9.25 Notes Dot Grid Journal
Here are my favorite pens:
- Pilot G2- 14 color pack 1.0mm
- Pilot G2- Black 1.0mm
- Papermate Inkjoy
- LePen
- Writech Extra Fine Black 0.5mm
No matter the journal or pen, having a good habit and routine takes commitment. Making it a priority and declaring its importance to you is key.
Fun and creative journaling supplies
If you like to get more creative, adding these fun supplies to your stash may be what you’re looking for! From washi tape to brush pens, they will take your journal to the next level.
I like my traditional morning pages journal, but the popularity of bullet journaling, a specific method of journaling that combines planning, organizing, and reflective writing, has grown significantly in recent years. As of 2021, over 4 million posts were tagged with #bulletjournal on Instagram. Beautiful layouts display the week’s schedule, meals, chores, and memories. The sky is the limit.
Here are some fun add-ins to your traditional supplies;
- Sakura Pigma Micron pens
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Knaid Washi Tape
- Zebra Mildliners
- Stickers, Stickers, and more Stickers
There is no right or wrong way to journal. Every journal is unique to its owner, and that is what makes it so beautiful. Your journal will be filled with pieces of you, so finding the right tools will help you find joy in the process.
Now that you have some tried-and-true options for journaling tools, I hope you feel inspired to start journaling. I just launched a free email course to help you establish your journaling routine. You can sign up for it here. I can’t wait to see you in the course!
