How To Start Journaling? + Tips

Before we start, do you know what Journaling really means? – It is a practice of writing your thoughts and feelings in a diary or journal. I started my journaling journey in the year 2017 and I still do it until now. It started when a friend of mine gives me a plain notebook and colored pens since then, my hobby is collecting different kinds of pens and papers. Journaling may be easy for others and some it’s difficult. Just keep reading! – To know the basics of how to start journaling.

 

What Essentials Should I Use?           

 

Journal

               To start journaling, you need a journal. There are four (4) types of journals you can find in the nearest stationery shops: Lined journal, Grid journal, Plain journal, and Bullet journal. Among the 4, a bullet journal is a commonly used journal in the journaling world.

               Did you know that journals have different sizes too? There are lengthwise journal, A5, A6, and A7 (Micro) size journal. You just need to choose what journal is perfect for you.

 

Tip: Don’t forget to check the gsm of the paper! If you will paint in your journal 300 gsm/140lb is the standard paper for you!

 

Pens and Markers

               Since you have your journal with you, you need to find her perfect pairs! Pens and markers have an important part in your journal because they will bring the color and vibe in it.

 

               Most journalists use Fine liner pens in their journals and some use Ballpoint pens. 0.5mm is the standard size for both pens, however, most of the fine liner brands offer different sizes such as 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.8mm, and 1.0mm.

 

Tip: For you to write smoothly in your journal, pick the not too thick and not too thin size of a pen that suite in your stroke and penmanship.           

 

               There are different kinds of markers that you can use in your journals such as coloring markers, water-based, and alcohol-based markers, and brush markers. Brush markers are usually used in calligraphy while for some they used it as a coloring tool in their doodles. It is also recommended for beginners because they can practice and improve their strokes using this tool.

 

Tip: If you're into calligraphy but don’t have a brush marker, you can use a highlighter as your calligraphy tool!

 

Note: You don’t need to buy “expensive” materials to start journaling! Unused/Old notebooks will do!

 

 What Should I Write?  

 

               This is the frequent question that beginners usually ask. There are many things you can write in your journal such as trackers, prompts, monthly spreads, or just simply your thoughts. You just need to open your mind to new ideas.

 

Trackers

               Journalists include this in their journals to track everything they want to track like followers, spending, habits, and mood.

 

Prompts

               This is a simple topic that you can start writing down ideas. Most journalists use prompts in their journals to express their thoughts on that specific topic.

 

Monthly Spreads

               It is an easy way to see your whole month in a pretty and simple look. You can create themes for every month. This may also include the cover page, calendar for that month, trackers, and weekly spreads.

 

Writing Down Your Thoughts

                It’s fine if you don’t have the talent to draw, you can still make your journal beautiful because you’re writing your thoughts. Writing down your feelings and emotions may serve as a good therapy to reduce your anxiety and depression.  

 

Note: Just be you! Remember this is your journal.

               

               I hope this article helps you to identify the basics of starting a journaling journey!