How you can change your life by journaling daily. Is it possible? Heck yes! Your days are filled with so many thoughts, ideas and to-do lists. It can be hard to keep up with your own brain! But what if I told you that Journaling doesn’t have to be just another thing to add to your already busy schedule? You have probably heard that Journaling has so many benefits, but it may not sound easy to prioritize or even do!
Journaling has been a game changer for me and so many others. I am going to show you the benefits of Journaling and the different types of journaling (yes there are more then one so hang tight to read which type might be the perfect fit for you!). I have also added 20 prompts to help you start journaling and I will teach you how to make it a habit that lasts!
Journaling is beneficial because we process things so differently when we have an external outlet. It’s slower to write than to think or speak, which enables us to process things a little slower. We can then read it back and process it even more!
I have been making journaling more of a priority in my life and I have seen that it has helped wash my mind clean of things.
For example, if I have been feeling a little anxious about something I write it out, then look back over it and think ‘wow that’s actually not a big deal’ and give it to God. Asking Him to replace this feeling of anxiety with Peace.
It usually makes the process I need to work through faster and easier because of the clarity I gained by writing it out and being able to see it for what it is! Let’s jump in and see how you can change your life by journaling daily!
***This post may contain affiliate links, but only to products I genuinely love. It won’t cost you anything extra. You can read the full disclosure here.***
The Benefits of Journaling
Journaling stores Memories
There are many benefits of Journaling! One benefit is to store memories. For example, if you had a wonderful day that was worth remembering write it all down.
They say that photos store memories and they do! However writing down the funny thing your 5 year old said or why your grandma chose to wear what she was wearing help solidify these memories into your short term memory. How to start Journaling your memories? Write them in your phone and when you get home elaborate on it.
Creates ideas or realizations
Another benefit is to create ideas or realizations. For example, something that you saw or thought of may have sparked an idea. Sitting down and writing why that idea sparked something and fleshing it out more could lead to some significant ideas or dreams being birthed that may have stayed stagnant if not written out.
I have realized some very important things after journaling. I have realized things like why I am sometimes scared of change, or why I was so hurt by something someone said. By writing it out I was able to realize why those things affected me and I could start the journey to work through them, and this is exactly how you can change your life by journaling daily!
Process your Feelings
The third benefit and one of the reasons most people start journaling is to process their feelings. Let me tell you it works! It may not feel like it the first few times. However, getting out your feelings on paper helps your mind categorise, focus and process what is going on inside our mind.
Sometimes if you don’t have an external outlet our mind can go in circles and not get anywhere. However, writing it all out enables you to understand why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. It can be extremely helpful.
How to start Journaling to process your feelings is to just write what you feel but don’t stop there! Always write what made you feel that way, there’s always a reason!
Different types of Journaling
How you can change your life by journaling daily is to choose what works best for *you*. There are a few different types of journaling techniques. I use them in different ways and at different times of the day.
The Artist’s Way – Morning Pages Journalling
Morning Pages are incredibly helpful. I discovered these a few years ago and they have helped me immensely with clarity, purpose and removing any distractions.
In the Artists Way book, the author Julia Cameron describes Morning Pages as; “Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages* – they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only.
Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page…and then do three more pages tomorrow….As we write Morning Pages, we tend to get things “right.” Our days become our own. Other people’s agendas and priorities no longer run our lives. We care for others, but we now care for ourselves as well.” -Julia Cameron
For me Morning Pages have cleared my mind of anything that is of little importance but is just in the way. It also gives me clarity on what’s important and what to focus on. How to start Journaling Morning Pages is to just write 3 pages in the Morning of anything and everything that comes to mind.
Christian Journaling for Peace & Faith-Based Reflection
This kind of journaling just hits different… it’s not about writing perfectly or filling pages, it’s about meeting with God. I love having something that gently guides my thoughts back to truth, especially on days where my mind feels all over the place. It helps me slow down, reflect on Scripture, and actually process what God is doing in my life — not just rush through my quiet time. There’s something really grounding about putting your prayers, thoughts, and gratitude on paper. It turns journaling into something deeper… more meaningful… more anchored.
Self-Care Journal with Daily Prompts for Mindfulness & Reset
This is one of those journals that just makes everything feel a little lighter. When you don’t know what to write, having prompts takes away that pressure instantly. I love using this on days where I feel overwhelmed or mentally cluttered — it helps me pause, reset, and check in with myself. It’s simple, but it brings you back to the present moment in such a gentle way. If you’ve ever felt like journaling is “too much,” this makes it feel easy again.
Guided Bullet Journal for Productivity, Goals & Creative Planning
Okay this is for the girls who love a little structure… but still want it to feel fun. I love how this blends planning with creativity — it’s not just about being productive, it’s about being intentional with your time and your goals. You can map things out, brain dump, track habits, and still make it feel aesthetic and personal. It’s honestly such a good way to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. And when everything feels clearer… life just feels calmer.
5-Minute Gratitude Journal for Positivity & Daily Happiness
If you do nothing else… do this. Truly. This is one of the easiest ways to shift your mindset without overcomplicating anything. It takes five minutes, but it changes the way you see your life. I love reaching for this in the morning or before bed — it brings me back to what’s actually good, even on hard days. And over time, you start to notice more to be grateful for… which is such a beautiful shift.
Mental Health Check-In Journal with Prompts & Coloring Pages
Some days you don’t need to “deep dive”… you just need to check in. I love journals like this because they feel gentle and supportive, not overwhelming. The prompts help you process your emotions in a really simple way, and the coloring pages add that extra calming element when you don’t feel like writing much. It’s perfect for those slower days where you just need a little mental reset. Think of it as giving your mind a soft place to land.
Journaling Tools & Supplies
Okay… this is where journaling went from something I should do… to something I actually wanted to do.
The little things matter more than you think. Having a pen that writes smoothly, highlighters that make things feel soft and pretty, and a pouch to keep everything together just makes the whole experience feel easier. I personally love using erasable pens (because let’s be honest… I change my mind a lot), and subtle highlighters to mark thoughts that stand out to me.
It’s not about having a huge setup — it’s about creating something that feels inviting. Something that makes you want to sit down, slow down, and just be for a few minutes.
And once it feels good… consistency comes naturally 🤍
You can check out my curated list of Journaling Tools and Supplies here.
Aesthetic Notebooks & Blank Journals
There’s just something about a beautiful notebook that makes you want to sit down and write… you know? I’ve found that when a journal feels good — the cover, the paper, the whole vibe — I’m so much more likely to actually use it. Whether it’s a soft neutral, a floral design, or something super minimal… it should feel like you.
I love having a blank journal for those moments where I don’t want prompts, I just want to think, process, pray, or brain dump whatever is on my heart. No rules, no structure — just space. And honestly, those are often the entries that end up meaning the most. It’s simple… but it creates so much clarity.
Check out these Notebooks and blank journals here.
Digital Journaling & iPad Tools
If you’ve ever thought “I want to journal but I just can’t stick to pen and paper”… this might be your thing. Digital journaling is such a good option, especially if you’re already on your phone or iPad a lot. It makes it easy to quickly write things down, reflect, or even keep everything organized in one place.
I love this for those random thoughts during the day or late at night when I don’t feel like setting up a whole routine. You can keep it super simple or make it creative with templates and layouts — whatever works for you. It takes away the friction… and when something feels easy, you’re way more likely to stay consistent.
Journaling Routine Must-Haves
This is where everything comes together… because journaling isn’t just about writing — it’s about the environment you create around it.
For me, it looks like a cozy blanket, a warm drink, maybe a candle lit, and just a few quiet minutes to myself. Nothing complicated… just intentional. These little things signal to your body that it’s time to slow down, breathe, and be present.
You don’t need a perfect routine — you just need something that feels calming and realistic for your life. Even 5–10 minutes like this can shift your whole mood. And over time, it becomes something you actually look forward to… not something you have to force.
You can check out the whole list of Journaling Routine Must have’s here.
Why do YOU want to Journal?
How you can change your life by journaling daily is achieved by daily choices. However whats even more important is knowing your *why*. Having your why keeps you motivated. You do not need to start off with having 4 journals like I have. I wouldn’t even recommend that to start off with. Start with one, and then add others to it when and if the timing feels right.
I would start by writing down all the reasons as to WHY you want to journal and it should help you know which type of journaling you should start with. This is all about YOU so make sure it feels right to you.
I really enjoy journaling! I am an external processor (journaling is SO beneficial for internal processors too, maybe even more so) however, I don’t always have people that I can process things through with.
Sometimes it’s not even appropriate to talk to some people about the things I am processing because it may involve someone else and it just isn’t their business.
I find it helpful to process everything into my journals so that when I do have dinner with my husband at the end of the day, or coffee with a friend I am so much more freed up to talk about other things rather than just myself and what I’m going through!
How to start Journaling – and making it a habit
This part is fun. You need to make this a ritual, rather then a chore. You need to look forward to this time of day. Ways that you can do that are by creating a cozy spot that is you ‘journaling home’. It could be on your couch, outside on the porch, or at the Dining table. Wherever it is make sure it’s comfortable and a place that is de-cluttered and peaceful.
I always make a cup of Tea in a Tea pot so that it reminds me to slow down and that I have time (If you don’t have much time make a cold drink, a smoothie or something that you will enjoy while you’re writing).
Something else that helps is to have something that you do every day that will trigger the habit. For example do it with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, after Dinner. Doing it at the same time everyday linked with something you always do will help you make this a habit.
How to start Journaling- use these prompts to help you get started:
- What is my favorite thing about myself?
- Is there an area of my life I feel stuck in? What changes can I make to feel ‘un-stuck’?
- How did I show kindness and love to someone today? How can I do this more often?
- Are there lies I am believing about myself? What is the Truth that I can replace those lies with?
- What are 3 words I would like people to describe me as? How can I become those things?
- What would I like to see changed in my life a year from now?
- What is one thing I should do less of? and one thing I should do more of? (for me less tv, more books)
- What kind of friends do I have? Do I attract healthy and uplifting friends? if so how can I cultivate them more? If not how can I change this?
- When I visualize my life 5 years from now what do I see? How can I work towards that?
- What brings me joy?
- What are 5 of my favorite memories and why? How can I keep creating good memories?
- What is making my life feel complicated right now? What can I do to simplify this?
- When do you feel most you? How can you feel like this more often?
- What is a weakness i have that i can improve on?
- What do I feel like God is proud of me for?
- When is a time that you felt the most proud of your accomplishments?
- Who inspires me and why? How can I use their inspiration to improve my own life?
- Is quality time with those I love a priority? If not why not? and how can you change this?
- What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
- What would success for you look like?
BONUS TIP
-Make a sentence for everyday, either a mantra for how you want your day to be, a declaration of sorts or to end your day, wrapping it up in a sentence.
-Try to put a positive spin on it even if it was a bad day as it’s good to end the day like that believing that God is still working and good regardless of whether you had a good or bad day.
How you can change your life by journaling daily is a choice only you can make, but it you make it a ritual that you look forward to in your day. You can do this by having your favourite drink, putting on peaceful music and sitting somewhere cozy. Make it a time you look forward too.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
-‘The Ultimate Guide to Quality Sleep and the *coziest* Night Routine‘
– ‘The Biggest Mistakes you *might* be making with Self-Care – and how to do it Better‘
– ‘My Exact Guide to a Slow Morning Routine‘
Thank you!!!
[…] -‘How to start Journaling and making it a habit that lasts‘ […]