Helpful Tips for Sticking to a Journaling Routine

Creating a routine with your journaling practice is the best way to ensure you will do it 
every day, and benefit the most from it. If you only use your journal every once in a 
while, it is hard to know if it is helping you at all. Here are some tips for sticking to the 
journaling routine you create for yourself.


Pencil it in

When you first start a new routine, any routine, you need it to become a habit. Before 
you can do that, it will have to be scheduled in. You want to add it to your daily planner 
or calendar just like any other appointment or event you have. Treat it like an 
assignment you have every day, something you have to do before the day is over. 
Whether it is added to your night or morning routine, you need to stick to it by having it 
written on your schedule each and every day.


Start Small

If you are having trouble sticking to your journal routine, simplify it a little bit. Don’t try to 
have a complex daily routine where you start 5 different habits at the same time. You 
need to pick just one thing, and keep it as simply as possible. Maybe with your journal, 
you just write for 5 minutes every morning, or you follow one journaling prompt every 
day. Then you can gradually use your journal more, add other topics, or add other 
activities to the routine.


Find a Journal You Love

Want to journal every day and actually enjoy doing it? You need a journal you LOVE. 
Not just one that you have lying around or that works, but isn’t that great. Really take 
your time to find a journal that is affordable for you, the size you want, and has pages 
set up how you want them. Having a pretty cover might seem superfluous, but it can 
make all the difference. Add to that a pen you love to write with, and suddenly journaling 
is an activity you look forward to.


Set Up a Journaling Space

If possible, try to have a dedicated space in your home for your journaling routine. It 
should be somewhere that is quiet and peaceful during the time of day you want to use 
your journal. Keep your journal, pens, and maybe some art supplies in the area as well. 
You might also want to set it up with decorative items, candles or an essential oil 
diffuser to have ambiance.


