How to Make Journaling an Intentional Practice in the New Year
One of the top tools that any mental health professional will tell you to use in your mental health journey is journaling. Journaling can be used in a number of different ways: writing down your thoughts and feelings, reflecting on the events of the day, setting your intentions for the week, writing letters to your future self, setting goals about the future, prayer, tracking healthy habits, and so many other things. You can find tons of blank journal options at retailers, but if you’ve never kept a diary or journal before, it can feel overwhelming to just sit down with no prompt and begin writing. You may end up just staring at the paper and feeling more overwhelmed than you were before. If you’re wanting to incorporate journaling into your mental health practices in the new year, we’ve compiled a few great journals, at different price points, and for different purposes, that can help you as you start this process.
Papier is an online retailer for all types of paper goods from stationery to journals and more. Papier has tons of beautiful styles to choose from because much like picking out the perfect outfit can boost your mood, having a lovely journal to write in can feel like an act of self-care in and of itself.
Pros: These journals are made in the USA and use ethically sourced paper and non-plastic packaging. They also contain both morning and evening prompts, so no matter when you decide to journal, you have a prompt for that occasion.
Cons: While they look amazing, Papier journals are on the higher end as far as price goes. They run about $35 when they are not on sale. They also only contain about five months worth of prompts, so they may not last you as long as other options.
Promptly is another company that specializes in journals. They have a ton of options for different types of journaling, including the gratitude journal linked above, and they even have a journal specifically for people working through anxiety and postpartum journeys. These are also spiral bound if you prefer that style for writing!
Pros: These journals are a little less expensive, coming in around $30. They also have more simplistic designs if that’s more of what you’re looking for. They also contain 52 full weeks of journal prompts and space for free-writing at the end of each week’s prompts.
Cons: The one downside in comparison to Papier journals is that Promptly does not explicitly mention where they source their paper, so if environmentalism is important to you, this might not be the choice for you.
Intelligent Change’s products are more specific in purpose. They focus on mindfulness and specific goals. These simple, straightforward journals would be great for anyone who wants to have specific focuses as they journal.
Pros: These journals are at a really affordable price point, coming in at $20. They also provide lots of structure for people who are just starting out in learning to journal. They also have six months worth of undated pages, meaning that you can start journaling any time.
Cons: Because the prompts are more structured, there is less space for free-writing if that’s something that you’re looking for in a journal.
Other Options
These are certainly not the only journal options on the market. (And we’re not paid or sponsored to promote these particular ones!) You can find tons of options similar to these at Barnes and Noble, Target, or even Half Price Books. Even some of the boutiques in downtown Rockwall have beautiful journals as part of their inventory! Another option can be to look on Etsy. Many creators there will hand paint or hand etch journals for an even more personalized book. Another option you may be interested in is bullet journaling. This is like a “create your own adventure” type of journal where you take a grided or dotted journal (rather than one with lines) and create spaces for journaling, to-do lists, long-term goals, calendar, health habits tracking, etc. Bullet journaling is great for people who enjoy doodling and using markers or watercolors as a way to relax. You can create your own bullet journal or search for a pre-made version.
Whatever you choose to use, we hope that if you are wanting to be more intentional in your journaling practice this coming year, you find a tool that best fits your needs. If you’re reading this and still wondering why journaling would be important or how you can use it to achieve your mental health goals, please connect with us here at Rockwall Counseling and Wellness. It would be our honor to talk with your about your goals and help you achieve optimum mental wellness.
Written by Emily Taylor, Contributing Writer