How to journal for beginners

Okay, so you keep hearing that journaling will change your life. Everyone on TikTok has a morning routine that involves matcha, sunrise light, and a cute journal they actually use. And now you’re like… okay but how do I even start journaling?

You’re in the right place. Whether you want to heal, vent, manifest, reflect, or just brain-dump your chaotic thoughts, this is your no-pressure guide to getting started with journaling beginner edition.

Let’s make it cute and simple.

Wait, Why Should I Even Journal?

Great question. Here’s the deal.

• Your brain has a lot going on. Writing things down helps you process and untangle the noise.
• It’s lowkey therapy when you can’t afford actual therapy.
• You’ll get to know yourself on a deeper level. Like BFF-level.
• It helps you slow down. Even if it’s just for five minutes.

You don’t need to be going through a crisis. You can journal just because. That’s the magic of it.

What Do I Need to Start Journaling?

Honestly? Not much. But here’s a quick list:

• A notebook you like. Can be cute and pink or just an old one lying around.
• A pen that doesn’t skip. Important vibes.
• Somewhere chill to sit your bed, the couch, a park bench, wherever.
• A prompt or a thought. Just something to start with.

You can also use a notes app or journaling app if you’re more of a digital girly. There are no rules here.

How to Actually Start Journaling (Without Overthinking It)

1. Set the scene

You don’t need candles and lo-fi beats unless that helps. Just find a few quiet minutes. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb if you can. Make it a mini moment.

2. Pick a prompt (or just brain-dump)

Prompts help a lot when you’re just starting out. Try something like:

• What’s on my mind right now?
• How do I feel today?
• What do I need more of in my life?

Or go totally unfiltered. Just start writing whatever comes up. It might be a rant, a to-do list, or something random like what you ate for lunch. All of it is valid.

3. Keep it lowkey

This isn’t school. No one’s grading your spelling or grammar. Write in bullet points, paragraphs, fragments whatever flows.

You can even draw little doodles or add stickers if you’re that kind of creative soul.

4. Be consistent-ish

You don’t need to journal every single day. But try to make it part of your routine, even if it’s just a few times a week. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

Beginner Journal Prompts to Try

Here’s a little starter pack for your journaling journey:

1. What do I want to feel more of in my life?
2. What’s something I’m currently learning about myself?
3. If I could talk to the version of me from one year ago, what would I say?
4. What’s something small that made me smile today?
5. How am I really doing?

Pick one and run with it. Or answer two. Or all five. You’re the boss of your journal.

Tips for Staying in the Habit

• Keep your journal somewhere visible. Out of sight, out of mind is real.
• Pair it with something you already do. Journal while you drink your morning coffee or before you scroll TikTok at night.
• Don’t guilt yourself for skipping days. Life happens. Just come back to it when you can.
• Make it fun. Use pretty pens, pastel highlighters, washi tape whatever makes you excited to open it.

Final Pep Talk

Starting a journal doesn’t mean you have to be deep all the time. Some days it’ll be reflective and wise. Other days it’ll be you writing “idk what to say” ten times. That’s okay.

The point is that you’re creating space to be real with yourself. And honestly? That’s kind of everything.

So go grab that notebook. Or open your Notes app. You’ve got this.