6 Types of Journaling & Which is Best for You
- kae
- Feb 24, 2024
- 4 min read
In my last post, I briefly touched on how journaling can help with mental health and mentioned a few types of journaling. If you aren't sure what type of journaling is right for you or don't even know what types there are, this is the post for you! Keep reading to learn about 6 different journaling styles and get inspired. :)
1. Bullet Journaling
Arguably the most popular type of journaling, bullet journaling combines several journaling goals into one system. It is a versatile way to keep organized as it can be used as a daily diary, a calendar and task manager, a place to reflect and process things—just about anything you’d like!
To start, you lay out your week with days and bullet points for your tasks. Many people like to decorate their bullet journals with a bunch of washi tape and pens, but you can also make yours more simple! It is adjustable to however you want it to look like.
Benefits of Bullet Journaling
Customizable to your needs and budget
Promotes organization
Keeps everything where you can see it
Who's it best for?
Anyone who enjoys planning or organizing their daily lives
Those who aren't sure how to get on track with everything they have to do
2. Personal Journaling/Blank Notebook Journal
If you feel inspired to write, a personal/blank notebook journal is perfect! It’s like a small safe space that fits in your bag and you can enter it whenever you want and share what’s on your mind.
Some ideas: writing about your day, small stories, poetry, checklists, fitness logs, etc. Feel free to write and decorate (or not decorate) however you want!
Benefits of a Blank Notebook Journal:
A blank canvas that can fulfill every journaling need
Gives you an unmatched creative freedom
Who’s it best for?
People who don’t want to follow a certain structure
Writers
3. Travel Journaling
If you enjoy traveling and want another way to document your adventures other than selfies, travel journaling may just be the right thing for you. Often a mix of visual journaling, writing, and collaging mementos from your trip, feel free to use whatever journaling style feels most natural and fun to you—you are on vacation, after all!
You can use almost anything you collect from your travels in this journal; a few ideas would be plane/train/bus tickets, receipts, stickers, food wrappers, pictures, brochures, and whatever else you find!
Benefits of Travel Journaling
Fun keepsake of your journeys
Also can be used as a packing list/itinerary
Who's it best for?
Everyone! Even if you don’t travel so often, or so far from home, it’s still great to give your journeys this note of special importance
4. Deco Journaling
One of my personal favorites, deco journaling! While there isn't a common definition for it, I would say that it is just putting stickers everywhere and decorating your spreads with them, hence the term 'deco.' This is more of a creative outlet style that doesn't focus so much on planning themes. :)
Benefits of Deco Journaling
Inspires creativity
Stress relief/expression
Who's it best for?
Anyone looking for less of an organization/writing technique and more of a hobby
Those who love to decorate things!
5. Artistic/Scrapbook Journaling
Not everyone needs to be an artist to keep an artistic journal and/or scrapbook. Anyone can take a pencil, pen, or whatever they like, and experiment on paper. You can also take a multitude of paper items and stick them into your journal. This type of journaling can help you achieve a sense of freedom, see different perspectives, express your thoughts and emotions through drawing (when it’s hard to do with words), and much more.
Benefits of Artistic Journaling
Releasing your creative energy
Preserving creative artistic ideas
Who’s It Best For?
Artists
Anyone who wants to express their creative potential
Those who want to express their feelings and emotions without words
Those who want to focus on psychological well-being
6. Gratitude/Reflective Journaling
Studies indicate that consistent engagement in gratitude exercises can enhance happiness, overall well-being, and even physical health. Establishing a gratitude journal serves as an effective method for cultivating a mindset of appreciation and maintaining a record of everything that brings you joy.
Keep it as simple as jotting down five things you’re grateful for every night, or get more elaborate by visually journaling the things you love!
Benefits of Gratitude Journaling
Improves mental health
Helps you keep your focus on what’s positive
Reduces stress and anxiety
Who’s It Best For?
Those who want to feel better, be happier, and have a positive attitude
Those who’d like to keep a journal, but don’t have time for extensive writing
Over and Out!
Of course these aren't all the types of journaling out there, but these are some of the most common types to get you started on your journey! Try them out and find out what suits you best. Click here to get tips on how to start journaling and stick with it! Thanks for reading. :)
What is have super duper terrible handwriting that looks like chicken scratch? 🐔