journaling
Want to make journaling a regular part of your life, but struggle to find the time? This post shares 3 simple journaling habits you can easily add to your daily routine—no matter how busy things get.
Okay, let’s talk about it. Grab your favourite beverage, get comfy, and let’s chat for a moment.
You want to make more time for journaling—but life is getting in the way. You wake up with deep thoughts, maybe even a few “why am I feeling this way?” moments… but between work, errands, and everything else on your plate, journaling slips right to the bottom of the list. Before you know it, another day has passed without putting pen to paper.
But what if we threw out the idea that journaling has to be just another task?
Let’s reframe it: journaling isn’t a chore—it’s a space. A space to untangle your emotions, breathe through your thoughts, and care for your mind like you would a friend. When you choose to prioritise your mental well-being, journaling becomes less about doing something extra, and more about making room for yourself.
We take in so much each day—mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. If we don’t pause to process all that input, it builds up. Cue: information overload, constant overthinking, tension headaches, emotional burnout… sound familiar?
This is where journaling comes in.
It helps filter the noise. It gives your thoughts a home. It brings clarity when your mind feels cluttered and offers stability when your emotions feel like too much to carry. Over time, it becomes a grounding habit—a ritual that gently pulls you back to centre.
So how do you actually make this a habit?
Let’s break it down. Here are 3 simple journaling habits that can help you turn daily writing into something you look forward to.
One of the easiest ways to build a new habit is by pairing it with something you’re already doing—this is called “habit stacking” and it makes journaling feel more natural, not like another task on your list.
Think about your morning routine. Maybe it’s when you’re sipping your coffee or tea, just before getting ready for the day. Take 5–10 minutes right then to jot down what’s on your mind—instead of scrolling on your phone. (Your future self will thank you!)
If you’re more of a night owl, do the same thing at night. Pair journaling with your wind-down routine—maybe right after skincare or before you turn off the lights.
You don’t need to force journaling into your day. Just stack it on top of something you already do, and it’ll start to feel like second nature.
Let’s throw out the idea that journaling has to be deep, long, or perfectly structured. Some days, a few bullet points are all you need—especially when your emotions are high and your mind’s racing.
Write one sentence or maybe it’s just a single word. Brain dump everything swirling around your head. Scribble something random. Use prompts if nothing comes to mind. All of it counts. This is your space, and there’s no “right” way to do it.
What matters most is that journaling feels like a tool for you—not a performance. It’s your place to check in, clear your mind, and express yourself freely.
And honestly? The more pressure you take off, the more powerful it becomes.
Journaling is way more inviting when the energy feels good. This is where the ritual comes in.
Light a candle or burn some incense.
Put on calming music or your favourite journaling playlist. Grab a pen you love. Choose a journal that feels good to write in (yes, aesthetics absolutely matter).
Make it a vibe—because when journaling feels good, you’ll want to keep coming back to it.
Personally, I like to keep things simple. I’ll burn a little palo santo, use the same pen every time, and journal under dim, cozy lighting. It creates a calm space that feels grounding.
You can make this totally your own—whether that’s using colourful pens, adding stickers, or journaling in your comfiest PJs. It’s all about what makes you feel at home in your own headspace.
So tell me—what do you like adding to your journaling space?
Making journaling a habit doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about finding your rhythm and making it work for you. No rules, no pressure—just you and your pen.
Which of these 3 journaling habits are you going to try first? Hit reply (or drop a comment if you’re reading this on the blog), and let’s chat! I’d love to hear what’s resonating with you.
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A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.
One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.
Let’s do this thing called ‘growth’ together!
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Want to start journaling in 2025 but don’t know where to begin? This step-by-step guide will help you tap into the transformative power of journaling and make it a meaningful part of your self-growth journey.
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