Have you ever wonder what to write in your journal? If so, you're not alone. While most of us are familiar with the physical and mental health benefits of regular journaling, sometimes staring at a blank-page is flat-out daunting. Luckily, you have a lot of of options when it comes to journal writing.
From bullet journal tips to dream journal ideas, here are eight ideas for what to write in your journal.
1. Try filling in the pages of a bullet journal
We love bullet journaling here at Silk + Sonder, and not just because our monthly wellness journals are a type of bullet journal. Bullet journals help provide structure, which can be helpful when you're having a hard time with daily journaling. Bullet journals offer spaces for to-do lists, habit trackers, mood trackers, spending trackers, brain dumps, and so much more. If you feel intimidated by the bullet journal, give this post on minimalist bullet journals a read. Trust us, bullet journals are not just for artsy, super-creative people!
2. Write about your travels
We know what you're thinking: But I don't travel that much! It's true that most of us aren't jetting around the globe on a regular basis, and this has been especially true over the past few years. But try to reframe your idea of what a writing about travel, or travel journaling, is.
Yes, a travel journal can be something you write in when you're on vacation, but a travel journal can also be used for a day trip or even an experience in your city or town —like when you visit a new museum or take a walk in a local park. Detailing the events of all types of travel, big or small, is an excellent use of journal space.
Writing in a travel journal can be freeing and joyful.
3. Free-write in a digital journal
When we think of journaling, we often think about putting pen to paper. And while there's a lot of power in this practice, it can also be really draining for some people — our hands cramp up, we can't read on own handwriting, the list goes on and on. In 2022, many of us are out of practice when it comes to writing by hand, so if you're struggling to write in a journal because you dread doing it with a pen or pencil, set yourself free and use a digital journal option like Word, a Google doc, or an online journal.
4. Write about your dreams
Dream journaling is a lovely, fulfilling daily practice that helps us tap into our subconscious in new and creative ways. If you're struggling with figuring out what to write in your journal, give dream journaling a try. The format is clear — you just write about your dreams, and maybe add a section about what you think they mean — so you never have to deal with that annoying and intimidating "I don't know what to write about" moment.
5. Write letters
Having a hard time free-writing? Try letter-writing instead. Write a letter to your past self, your future self, someone you've lost and miss, or someone you want to forgive. Writing letters that you never intend to send can be a therapeutic exercise — and yes, it counts as journaling!
6. Journal about what you're grateful for
Also known as gratitude journaling, sitting down and writing about what you're grateful for is a simple, structured exercise that will bring a lot of joy to your day and actually help rewire your brain so you start to scan for gratitude and positivity rather than always focusing on what's going wrong. Whether you set a timer for 15 minutes and free-write about what you're grateful for or create a gratitude list, you'll never regret focusing on what you're thankful for.
7. Make a list of your goals
These can be big goals — write a novel, move to a new city, run a marathon — or smaller daily goals, like "go for a run" or "read my book for 10 minutes." When you're stuck on what to write about and you're looking to get past the surface, making a list of your goals can really help. Not only will they remind you of what's important to you, but they'll help you get motivated.
Write down your goals — big or small.
8. Write whatever comes to mind
We know, we know: On its own, the concept of "writing whatever comes to mind" can feel scary or even impossible. But if you set a timer for 15 minutes — or promise yourself you'll fill out three pages, whatever works for you — and use that time to write truly whatever comes into your brain, no matter how ridiculous or irrelevant, you may find the exercise to be really helpful. Free-flowing thoughts are powerful and can be a way to dig deeper.
Want more great blog posts? Give these ones a read: