I will be discussing different types of journals, both in the sense of things like dot grids and of things like a travel journal. I will go kinda in depth on why/how you should and can keep a journal.
I personally have four different journals.
A bullet journal to keep organized and on task.
A personal journal where I reflect on myself and my surroundings.
A thought and idea pocket journal that looks like the way I think (erratic and distracted) and that I take everywhere.
A note journal that has anything I needed to write down that isn’t a task typically.
For a journal all you really need is a pen or pencil and paper. Most people have either a hardcover book or spiral journal that they use but you could even just have paper in a folder.
Materials
Pen or Pencil
Journal of some kind
Washi tape (Optional)
Stickers (Optional)
Colored pens
(Optional)
Markers
(Optional)
Scrap booking stuff
(Optional)
Paper Types
So journals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, of all kinds of colors and papers, And it is completely up to you on what you want to use. Depending on the type of journal you keep, the paper type can influence the style you use.
The four main types of paper
Lined : Good for personal journals, writing journals, dream journals, etc. Basically anything that you are writing about with long streams of thoughts.
Blank : Good for travel journals, memory journals, art journals, etc. These are great for journals that let your creativity go wild with a blank canvas.
Dotted: Good for bullet journals, pocket journals, etc. If you have lists this one and grid journals are the way to go. Also this journal can act as a blank journal but with some guidance if you want more structure.
Grid : This one is good for bullet journals and pocket journals as well. It also is great for habit journals or work out journals. The grids make it easy to track things.
Journal Types
Personal : A place to reflect and tell your deep thoughts and/or secrets. Great for times in your life when you are unsure or stressed.
Bullet : A way to have all of your tasks and projects organized all in one space. Great for people who are busy and/or need to keep track of their life. Unlike what you will see when you look up bullet journaling, It doesn’t need to be pretty, the basics are actually really simple and there is a video from the creator of the system that explains how it works. Here.
Writing : if you are a writer, use this space to flesh out ideas, be it worlds for a fictional piece or notes on a nonfictional one. If you are struggling through writer’s block, this can help. The only way to get over writer’s block is to write no matter how hard is seems.
Dream : our brains can get weird or even questionable when we sleep. If you had an interesting dream, write about it first thing when you wake in this journal.
Food : People who have a condition that needs them to track or just want to track what they eat can use this.
Ideas and Thoughts : Do you have a great idea for a story or product? Then write it here and flush it out.
Pocket : Take this everywhere with you. You can write or doodle whatever you want. It doesn’t even need to be readable
Travel : if you travel a lot then this is for you. Take your photos, memories, and mementos you have from your trip and put them here along with the date and place you went.
Art : if you are an artist then maybe consider this one. Inspired by something? Write it down or draw it. Just got some new supplies? Swatch them. Take notes on what you like about your art and what you dislike. Use it to learn how to improve.
Prayer : this is great for a deeply religious and spiritual person. Write down your deepest desires and prayers. If they are answered you can cross them out.
Reading : Are you in a book club, or like to read. Write quotes, or about your favorite character, or why you like certain things and/or reviews of the books you have read.
Gratitude : What are you thankful for and why. Write these down and reflect on them.
Project : If you are working on a project and have notes, ideas, and/or info lying around everywhere. Then this journal can help you keep all of that in one place.
Garden : When did you plant it, when will it mature, when can you harvest? What are the best plants to grow where you live? Write everything you learned or need to know here.
Workout : Track what, when, and how much you are doing during your workout. You can combine this one with the food journal for a Health and Fitness journal.
Pregnancy : Write down how you feel, how the baby is, what you need to do to prepare. Just use this as an outlet/keepsake for everything you are going through.
Junk : If you are stressed then you can just do whatever you want to this journal. Kinda like the Wreck This Journal books.
Poetry : Write a lot of poetry? Read a lot of it? Take notes or write to your heart’s content.
Combination : There are many others but just find ones that suit you and your needs.
Why you should Journal
Life is stressful and overwhelming sometimes. Journals can help you relax and get rid of negative or daunting thoughts.
It can be a creative outlet.
You can learn to improve on yourself and your abilities
It can help you get through a tough time in your life.
