There's More Than One Way to Journal (Finding the Style That Works for You)

When I mention journalling, I can almost see some people mentally check out. "I tried it once, couldn't stick to it." "I don't know what to write." "It feels self-indulgent." "I'm not that kind of person."

I hear this a lot. And I want to gently push back — because the version of journalling most people imagine (a diary, written every morning, full of feelings) is just one tiny corner of what journalling actually is.

Journalling Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

One of the most important things I share in my free monthly workshop is that journalling has as many forms as there are people who practice it. The "right" way to journal is the way that actually works for you.

1. Bullet Journalling

If you think in lists rather than paragraphs, bullet journalling might be your match. It's structured, quick, and satisfies the part of your brain that loves to organise. Three things that went well today. Two things you're grateful for. One intention for tomorrow. Done in five minutes.

2. Prompted Journalling

If staring at a blank page feels paralysing, prompts are your friend. A question like "What am I pretending not to know right now?" or "When did I last feel genuinely at ease?" gives your mind something to grab onto. Prompts are the scaffolding — what you build is entirely your own.

3. Stream of Consciousness

Also called freewriting or Morning Pages, this approach is about writing without stopping, without editing, without judgement. It's less about the content and more about clearing the mental clutter. Think of it as rinsing your mind before the day begins.

4. Reflective Journalling

This is the approach I use most often in therapeutic work — thoughtful and intentional. You look back at an experience, a feeling, or a pattern and explore it gently. What happened? What did I notice in my body? What might this be telling me? It's powerful for building self-awareness over time.

5. Creative Journalling

Not all journalling is words. Some people find expression through drawing, collage, colour, or mind maps. If you're more visual, this might be your door in.

The Invitation

My free monthly Journalling for Wellbeing workshop is a gentle, no-pressure space to experiment with some of these approaches together. It runs on the first Saturday of every month, 8:30am–9:15am online. All you need is something to write with and a little curiosity. Details are on my website — I'd love to see you there. Deb x