12 Types of Journaling for Every Aspect of Your Life

Journaling is a wonderful and simple way to express ourselves, practice personal growth, and delve into our inner world therapeutically. There are as many ways to journals as unique personalities, so there is always something for everyone, whether you love art, are looking to heal a part of yourself, want to start new and track new habits, or love writing!

Journaling has always been something I have been drawn to since I love writing, and it has helped me process my thoughts and work through tough feelings. I would be lost if not for journaling. I have tried many times in my life, and so far, I have not found a journal I didn’t love. So, if you are looking for a new hobby or a specific type of journaling, give this list a look. You may find the “write” journal for you!

PIN ME!

What is a Journal?

Jour·nal
/ˈjərn(ə)l/ noun
1. a daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary:

This is the basic definition of a journal, but it has evolved into so much more over the centuries. Journals are as unique and creative as the individual who keeps them. It is a place to make mistakes, not be judged, and forget perfection.

It is a place to be raw and open, share or keep private, where you can grieve, rejoice, create, and destroy. The pen is truly mightier than the sword!

What are the benefits of keeping a journal?

Here are just a few reasons you should keep a journal:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Help manage mental and emotional health.
• Discover more about yourself.
• Help stick to healthier habits.
• Keep track of your spiritual journey.
• Release feelings of overwhelm, anger, and sadness.
• Record your life for the next generation.
• Be more creative and have fun.

The Best Types of Journaling to Try Right Now!

Automatic Writing Journals

Also called psychography, it may not technically be a type of journal but a useful tool for psychologists and psychics. It may seem strange, but it is a powerful way to explore our unconscious mind and maybe even connect to our ancestors. People often use their non-dominant hand and let words or pictures flow without giving any forethought.

Automatic writing can have benefits on spiritual and non-spiritual levels. It can be used for writers, to connect to the other side or to help empty your mind and let go.

What you will need:

1. A blank notebook and pen.
2. A quiet spot to sit comfortably.
3. Take a few moments to meditate and focus on your breathing.
4. Begin writing and/or drawing without judgment or planning.

Here is a wonderful beginner’s guide to automatic writing here!

Shadow Work Journals

This type of journaling was inspired by the psychologist Carl Jung and is all about the unconscious or “shadow” side of our mind. Far from being negative, this can be a healthy way to sit with and move through old traumas and emotions.

This is all about facing our inner shadow and learning from it instead of trying to destroy it. This is a way to discover the darker parts of yourself and begin to embrace and even find the positive side. Also, remember to be gentle with yourself, for this is not easy and lighthearted work.

What you will need:

1. Use a blank journal and prompts, or purchase a guided journal.
2. Start slow.
3. Be aware of your emotions.
4. Use this with a therapist if you wish.

Art Journals

Just what it sounds like, using art prompts to express yourself in an even more creative way than just words. You pour your creative mind onto a blank page and express whatever emotions bubble up.

This is a way to be messy and creative, so grab the paints, colored pencils, and whatever else you have around the house! You can mix words and images or have only images as a playful expression!

What you will need:

1. A journal for different art mediums(without lines).
2. Paints.
3. Colored pencils.
4. Pens.
5. Pencils.
6. A list of art journal prompts.

Junk Journals

This type of journaling is like an art journal, but it differs in that it usually uses found and recycled items to hold memories and thoughts. This type of journal will look different for everyone, with no hard and fast rules.

It is kind of the Franenstien of journals, and there are a million resources to help you get started in the wide world of junk journaling.

What you will need:

1. Choose a specific theme or mash stuff up!
2. Choose a way to bind your journal.
3. Use what you have in your home, such as:
   • scissors
   • glue
   • old books
   • scraps of papers
   • paint
   • small scraps of fabric

The list could go on and on. The only limit here is your imagination.

Guided Journals

These are my favorite types of journals. Sometimes it is hard to get inspired and know what to write. The guided journal takes the guessing out of that by providing you with questions and inspiration without a second thought!

You can find a guided journal on almost any subject, from anxiety, depression, self-care, gratitude, food & exercise, planners, personal growth, and self-help just to name a few. The list could go on forever.

Here are my top 5 guided journals that I absolutely loved!

Bullet Journals

Bullet journaling has a huge following, and frankly, people are obsessed. BuJo, as it is lovingly referred to, is an organized mix of planner, diary, and lists. This journal was created by a designer named Ryder Carroll. It is meant to help organize all your thoughts and help you achieve your day-to-day goals.

It is a way to stay mindful in a busy and chaotic world and stay productive and creative. Since so much can go into bullet journaling, I suggest you start here for a more in-depth explanation.

What you will need:

• Knowledge of the system.
• A bullet journal
• Highlighters
• markers
• pens

Personal Diary

The journal that started it all! The personal diary that everyone had secretly hidden under their mattress with a metal lock. Mine was a Lisa Frank diary when I was 9 years old. Nothing makes me feel more nostalgic than the trusty personal diary.

This is a place for your deepest secrets and desires to be expressed. A place that is only for your eyes. The simplest method requires only a diary, lock, and pen!

Click here for my favorite classic diary!

Grimoire or Witch’s Journals

A grimoire is a personal witch’s journal that contains all her knowledge, thoughts, and instructions about her craft. Grimoires are wonderful for witches to keep track of their practice and deepen their spirituality.

Grimoires have been around for centuries, and many cultures have recorded their magical knowledge in one way or another. This is a great way for witches to track spells and rituals, write down crystals, candles, and herbs correspondences, and record how certain magical dealings go for you.

Here is how to get started with a grimoire of your own!

All checkout divination journaling!

Gratitude Journals

We need not count our blessings only on Thanksgiving day. We now have gratitude journals to keep us grateful every day of the year!

You can use an app or physical journal for gratefulness. Both have worked for me. There are many benefits to keeping a gratitude journal:

• renewed contentment with life
• increased happiness
• improved wellness

Dream Journals

Dream journals are fascinating and unique to each individual. Recalling your dreams can be insightful and magical. The best way to record your dreams is as soon as you wake up so you don’t forget details throughout the day.

Dream journal benefits include:

• Help with solving problems in the real world.
• Find connections between the world of dreaming and waking.
• Help to process repressed emotions.
• Help with lucid dreaming.

Meditation Journals

Meditation is a powerful tool that can be done in just minutes a day to help combat stress, anxiety, and depression and help give a sense of oneness with the world around you.

Keeping a meditation journal can help you deepen your practice by recording and reflecting on your experiences as you meditate. It can also help you see more clearly and enhance your sense of well-being.

Find my favorite meditation journal here!

Video Journals

If you are more tech-savvy and not good at keeping a written journal, maybe it’s time to try video journaling! Sometimes, talking even to yourself can have benefits, such as:

• clarity of thoughts and ideas
• seeing yourself in a new light
• venting and reducing stress
• recording important moments in your life

You only need a camera or smartphone and a safe place to store your videos for video journaling.

Conclusion

Journaling is an inexpensive hobby with many amazing benefits and ways to create. Half the fun is choosing the right journal for you! I hope this post helped you narrow down exactly what you want!

Stay cozy & write in your journal!