If you find your mind is most active in the morning, wake up 15 to 20 minutes earlier and jot down your thoughts then. This is also a great time to record your dreams from the previous night before you forget them. If you prefer to record everything after the day is over, then make it an evening activity before you go to bed (since it helps you relax, you may also find that you <a href="https://www.developgoodhabits.com/sleep-gadgets/">get to sleep easier </a>).

When to journal

You get far more benefits from your journal when you write in it every day. Personally, I schedule my journal-writing sessions in my <a href="https://www.developgoodhabits.com/master-todoist-book-launch/">ToDoist app </a>on my phone, so I always get a reminder when it's time to write. Now we all know that life happens from time to time, and you may miss a day. It's no big deal, but try to never miss more than two days. Once you do, it's easy to get into the routine of skipping your journaling, and then you have to rebuild the habit all over again.

Finding a routine to write (or anything)

That being said, you should try a handwritten journal first, and give it at least a few weeks. Your personal journal will be more authentic, because you can't edit your words with a few clicks. <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3041487/8-tips-to-more-effective-journaling-for-health">Research </a>also shows that writing by hand stimulates the brain's reticular activating system, which means that whatever you're thinking about is brought to the forefront of your mind, helping you to focus on it. Create the Right Journaling Environment

Journal by hand for accountability

The key here is to make sure you won't be distracted if you hear a notification. This will make your journaling about you and your writing, and nothing else. Keeping your journal private is important, even if you don't care whether other people read it or not. You may not mind if someone reads your personal journal, but if you don't trust that your thoughts are private, then you aren't going to be completely honest. You may consciously or sub-consciously avoid writing about certain topics for fear of what others could think. This fear may hold you back from writing about stuff that matters in your journal.

Journal privately so that it's honest

Remember that this is your own private, personal journal. It is important in daily journaling that you be honest with yourself - or what's the point? A journal is a reflection of your thoughts and emotions, so treat it that way and don't limit what you write. Be open and honest about how you're feeling, because if you can't be honest with yourself, you can't be honest with anyone. Record how you really feel, not how you think you should feel.

Honesty in journalling

When you start your journaling habit, make that your main priority, commit to it for at least 30 days, and, to get the best results, tie it to another pre-existing habit of yours. For example, if you start your day with a cup of coffee, you could decide to journal every morning while you drink your coffee.

Making it stick

Have you ever tried to start a journaling habit, only to quit a few days later?Personally, my problem was always starting and stopping.I'd get excited about writing a daily journal, and for the first week, everything would go smoothly. Then, I'd get busy one day and decide that "missing one day won't hurt."

How to Build a Daily Personal Journaling Habit

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