7 Easy Types of Journal For Beginners to Try

Embarking on a journaling journey can be a rewarding experience, but where to start? With so many types out there, it can be difficult to decide on which one to start with. 

I experienced this challenge first hand when I got stuck pondering what form of journaling to do. Eventually, I just started with one, did a lot of trial and error, and finally landed on one that made me stick with the habit.

Here are seven types that I believe are perfect for beginners so you can jumpstart your journaling journey earlier. Each offers a unique way to capture your thoughts, dreams, and daily experiences.  

1. Daily Reflection Journal

For your first, you can keep it simple with a classic daily reflection journal. Take a moment each day to jot down your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on your experiences, set goals, or simply unload whatever is on your mind. 

This type is perfect for those who have a lot of goals in mind. Taking time to reflect can serve a good source of feedback on your progress. It’s a straightforward way to gain clarity and track your personal growth.

2. Gratitude Journal

Shift your focus to the positive by starting a gratitude journal. List things you’re thankful for daily. It’s a quick exercise that can significantly boost your mood and cultivate a positive outlook. From small wins to meaningful moments, capture the highlights of your day.

Oftentimes, we take the good things in life for granted. Failing to appreciate the great things that happen around us can lead us to a life full of negative emotions. If you want to get out of the cycle of negativity, this one might be for you.

3. Bullet Journal

If you love a mix of organization and creativity, try a bullet journal. The beauty of a bullet journaling lies in its customization. It’s a flexible system that combines to-do lists, notes, and doodles. Whether you’re a minimalist or a doodle enthusiast, it adapts to your style.

My main gripe with this type is that things can get cluttered way too fast. It’s easy to fall into the trap of adding new types of to-do lists or trackers. So, I suggest you start out with the most basic components which are the monthly log, daily log, future log, and an index.

Once you’ve appreciated the beauty of this this type’s original form as intended, then you can try out other other trackers like a mood log, book progress log, etc.

4. Dream Journal

Dreams are fascinating and can tell you some things about yourself. So, if you’re an active dreamer, taking note of them can be a fun activity. Uncover the mysteries of your subconscious mind with a dream journal. 

With a notebook and pen by your side, jot down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Try to capture as much of the fleeting details before they vanish. It’s a fun and insightful way to explore your inner thoughts and emotions, providing a unique window into your mind’s adventures.

5. Travel Journal

You don’t need to jet-set around the world to keep a travel journal. Start with documenting your adventures, whether it’s exploring a new city or simply discovering hidden gems in your own town. And when you finally take on bigger adventures, you’re all set to capture every moment.

To make things even more fun, try to include photos, tickets, and mementos to create a tangible memory lane. You’ll then have a personal scrapbook of your experiences you can reminisce about in the future.

6.Reading Journal

For all the book worms out there, this one’s for you. Whether you’re just taking notes or getting to know the characters you’ve read about, capture the essence of your literary journey with a reading journal. 

Record your thoughts on books you read – summarize the plot, share what you’ve learned, or note your opinions. It’s a valuable tool for tracking your reading habits and provides a personal library of your literary adventures.

7. Mindfulness Journal

Finally, you can work on grounding yourself in the present with a mindfulness journal. Focus on the current moment and jot down your sensations, thoughts, and experiences without judgment. It’s a simple practice that promotes self-awareness and can be a calming anchor in the hustle of daily life.

This is the type that I started with and it helped me a lot. I used to overthink and overanalyze a lot of things, mostly because I focused on things that haven’t happened yet. After learning how to be more mindful, I learned to let go, enjoy the present, and accept that I’ve prepared enough for whatever the future holds. 

And now I’ve moved on to a different type of journaling now that my thoughts are less troubled. So, even though I didn’t stick with it, this was a great start for me.

Keep Exploring Until You Find The One That’s Right For You

There’s a journaling style for everyone, and these seven options are just starting points. Experiment with one or try a combination that suits your preferences until you find the right one for you. Journaling is a personal exploration, and these suggestions will help you embark on this enriching journey with ease.