The Best Journals For Writing (According to Each Method)
Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Isabelle Dias
Ok, what are the best journals and notebooks according to each journaling method? We already know that journaling works wonders for personal development and the never-ending journey of becoming the best version of yourself and creating a life you love. But there are many different ways to journal.
Each method brings its own benefits and matches better with a specific type of personality. Beyond that, getting the proper journals and notebooks for your chosen technique can make your life WAY easier (and the process of journaling way more fun!).
That’s why, in today’s post, I will walk you through three journaling methods so you can discover which one is your perfect match! Also, I will give you my insider information of someone who has been journaling for more than a decade. I wasted way more money than I’d like to admit trying to find the journals that optimize each method, so you don’t have to!
Are you ready to find your perfect match?
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase using a link we share. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps us to keep creating awesome content! So thank you! 💘✨
Best Journals For Mental Health
Morning Pages
Morning pages is a mind-clearing exercise that you do as soon as you wake up.
They help create a greater sense of consciousness of your thoughts and feelings. Helping you understand the darkest corners of your mind and even make sense of them.
I know that the definition may seem mystical, but this type of journaling is way more practical than it looks.
This is how it works: first thing in the morning, you sit down and write three pages of longhand, stream writing. They don’t need to be fancy, and the words don’t even need to make sense (I know that most of the time, mine don’t!).
Just write down anything and everything that is going through your mind. From how tired you feel to the potatoes you need to buy when grocery shopping later.
Although this practice may seem silly, its efficacy has been proving itself for years. First introduced to the world by the fantastic Julia Cameron in her life-changing book The Artist’s Way, they can create daily mental hygiene.
Over here, you can Julia explain firsthand how she designed Morning Pages to work.
Since I started doing morning pages at the beginning of this year, I’ve noticed a very tangible shift in how I go about my daily routine. I’ve become way less negative and aware of my triggers.
Besides that, writing without judging myself allowed me major breakthroughs in past trauma and personal development overall. So I am a big big big advocate for morning pages! And cheer everyone who wants to give it a try.
💘 ✨ This is the right match for you if…
You are a creative
You thrive when you have freedom
You are not the biggest fan of structures
You are very into understanding your past trauma and triggers
You are committed to being less negative
You LOVE to explore the farthest, darkest corners of your mind and thoughts
Best Journals For Daily Journaling
You are going to open this every single day. That’s why spiral journals work best. They are durable, easy to handle, and this design from Ban.do is beautiful (and it’s the exact one I’m using right now!).
I make sure all my morning pages journals have a special place for date input, right on top, to foolproof myself from morning brain. This journal right here has the perfect space for the date (this model was my first morning page notebook!)
I don’t know about you, but some days I down to do my morning routine, dreaming about going back to bed. That’s why choosing a journal with a positive, fun message can help you remind yourself why you are committed to your personal development and put a smile on your face.
Best Journals With Prompts
Guided Journaling
Guided journaling is a more structured version of the process, most of the time with a focus on one specific area: self-love, confidence, self-discovery… you name it!
One of the reasons I love this method is because it allows you to dive deep into an area of your life and yourself, knowing that there is a method to the madness. This way, you don’t need to worry if things will make sense or guide you through your desired result: it will!
Usually, the people writing those guided journaling structures are specialists in the topic and share learnings of their own journey. It’s like having a wise friend holding your hand, walking you through a path that it’s already well known by them, even if it scares you a little.
When I feel overwhelmed by a specific area of my life and want to work on it but have no idea how to start, I found comfort in guided journaling.
I know I can just sit back and trust the method. Soon enough, I find myself feeling more confident and having a better perspective of the situation.
And you ALWAYS end up learning something new about yourself during the process! It’s so fun!
💘 ✨ This is the right match for you if…
You thrive in structure
You prefer guided exercises
You feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start
You are new to all this journaling for personal development thing
You want a straightforward method and direction
You want someone else’s knowledge ushering you along the way
Best Guided Journals For Mental Health
Do you have a goal or dream in mind but have no idea what really to get them into reality? More than that, deep down, you don’t feel good enough to make it happen?
This guided journal is just what you are looking for. Through inspirational quotes, journal prompts, and fun exercises, you will be guided through the five essential stages of setting yourself up for success in your dream life.
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by everyone else’s opinions of you and your decisions? So much so that you have no mental or emotional space to think and reflect on what you truly want?
That’s where this journal can become your best ally. The journal prompts here were carefully crafted to make you reflect on your past, present, future, and the deepest parts of your true self.
The best part? After you finish, you can hide it, burn it, or whatever makes you happy and liberated!
Are you feeling like this is the moment to go on a self-exploration journey? To peel the layers and uncover the essence of who you really are? If so, this is your match!
Written by Dr. Kelly Vincent, a licensed psychologist, get ready for a holistic approach to self-discovery, backed by years of research.
Best Journals And Notebooks
Rough Drafts
But what if you like both? What if you love the possibility of an unstructured and free journal practice like morning pages but would love some guidance on specific moments? Are you out of matches?
Fear not, my versatile babe! I completely understand you in search of having the best of both worlds, and that’s totally possible!
You can mix and match journal prompts from guided journals, blog posts, Pinterest infographics… With morning pages, for example. And create your own practice! One that is tailored to your needs and the specific season you are living right now.
If you need some inspiration on journal prompts that can complement and inspire your routine, check those out:
25 Essential Self Love Journal Prompts
17 Daily Reflection Journal Prompts
23 Eye Opening Journal Prompts For Self Discovery
💘 ✨ This is the right match for you if…
You like being free but also have a clear direction
You love being able to choose your own adventure according to your mood
You get bored easily
You don’t like doing the same exact thing every day
You want to have a guide but also crave time to reflect on your own thoughts
You are looking for a DIY as you go approach
Best Journals To Start Journaling
I love how special this journal is. The cover material feels luxurious, and there are so many lovely details on the design (the special quote on the first page, the little golden hearts…)!
The main element here is how versatile it is to use it any way you want. Bonus for the ribbon bookmark!
Vegan leather hardcover and luxurious thick paper prevent bleeding across pages. This journal is perfect if you are looking for something simple yet inspiring.
The lay-flat design simplifies working and writing across both pages, giving you all the freedom you might need to express yourself. And I am obsessed with this golden moon and stars cover!
Do you love minimalism and sophistication and want that reflected in your journaling practice? This gorgeous notebook has it all: linen fabric, hardcover, thick paper, and numbered.
It is designed for an optimal writing experience. It is also functional with this cute elastic band, double bookmark, and an expandable pocket. Love!
Bonus Journaling Pro Tip: Best Pen For Journaling
Ok, time to nerd out a little bit. After many years of journaling, I became that type of person with a favorite pen brand. And I am shameless about it.
To be honest, I didn’t care which pen to use until I’ve come across Mr. Pen (the name… I know, I know). They completely changed my experience, and now I can’t go back!
They are fast dry, fade-resistant, and the medium tip allows you to draw smooth, create fine lines and even create some beautiful lettering if you want so.
I love how it feels to hold this pen and how it never makes my hand cramp; it doesn’t matter how long I have been writing.
They come in a pack of six, and they last foreveeeeer. If you want to treat yourself, that’s such a good investment!
As you navigate this delicious journey of finding which journal practice works best for you, know that it doesn’t matter which one you chose… Any of the options will provide you with invaluable growth and discoveries about yourself. So embrace it and go all in!
Now, I want to hear from you! Which one of the methods might be your perfect match?
Leave a comment below and tell me about it!
And if those ideas were helpful, be sure to pin it for later.
Isabelle Dias
Hello you! My name is Isabelle, a Rio de Janeiro girl living in a small town in Georgia, with the love of my life (aka my husband) and our bossy-yet-adorable Pomeranian Lucy. You can find me in coffee shops working on my business while researching on Pinterest what to make for dinner. I created this blog to share everything I have been learning about what it takes to create a life where you feel happy, balanced, and successful. A life you love.
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