my fav habit from 2026 so far♡
feels so silly to say because it feels obvious, but journaling has been such a great habit to get into! so nice to just journal my feelings, or how each day went.
i’ve tried to pick up journaling before, but each time i would just stop doing it on a daily basis, and only journal when i felt like things were really bad and i just needed to vent.
what changed this time? i’m not entirely sure to be honest! perhaps it was because i had the encouragement of my friends when we all decided to do it together, and that was a huge help. i also got a completely blank notebook this time (i was inspired to give hobonichi a try, but didn’t realize i’d picked up a completely blank notebook… apparently a blessing in disguise! LOL), and i think getting to customize my journal in so many ways has been helpful as well! also, having a blank notebook means i can write as much or as little as I’d like. I can junk journal things from days that I really enjoyed (the pencil board especially comes in handy for writing on pages after junk journaling LOL). I can write wherever I’d like as well! Sometimes, I just draw a line in a page after an entry, and leave space for the next day’s entry. Or, I flip to the back to start some kind of new tracker (books I’ve read, subscriptions tracker, etc.), which has in turn made this a journal AND a tool… and I’m loving it so far!
Do you journal daily? What helped you stick to journaling consistently? Do you have recs for the inevitable blank pages in my journal? LOL. Let me know!🙂↕️
#journaling #journalingessentials #hobonichi #stationery #letschat
Journaling has always fascinated me as a powerful tool for self-reflection and mental well-being, and this year, I finally found a way to make it a consistent practice. What truly changed was the combination of having the encouragement of friends and using a completely blank notebook, allowing me the freedom to create and organize my entries without constraints. One thing I've learned is that the type of notebook matters a lot. For example, Hobonichi planners are widely loved for their flexibility and quality, but starting with a blank notebook gave me even more creative control. I could add trackers for books I’ve read, subscriptions, or mood logs, making my journal not just a diary but a multifunctional tool. To enhance the journaling experience, I invested in quality pens like Sakura Pigma Microns, washi tapes, stickers, and a pencil board—these stationery essentials helped me enjoy the process more and made my journal pages visually appealing. Sticking to journaling consistently also became easier by journaling with friends. We held each other accountable, shared ideas, and motivated one another to keep going, especially on days when motivation waned. I found that leaving some blank pages or drawing simple lines after entries helped reduce the stress of having to write every day, making it okay to write just a little or decorate the page later. For those facing blank pages that feel intimidating, I recommend treating those sections as creative space instead of pressure zones. Use them for doodles, note snippets, or planning layouts for future entries. Junk journaling—where you paste mementos or decorative elements from days that stood out—can add personality and make your journal something you cherish. Also, handy tools like metal stencils can improve your lines and borders, which I found especially helpful since I’m not confident with freehand drawing. Ultimately, journaling is a personal journey. Experiment with different formats and supplies until you find what sparks joy and makes the habit sustainable. The key is to keep it flexible and fun rather than rigid or overwhelming. If you’re just starting out or returning after a break, try gathering some favorite stationery items, set a relaxed pace, and share your progress with friends or a journaling community online to keep motivation high.