Okay, real talk. Journaling style is supposed to help you feel better—not make you stress over whether you’re “doing it right.” If you’ve ever sat there thinking “Is this even journaling or am I just trauma-dumping on paper?”—yeah, same.
The good news? There’s literally no one way to journal. Some people make bullet journal spreads that look like Pinterest boards. Others open their Notes app at 1:47 AM and type “I feel weird” 15 times. Both are valid. This guide is here to help you figure out what kind of journaling actually feels like you—no rules, no pressure, no aesthetic required (unless you want that, of course).
Why Finding Your Journaling Style Actually Matters
Because let’s be real: if journaling feels like a chore, you’re gonna ghost it. Your journaling style should match your brain’s vibe, not fight it. If you’re chaotic, be chaotic. If you need structure, claim that grid paper life.
The right style makes it feel less like a “wellness task” and more like a reset button. It can be therapy-lite, a creative brain purge, or a space to say the stuff you’re not ready to say out loud. (Or all three in one sitting.)
If you’re still in the “what the hell am I even supposed to write” phase, Journaling Styles for Beginners has your back.
Popular Journaling Styles (Choose Your Fighter)
Let’s break down the main characters of journaling styles:
- Bullet Journaling:
For the ✨ organized ✨ babes who like their thoughts with a side of highlighters and habit trackers. Bonus points if you own a fineliner. - Stream-of-Consciousness:
Unfiltered, unhinged, and probably written in all lowercase. Perfect if your brain feels like 43 tabs open, but only 2 are working. - Prompt-Based Journaling:
If you like a little guidance (or get writer’s block every 12 seconds), this one gives you something to bounce off. Creative Journaling Ideas = the playlist of prompts you didn’t know you needed. - Art Journaling:
Not just for the “I was artsy in Year 8” crew. Doodle your feels. Collage your crush. Sticker bomb your insecurities. Who needs words? - Gratitude Journaling:
Low-effort, high-reward. Even if it’s just “coffee” or “my dog’s weird sneeze,” this one hits different when you’re spiraling. - Digital Journaling:
If paper feels like a commitment, apps like Notion are perfect for typing your way to clarity. This Notion blog has layouts for every vibe.
How to Try Stuff Without Overthinking It
You do not need a 30-day challenge. You need, like, 3 days of vibes.
Try this:
- Pick a style. Try it for a few entries.
- If it feels ✨meh✨ or gives “forced homework” energy, ditch it.
- Try a new one. Combine styles. Go feral. Be free.
- Low on energy? Just write three bullet points and call it a win.
There’s no “wrong” way to journal. You’re allowed to switch it up depending on your mood, the moon, or whatever Taylor Swift era you’re in.
If you’re still like “Help, I don’t even know how to write casually without judging myself,” then Journaling Techniques for New Writers might be your new fave.
Mini Vibe Quiz: What’s Your Journaling Energy Today?
- Need structure? Bullet journal or prompts.
- Feeling emo? Stream-of-consciousness or art journal.
- Want something chill? Gratitude or digital.
- Need a full emotional purge? Brain dump. Black pen. No mercy.
Spoiler: You can be all of these at once. Or none. You can also change your mind five minutes from now. That’s the beauty of journaling—it moves with you.
Let’s Be Real—This Is Supposed to Help, Not Stress You Out
You don’t need cute handwriting. You don’t need pastel washi tape. You don’t even need to spell correctly.
You just need a place to be real with yourself.
So whether you’re tracking moods, rage-writing at midnight, or collaging your dream life with magazine cutouts and tape, congrats—you’re journaling. There’s no gold star, just more clarity (and probably fewer spirals).
More Tools to Help You Find Your Flow
Not sure where to go next? Try these:
