Have you set a goal for beginning to keep a journal in the New Year? Many people do, but don’t know where to start. Here’s a list of a few of our favorite tips to get you started, plus some amazing benefits you can expect when you start to keep a journal.

Tips for Journaling in 2022:

• Start small and keep your expectations realistic:

It doesn’t matter if you write a single line or three pages – what really matters in the beginning is that you start to form a habit. You can make journaling a part of your daily routine and make it a habit. Kind of like morning coffee or evening washing up. Just do it, and then you can refine the “how you do it” later.

• Use different journaling techniques:

Make your journal work for you. Let it be there in whatever capacity you need it. Journaling can help you plan your day or track your events or hobbies. Fill it up with your favorite quotes, song lyrics or recipes you would like to try. If you ever find yourself bored, then spice things up and try something new!

• Try a new journaling environment:

Most times a different setting gets your senses going and inspires thoughts. If you’re feeling uninspired, then change your surroundings! Step out onto your porch or grab a chair in your garden and do your journaling there. Take your journal to work and jot a couple lines down on a break or pick it up in the evening and doodle as your favorite show is on. It's all about finding what works best for you.

• Keep your journal private:

Treat your journal as a sacred object. Leave it to your eyes only so you aren’t afraid to write how you really feel! Journaling is wonderful therapy, and it can be difficult to write honestly if it isn’t private. Find a hiding space for your journal or use a laptop protected with a password.

Amazing Benefits of Journaling:

• Journaling reduces your stress and anxiety:

Getting your thoughts down on paper helps identify stress-inducing thoughts and beliefs that can be distortions on reality. Journaling about anxieties can sooth your nerves and be helpful to brainstorming solutions to your problems.

• Journaling improves memory:

Just writing something down improves your ability to remember it. Journaling is a great way to remember a specific moment or phase of your life. When you write by hand, it stimulates a collection of cells called the Reticular Activating System – your brain then puts whatever you’re focusing on to the forefront and processes it at a deeper level. When you write, you are letting your brain know that your words are important.

• Journaling improves your communication skills:

When you journal, you learn to better express yourself and this makes it easier to communicate your feelings with others. The more self-aware you become, the more you can make yourself understood to others. Journaling – clear thinking – clear communication.

• Journaling moves you towards your goals:

Journaling helps you commit your goals into writing. Most times, writing down your goals makes you more likely to achieve them. A journal helps you affirm that your goals are possible. It helps you create a practical plan to achieve goals and break up big tasks into smaller chunks. Journaling also helps with accountability. I mean who wants to open their journal and write about a wasted day?

Turn Your New Year’s Journaling Dreams into Reality with Top Flight

Top Flight is here for all of your journaling needs. We offer a wide selection of journals in multiple designs including hardcover journals and softcover journals in the following sizes including: 8.25”x6.75”, 8.25”x6”, 8.25”x5.5”, 8”x6”, 5.625”x4” and 5.5”x3.5”. Many of these journals include features such as ribbon page markers, gilded edges, color edged paper, magnet closures and pen holders. Paper options include both white and cream color paper and there are a variety of page options including lined pages, unlined pages and dot grid pages. You can shop our entire assortment of journals any time by visiting the Top Flight website where orders over $50 always have free shipping. Happy journaling!