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But starting a journaling practice can be a little overwhelming.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Do you write about your day?
Or problems youre dealing with?Keep a gratitude list?
Or track your self-care habits?
Papier’s Wellness and Sleep Journals
Should you attempt to do all of the above in one notebook?
Theres a lot to consider!
Thats where the best guided journals come in.
Think: filling out a workbook rather than free writing.
Papier’s Wellness and Sleep Journals
What should you look for in a guided journal?
The right guided journal wont feel overly complicateditll be simple and help you gain clarity.
I would look for guided journals that are straightforward, but not too pressuring.
Heres what else youll want to think about as you explore your options.
Theme
There are tons of guided journals out thereso many that it might be kind of overwhelming.
Not sure what direction to go in?
Just pick one thing at a time.
If you want to increase gratitude, choose a gratitude journal.
If you want to explore and heal your beliefs around money, choose one that explores that.
If it feels like a chore to sit down and do it each day, try another one.
Time commitment
Youll also want to consider how much time you have for journaling.
Some journals are designed for daily check-ins, while others are more in-depth and reflective, says Sculler.
Pick one that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
Tone
Youll want to read the description and some example prompts before buying too.
Is it written in a way that immediately sparks thought?
Do you like the tone?
Ask yourself if the prompts feel meaningful to you.
Flip through sample pages, if possibledo the questions make you feel inspired or engaged?
If they feel cheesy or like they wouldnt be fun or interesting to answer, keep looking.
Look for a mix of prompts, with some that are more direct and others that are open-ended.
Ask yourself if the journal allows room for free expression, or does it feel too rigid?
A good journal should provide structure without feeling restrictive, says Sculler.
Frequently asked questions about guided journals
What are the mental health benefits of guided journaling?
We benefit more when we combine these and let them support each other.
To get the most out of the practice, it should become a habit.
And commit to the practice for at least a month before you throw in the towel.
Papier Sleep Journal
Free People
Process 12 weeks of dreams and sleep habits in this Papier journal.
The cute cover is just another bonus.
Best Self Co. Before bedtime, youll explore the positive and negative parts of the day and reflect on opportunities to grow.
The prompts are simple, promoting deeper thought into your day.
Before bed, write three highlights of the day and one thing you learned.
The cute design and thoughtful layout make it easy to carry around and fill out throughout the day.
The prompts ask questions like, Whats on my heart today?
and Is there any support I could ask for?
Plus, theres a daily mantra that complements the breath work element.
Also key: The prompts get more reflective as you grow in your mindfulness journey.
Whitney provides action items for each day too, like Play with your sense of touch today.
Write down everything you touched and list all the sensations you felt in your body.
(Because, while excellent tools, they arent right for everyone.)
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