Journaling is AMAZING. Journaling helps you write all those nagging thoughts down on paper to get a sense of clarity of what's going on in your life.
Plus, journaling gives you a chance to look back at all the progress you've made over the years. There's nothing better than reading old journaling entries and seeing how far you've grown!
Yet, whether you're new to journaling or struggling to maintain a solid journal routine, finding the time each day to intentionally write down your thoughts & feelings down on paper can seem pretty intimidating.
While journaling can at first seem like some daunting task... where do I start, what do I write about, when should I journal.
Trust me, once you get into a journal routine, journaling will be something you look forward everyday--no matter if you had a good day, bad day, or just an ordinary day.
But, before you can start journaling, knowing when the best time to journal is essential. That's why in this article, you'll learn about when is the best time to journal so you can easily maintain a consistent journaling schedule.
This post is all about when is the best time to journal.
There’s No “Right” Time to Journal
While when you journal can impact how you journal, or the benefits you take away from journaling, there is no specific "right" time to journal.
At the end of the day, whenever you are able to consistently journal within your schedule is key.
Therefore, when you think is the best time to journal for your unique schedule may differ from your friend's-- and that's perfectly okay!
However, the time of day you journal can influence the benefits you takeaway when journaling.
Benefits of Journaling in the Morning
Journaling in the morning can have many benefits:
- Set Intentions for the day: What better time to set your intentions for the day then first thing in the morning?! Journaling provides the perfect opportunity before you get caught up in the busy nature of life to clarify and define what you are working towards that day, even if it seems like a small task or step in the right direction.
- Easy to make a habit: Right when you roll out of the bed in the morning, consider making it a habit to journal. It's a lot easier to habit stack your life (i.e. get out of bed, make your bed, journal) than to try and find the time to journal later in the day.
- Less Likely to be interrupted in the AM: If you find it's difficult to find a quiet moment to yourself to even sit down and journal, then journaling in the morning may be your best bet. Even if you have to wake up a little earlier each day... trust me, it's worth it!
- Set your tone for the day (rather than just scrolling on your phone): Rather than scrolling on your phone for 30 minutes first thing in the morning, make it a priority to journal. This will awaken your mind rather than wasting time right as soon as you wake up.
- Create a to-do list: If you feel like you constantly have a million and one tasks to get done, journaling can be a great way to organize those tasks into a neat to-do list that you can work through to help guide your day.
How to Journal in the Morning
The great thing about journaling in the morning is that your mind is refreshed after a full night's sleep.
Consider journaling right away in the morning to get your day started on the right foot. This could look different for anyone. Try bullet journaling or writing down your stream of consciousness of whatever thoughts and feelings come to mind.
Want more of a guided journal?
If you find you have limited time in the morning, but still want to quickly journal, consider using the 5 minute journal. This guided journal helps you start your day off right to quickly fill out the provided questions in under 5 minutes.
Benefits of Journaling in the Afternoon
Journaling in the afternoon can help you reset your mind for the rest of the day. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, or simply need to take a quick break, journaling can be the perfect way to reenergize your mind.
Benefits of journaling in the afternoon include:
- Reset your mind: If you are feeling overwhelmed and your mind is spinning in a million different directions in the afternoon, try journaling. This can also help you get back on track with your day's tasks.
- Clear your thoughts: Journaling can help clear your thoughts and calm your mind. Whether you are an avid overthinker (like me!) or simply struggle with catastrophizing, journal can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
- Take a Quick Journal Break: Journaling can be a great quick work break to do, especially if you are starting to feel tired/ lose focus.
Benefits of Journaling at Night
Journaling at night can be a great time to write down everything that happened to you throughout the day. As long as you figure out a nighttime journal routine that you can consistently follow through with, journaling can be great!
Some benefits of journaling at night include:
- Debrief your day: Journaling can be the perfect way to document your day's events. It can also be a good time to reflect on what you hope to accomplish tomorrow.
- Calm your mind & relax: Journaling at night is great to unwind and destress. Write down any lingering thoughts about your day that may be causing you stress. Writing down your thoughts rather than ruminating about them will help you fall asleep faster and get more quality sleep.
- You're more creative at night: Typically, humans are more creative at night, which can help with journaling.
How to Journal at Night
Consider journaling towards the end of your day, such as after dinner, after you shower, or right before you go to bed.
While there's no best time to journal at night, be sure to pick a time when you are most likely to follow through with it and journal at that same time (or just about) each day.
Sometimes, nights can be busy, especially if you make plans with friends and family.
Therefore, I always like journaling right before I go to bed to calm my mind and write down all my nagging thoughts to help me fall asleep.
FAQs
Should I journal every day?
Journaling consistently can help you set intentions, calm your mind, and improve your overall mental health & well-being. While you don't necessarily have to journal daily, journaling consistently at the same time each day can increase your chances of keeping your journaling routine.
Is it better to journal in the morning or at night?
There is no best time to journal. Whether you like to journal in the morning or at night is entirely up to you! Just be sure to pick a time of day you know you'll be able to journal consistently each day.
How long should I journal everyday?
Try to aim for journaling at least 5 minutes a day. Guided journals and bullet journals can be a great, efficient way for those just looking to jot down their thoughts.
If you want to journal for 15 minutes or longer, feel free! Consider journaling in a plain notebook and just writing down whatever thoughts or feelings come to mind. Or, writing down what happened to you that day, or what you hope to accomplish.
Is it good to journal at night?
Yes! Journaling at night can be a great way to debrief the day's events, even if you had a perfectly ordinary day. The fun thing about journaling is you can look back at old journaling entries and see how far you've grown!
This post is all about the best time to journal.
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