5 Types of Journals for Women You’ll Love

Check out these five types of journals for women and experience, calm, clarity, and creativity!

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Addicted to Journaling

My first diary was given to me by my aunt when I was seven years old. It had a slick, squishy cover with music notes on the front and cursive lettering to spell out MY DIARY. The pages were pink and the book came with a lock and a heart-shaped key.

I loved that diary. I filled it out quickly and bought another. And another. And another.

I progressed from childhood diaries to high school gossip notebooks to prayer journals and personal growth trackers. My journals cover everything from field trips in elementary school to the birth of my children.

Every few years, I pile them around me and sift through memories of summers spent rollerblading and trips to my grandparent’s lake house, of winter blizzards in Virginia and days off school, building snow forts, and organizing sledding competitions.

Journaling is my way to express creativity, savor treasured memories, and also vent or analyze a situation. Most times, I finish with a sense of calm and peace when I’m stressed or the gusto to get started on a personal project.

Journaling is Good for Your Mental Health

It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how beneficial journaling was for dealing with anxiety and has been recommended to me over and over again through books I’ve read and advice from my counselor.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, all opinions are my own. Here are a few things I’ve researched about the benefits of journaling:

5 Types of Journals for Women

1. Brain Dump Journals

Brain dump journals are the classic books you think of when you think about journaling. These allow you to explore emotions and feelings without restraint and then provide an opportunity to analyze a situation. I also tape in letters, photos, and small keepsakes. There’s no limit to what you can do write on these blank pages!

2. Gratitude Journals

When life starts to spin out of control, it’s hard to see the good in the everyday. Gratitude journals are helpful when I’m creating a habit of negative thinking. These journals changed my attitude from self-pity to self-motivation.

Entries can be as short as a word, or as long as a story to tell what went well in your day, or what you’re thankful for. They are an excellent record to reflect back on when you’re overwhelmed.

3. Guided Journals

Guided journals are my favorite because they inspire me to be creative and each one is unique in its focus. Additionally, these journals give you prompts and motivation throughout to help if you don’t know where to start.

4. Bullet Journals

Bullet journals are a blank canvas for right-brained creatives as well as left-brain methodical types. There’s no limit on what you can track with these!

For example:

Keep track of books read during the year
List of movies and shows to try
Habit tracker
Design your own calendar layout
Page to add post-it note reminders
Reference for favorite Bible verses or quotes
Checklist for reaching goals

5. Prayer Journals

Prayer journals are becoming more popular and also a great way to grow spiritually! Some just have pretty covers and allow you to create your own format, while others guide you through the process.