9 Different Types of Journals and Their Amazing Benefits
Journaling and diary keeping has been around since the 15th century. But it has certainly evolved since then. There are so many different types of journals that it’s hard to pick one. Today, I wanted to share with you the top 9 types of journals and their benefits. I’ll also show you how to pick the perfect one for you and if you stay till the end, there’s even a fun challenge for you.
Let’s take a closer look at the 9 different types of journals
#1 — Stream of consciousness journal
Also known as long-form journaling, this type of journaling is where you write for a certain length of time without stopping. You let the pen move across the page, writing whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t need to make sense and it doesn’t need to be grammatically correct. It doesn’t even need to be legible.
Stream of consciousness journaling is great for people who have a lot on their minds. And I mean A LOT. You have trouble focusing. You’re a writer with a bit of a block. By opening up your journal, setting a timer for 5-10 minutes, and writing freely, you’re clearing your head of thoughts that don’t belong.
Because you’re writing constantly for the allotted time, your hand might begin to cramp so don’t set the timer for too long. You’ll be surprised by how much you'll write with five minutes of uninterrupted time.
#2 — Dream journal
Learning to decipher your dreams has been around as long as journaling. But trying to remember your dreams is difficult. That’s why some people keep a dream journal. This type of journal is often kept beside people’s beds. This way they can wake up and immediately write down their dream.
Some might write it in complete sentences. Others might jot down key words or adjectives. Most dream analysis lies more in descriptive imagery than the actual story. You can then use what you wrote and research what your dreams mean. This allows you to gain some clarity on things that might be bothering you and you don’t even know it.
#3 — Food journal
Have you ever gone to the doctor and been told you need to change your diet? Or perhaps you decided to eat better on your own. Either way, keeping a food journal is a great way to keep track of your meals, calories, and sugar intake.
Many people keep this type of journal in their kitchen since it’s where they prepare their food. Plan ahead by writing your week’s meals in there. You can also write down recipes you want to try, certain foods you want to limit, and track your water count.
Be careful though as a food journal can sometimes feel too restrictive. Don’t deprive yourself of something sweet. Allow yourself those cheat days. A food journal can also be paired with a…
#4 — Fitness journal
Fitness and food journals go hand-in-hand. Some people might pair the two up while others might want one over the other. Whatever you decide, a fitness journal can help you keep track of weekly workouts, weight, and goals.
My martial arts instructor keeps a fitness journal. He has been ever since 2017. In the monthly calendar, he writes the specific workout and the number of sets he wants to do for each. Then in the weekly section, he keeps notes like how he did and if there were any struggles he faced.
He even wrote down days he opted to skip workouts and he was fine with it. One day is not going to break your streak. Three or more will.
#5 — Gratitude journal
Gratitude journaling has become a go-to method for people. Why? Because writing down things or people you’re grateful for is a perfect reminder of the good things you have in life. Too often we let the bad overshadow the good. Gratitude journaling breaks that cycle.
Gratitude journaling is particularly important on days when the world seems out to get you. If you’ve had a bad day, ending it on a positive by listing a short gratitude list can significantly change your outlook.
Certain planner companies have seen how vital the practice of gratitude is and have added a short section of it to their daily logs or weekly logs. You can even write your gratitude list on a sticky note and place it anywhere you want.
#6 — Sketch journal
Mostly preferred by artists, a sketch journal is a great place to test different pencils, watercolors, inks, and more. Certain people would rather express their feelings through drawings, which is why a sketch journal is ideal for them.
They can use it in place of a dream journal and instead draw their dream rather than write down details. They can draw their gratitude list instead of writing it. And their stream of consciousness could be random doodles they just need to get out of their head.
Even if your drawing skills are stick-figure level — like mine — you could still benefit from a sketch journal. Sometimes words can’t express what we’re feeling. But a drawing, no matter how good or bad, can.
#7 — Diary
I couldn’t talk about the different types of journals without taking it back old school. Diaries are still the main way young children learn how to journal. Did you ever notice that when you’re young it’s called a “diary,” but when you’re older it’s called a “journal?”
There really is no difference. They do the same thing, but diaries are a bit more to the point. “Dear Diary,” you write, followed by a brief overview of what you need to share. But you can still keep a diary even as an adult. You can call your record-keeping notebook whatever you want to.
And if you still write “Dear Diary” at the top of the page, keep doing that. It’s your diary.
#8 — To-do list
It might seem odd that I’m including a to-do list in this group, but it’s true. For some, their journal is their daily, weekly, or monthly to-do list. Look at the bullet journal community. Ryder Carroll created a system that housed his to-do list, goals, notes, and more. All in one notebook.
This system took off like wildfire. Search “bullet journal” on Instagram and you’ll find an array of individualized spreads that are tailored to each person’s specifications.
People have found that brainstorming their goals and to-do lists within their journals help them figure out what to prioritize. It’s just another way for you to work towards what you want and use a method that will help get you there.
#9 — Morning Pages
One of the other more popular types of journals is what Julia Cameron calls Morning Pages. Author of the national bestseller, The Artist’s Way, Cameron created Morning Pages as a way for artists to clear their thoughts each morning so they could create without distraction.
Morning Pages is similar to a stream of consciousness journal since you’re asked to write at least three pages each morning of whatever comes to mind. Many people use and love Morning Pages. It’s become a ritual of sorts for them. And they’re not all artists.
Anyone can benefit from Morning Pages, but if you’re not interested in writing at least three pages each day, you may want to stick with stream of consciousness journaling as you set the time and page length of your choice.
This list is not exclusive. There are so many different types of journals, you may just haven’t heard of them yet. And people are creating new options all the time. So how do you know which one is best for you?
Your best bet is trying them all. You won’t know until you try. But instead of buying a separate notebook for each kind, why not test them all in one?
My One Page a Day method is built on a foundation that journaling is as unique as the individual practicing it. You don’t have to follow a single form of journaling. If you want to write today, but draw tomorrow, go for it. Journal your way.
