How to Start Journaling – Without Doing It Perfectly

We often hear people say,
“I really want to start journaling… but I just don’t know how.”
Or,
“I’ve tried so many times, but I never stick with it.”

And we get it. Journaling can easily become something we overthink. We imagine that it has to be beautiful, structured, consistent. That each page should look like a mini masterpiece.

But that’s not what journaling is about.

Journaling isn’t a performance

It’s not something you need to be “good” at. It doesn’t need to be pretty, polished or even shared with anyone.
It’s a quiet space that’s just for you.

It’s where your thoughts can land.
Where you can scribble, repeat yourself, cross things out.
Leave a page blank if you want to.

Because journaling is not about doing it right.
It’s about showing up.
And listening in.

Start small – five minutes is enough

You don’t need a whole hour or a drawer full of markers.
Start gently. Try this:

Make a cup of tea. Find a quiet corner. Open your notebook.
Write one sentence. Maybe something like:
“I felt tired today, but the sunlight on my walk home was beautiful.”

That’s enough. That’s a beginning.
This is how journaling can become part of your rhythm – slow, simple, and on your terms.

Find your own journaling style

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to journaling. What brings clarity to one person might feel overwhelming to another. The good news? You get to shape it to fit you.

Here are some different approaches – try the one that speaks to you, or mix and match as you go:

1. One Line a Day

The simplest way to begin: write just one sentence about your day. That’s enough.
It might be a moment, a small reflection, a feeling. This style is gentle and low-pressure – perfect if you're short on time or just getting started.

→ Try it in a “One Line a Day” journal, where each page holds space for five years of daily moments.

2. Gratitude Journaling

Write down 1–3 things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big: the smell of coffee, a kind word, fresh sheets.
This practice helps you shift your focus – and can add small sparks of joy to your day.

→ Our Gratitude Journal offers a calming, dedicated space for this practice – simple, spacious and inviting.

3. Classic Freewriting

Let your thoughts spill onto the page – unfiltered, unedited. This kind of journaling is perfect for letting go of overthinking, processing emotions, or simply capturing the flow of everyday life.

→ Our hardcover notebooks are made for this – beautifully bound with plenty of space to write freely.

4. Visual Journaling

Let your creativity flow – with tape, stickers, colour, drawings, or small paper memories.
A visual journal becomes a little world of its own – playful, expressive and personal.

→ Add a touch of joy with our masking tapes and sticker sheets. Perfect for layering feelings and colours onto the page.

5. Planning + Journaling

A space where to-dos meet reflection. Write down your plans for the week – then check in with how you’re actually feeling.
This style is perfect if you want both structure and space for self-care.

→ Our Weekly Planners gives you a clear overview of your days. And if you’d like a more reflective, gentle guide, the Care Journal offers thoughtful prompts to help you slow down, notice your needs, and care for your everyday wellbeing.

6. Minimalist Journaling

Prefer white space, clean lines, and a calming layout? Minimal journaling can be a way to slow down and clear your mind – while still capturing the essence of your day.

→ Choose one of our softcover notebooks for a more lightweight, quiet feel – see the collection here.

7. Prompted or Guided Journaling

If a blank page feels too open, prompts can help you begin.
A good question can gently guide your thoughts, open up new perspectives, or simply bring you closer to yourself.

→ Puk Hyllested’s book Journaling (Danish) is full of inspiration and thoughtful reflections – ideal if you’d like a deeper journaling practice in Danish.
→ Looking for something in English? Try our The Writer Within journaling prompts – a set of 50 beautifully designed cards to spark insight, creativity, and calm.

Remember: journaling can be messy, imperfect, skipped some days and picked up again.
It doesn’t need to be anything other than yours.