The Joy of Journaling: How to Make It Work for You (Even When You Don’t Want To)

Hey there, sweet friend!

I get it—journaling sounds about as fun as cleaning out the junk drawer or folding that mountain of laundry staring you down. When you're stressed, struggling to focus, or feeling like you're juggling a million flaming torches, journaling can feel like just one more "should" on the list.

But here’s the thing: journaling isn’t just another chore. It’s a gift you give yourself—a few sacred minutes to breathe, reflect, and connect with your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. And trust me, it doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming to be wildly effective.

Let’s talk about why journaling is worth it (even when you’d rather not) and how to make it work for you, no matter how chaotic life feels.

The Benefits of Journaling

Stress Relief Pouring your worries onto paper is like unloading the weight of the world from your shoulders. Journaling helps you process emotions and clears mental clutter. It’s free therapy, y’all!
Focus Booster Writing out your thoughts makes them tangible. You can see what’s swirling around in your mind and actually make sense of it. Plus, it’s a great way to prioritize what really matters.
Creativity Igniter You’d be surprised how many “aha!” moments happen when you’re jotting down random thoughts. Journaling unlocks ideas you didn’t even know you had.
Spiritual Anchor Whether it’s gratitude, prayer, or just connecting with your heart, journaling grounds you in truth and gives you a chance to lean into your faith.

How to Journal When You Don’t Feel Like It

1. Set the Timer for 5 Minutes

Five minutes is doable, right? Start with a small, manageable window. Set a timer, grab a pen, and just write. Even if it’s, “I don’t know what to write,” that counts.

2. Use a Prompt

Sometimes blank pages feel intimidating. Try prompts like:

What’s one thing I’m grateful for today?
What’s taking up the most mental space right now?
If I could wave a magic wand, what would I fix or create today?

3. Bullet Points Are Your Best Friend

No need for full sentences, punctuation, or deep reflections. Just jot down quick lists:

Things that made me smile today
My top 3 priorities for tomorrow
Random thoughts swirling in my head

4. Keep It Handy

Leave your journal somewhere you’ll see it—your nightstand, your desk, or even your car. The more accessible it is, the more likely you’ll use it.

5. Journal Anywhere

Stressed in the carpool line? Waiting for your coffee to brew? Sneak in a minute or two of writing. Journaling doesn’t have to be a big production.

For My Overwhelmed Queens

If you’re juggling so much that journaling feels like one more thing, here’s your permission to keep it simple. Forget long entries or neatly crafted paragraphs. Just scribble down what’s in your heart. Remember, this is for you, not for Instagram or anyone else.

Let Me Help You Get Started

Feeling a little more inspired? I’ve got you, girl! I’ve created a free weekly journal to help you ease into the routine of journaling. It’s filled with simple prompts and encouragement to make journaling your favorite part of the week.

Click here to grab your free journal and start your journey to a clearer mind and a lighter heart. Let’s do this together!

Take a deep breath, grab that pen, and let the magic of journaling work its wonders. You’ve got this, sweet friend!