Skip to Content

How to Start a Diary – Easy Tips To Follow

Keeping a diary is a great way to track your emotions and log important memories from your life. You can log everything including the best and the worst moments of your day. Journaling enables you to figure out how you are doing mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

how to start a diary

To start a diary, you need the right tools at your disposal. Decide between a digital diary or a notebook, then schedule a routine that will allow you to sit down to reflect on your life and document your journey.  

A diary allows you to keep track of anything that happens in your life. It helps you work out challenges, concerns, unravels ways to achieve potential goals and helps you process complicated emotions. If you are looking for a guide to help you figure out how to write a diary, you’ve found it.

Get the Right Supplies

The tools needed for a traditional paper book diary include:

  • A paper notebook – use a simple spring notebook or opt for a pricier, leather notebook.
  • A marker, pen, or pencil – this is a personal preference, but most like to use a variation of all three

Alternatively, a digital diary can come in the form of a blog, website, or digital book. Consider:

  • Protecting your digital diary with a password
  • Purchasing anti-hack software for security
  • Cloud back-up for your site or digital book
diary tips

Make It a Routine

To reap the most benefits out of your diary, you must make it a habit. Ensure that you write every day.

Schedule Time

At the same time, each day, take a moment to write something in your diary. It doesn’t matter how long or short your entry is as long as you write SOMETHING of value. Choose a time when you are least distracted and document an emotion, memory, or feeling. You can choose the morning, before you head out, the afternoon during your lunch break, or the evening before you go to bed. 

Consider setting an alarm on your computer, smartphone, or watch to remind you of your new writing schedule. 

journaling ideas

Set a Limit

At first, writing in your diary will seem awkward. On some days you will feel more inspired than others. This is to be expected. To avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, consider setting a time limit. You may decide to set aside 10 to 30 minutes daily to decompress.

When you are bursting with inspiration, do not limit your creativity. Write until you feel empty.

Find the Best Location

Identify a comfortable, quiet, and serene spot to write in your diary. Writing in the same spot every day can play a huge role in keeping you committed. Though it isn’t necessary. There are plenty of people who like to take their diary on the go with them and choose to write when desire fills them. Consider locations like:

sitting at cafe
  • The coffee shop around the corner
  • Your bedroom
  • The secluded armchair in your living room
  • A park in your neighborhood
  • Inside your car, and so on

Decide What to Write About

If you find yourself struggling with what to write each day, don’t despair. A diary should not be something that causes additional stress. Here are some thought-starters:

  • Things you are grateful for today
  • Positive affirmations over your life
  • What brings you happiness
  • Changes you should make to live healthier
  • How to tackle different challenges
  • Express feelings like love, sadness, joy, disappointment, anger, and so on.
  • Foods you’d like to try
  • Movies you hope to see
  • Ways you’ve felt loved this week

Date your Dairy Entries

A time will come when you will want to look back at your diary to see how you’ve progressed over the year. The best way to keep track is by dating your entries. At the top of every page, consider writing the time, day, month, and year. Remember, your grandchildren might come across these books one day. What a wonderful find it will be!  

sketching ideas

Identify the Best Writing Format

Writing in paragraphs is the most common format people prefer using. But, on those days you feel uninspired to write consider getting a little creative. Other writing formats you could try include,

  • To-do lists
  • Sketching
  • Drawing
  • Doodling
  • Poetry
  • Writing lyrics
  • Stories, and so on.

A diary should be a judgment-free place where you can express yourself. No need to commit to a writing format you find boring and monotonous. Feel free to mix it up and try out different writing formats. You never know, diary-keeping may help you discover one of your hidden talents in singing or poetry.

Keep it Short

Shorter entries tend to be more straightforward and precise. When you have little time frame and barely have enough time to fill out a page on your diary, write short entries. One or two paragraphs that sum up how your day was is enough.

This only applies when you are starting out the diary-keeping routine. As you get used to it and when you have plenty of free time you may end up writing pages upon pages at a time.

Adopt an Honesty Policy

Diary writing is incredibly helpful in improving mental and emotional health. Provided you are bold enough to dig deep and explore yourself, there’ll be no end to the benefits that come with keeping a diary. 

This requires a high level of honesty and openness with yourself. Here, there’s no holding back. Aim to be as honest as possible, forgetting all judgment. Write down your deepest secrets, worries, and concerns without mincing your words. Editing yourself is the surest way to fail in diary-keeping.

25 Quick Tips To Help You Start A Diary

Starting a diary can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. Here are 25 tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose the Right Journal: Select a journal that you love. Whether it’s leather-bound or a simple notebook, find one that appeals to you aesthetically.
  2. Set a Regular Time: Establish a consistent time each day to write in your diary. This routine can help make journaling a habit.
  3. Create a Relaxing Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable place to write where you won’t be interrupted.
  4. Write Freely: Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the paper.
  5. Start with a Date: Begin each entry with the date. This helps provide context to your entries.
  6. Be Honest: Diaries are for your eyes only, so be honest with yourself. This is a space to express your true thoughts and feelings.
  7. Write About Your Day: Summarize your day or highlight key events. Reflect on both positive and negative experiences.
  8. Include Gratitude: Take a moment to write about things you’re grateful for. It can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
  9. Describe Your Surroundings: Include details about your environment. This helps capture the atmosphere of the moment.
  10. Express Emotions: Use your diary to express your emotions, whether you’re happy, sad, angry, or excited.
  11. Set Goals: Record your short-term and long-term goals. Update your progress regularly.
  12. Include Quotes or Inspirations: Add quotes or thoughts that inspire you. It can serve as motivation during challenging times.
  13. Sketch or Doodle: If you enjoy drawing, consider adding sketches or doodles to your entries.
  14. Reflect on Challenges: Write about challenges you face and how you plan to overcome them. This can be a valuable problem-solving exercise.
  15. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
  16. Write Letters: Address your entries to someone, real or imaginary. This can add a personal touch to your writing.
  17. Use Prompts: If you’re unsure what to write about, use prompts to get your creative juices flowing.
  18. Experiment with Formats: Try different formats, such as lists, poems, or narratives, to keep your entries diverse.
  19. Track Habits: Monitor habits you want to develop or break. This can help you stay accountable.
  20. Read Old Entries: Occasionally go back and read previous entries. It can provide insight into your personal growth.
  21. Travel Journaling: If you travel, document your experiences and impressions of new places.
  22. Capture Dreams: Write down your dreams and interpretations. They can offer insights into your subconscious mind.
  23. Share Your Aspirations: Write about your dreams and aspirations. It can help clarify your goals and motivate you to pursue them.
  24. Use Technology: If you prefer digital formats, consider journaling on a computer or using a dedicated journaling app.
  25. Be Patient: Developing a journaling habit takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t feel pressured to write lengthy entries every day.

Remember, there are no strict rules for keeping a diary. It’s a personal space for self-expression, so make it your own and enjoy the process!

40 Journal Prompts To Inspire Your First Entry

Here are 40 diary prompts to spark your creativity and reflection:

  1. Describe a moment from today that made you smile.
  2. Write about a goal you’re currently working towards.
  3. What is a challenge you faced today, and how did you handle it?
  4. Explore a favorite childhood memory.
  5. List three things you’re grateful for right now.
  6. Describe a place you’ve always wanted to visit and why.
  7. Write about a book, movie, or song that deeply resonated with you.
  8. What is a skill or hobby you’d like to develop, and why?
  9. Reflect on a recent accomplishment, big or small.
  10. Share your thoughts on a current news event or social issue.
  11. Write a letter to your future self.
  12. Describe your ideal day from start to finish.
  13. Explore a fear you’ve overcome or are working to overcome.
  14. Write about someone who inspires you and why.
  15. Discuss a lesson you’ve learned recently.
  16. What is a habit you want to cultivate or break, and why?
  17. Share a favorite quote and explain its significance to you.
  18. Describe your morning routine in detail.
  19. Write about a recent dream and its possible meanings.
  20. Explore a decision you’re currently grappling with.
  21. Discuss a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
  22. Write about a moment when you felt truly alive.
  23. Describe your favorite season and why it holds significance for you.
  24. Reflect on a relationship that has influenced your life.
  25. Write a letter to someone you’ve lost touch with.
  26. Explore a cultural tradition that is important to you.
  27. Share your thoughts on a recent success, no matter how small.
  28. Write about a random act of kindness you experienced or witnessed.
  29. Describe a favorite childhood game or activity.
  30. Explore a passion or hobby that brings you joy.
  31. Write about a person you admire and the qualities you appreciate in them.
  32. Discuss a favorite quote and how it relates to your life.
  33. Explore a moment when you felt proud of yourself.
  34. Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  35. Share your favorite recipe and the memories associated with it.
  36. Describe a place that holds special significance in your heart.
  37. Explore your beliefs and values.
  38. Write a letter of forgiveness to someone, even if you don’t send it.
  39. Reflect on a recent change in your life and how it has affected you.
  40. Write about something you’re looking forward to in the near future.

Feel free to adapt these prompts to suit your interests and experiences. Happy journaling!

20 Different Diary Types To Create

Creating different types of diaries can add variety to your journaling routine and help you explore various aspects of your life. Here are 20 different diary types you can consider:

  1. Gratitude Journal: Focus on expressing thanks for the positive aspects of your life.
  2. Dream Journal: Record your dreams and try to interpret their meanings.
  3. Travel Journal: Document your experiences and observations while traveling.
  4. Mindfulness Journal: Reflect on your daily moments of mindfulness and presence.
  5. Goal Journal: Track your short-term and long-term goals, and document your progress.
  6. Art Journal: Combine writing with artistic expression, including sketches, drawings, or collages.
  7. Reflection Journal: Dive deep into your thoughts and emotions, exploring personal insights.
  8. Fitness Journal: Log your physical activities, workouts, and health-related goals.
  9. Recipe Journal: Document your favorite recipes, cooking experiments, and culinary adventures.
  10. Nature Journal: Record your outdoor experiences, hikes, and interactions with nature.
  11. Relationship Journal: Explore and reflect on your relationships, both romantic and platonic.
  12. Finance Journal: Track your expenses, budgeting, and financial goals.
  13. Bucket List Journal: Create and update a list of things you want to do or achieve in your lifetime.
  14. Book or Film Journal: Review and analyze books or films you’ve enjoyed.
  15. Self-Care Journal: Document your self-care practices, such as meditation, skincare, or relaxation techniques.
  16. Memory Journal: Record memories from your past, both significant and everyday moments.
  17. Learning Journal: Document what you’re learning, whether it’s a new skill, language, or area of interest.
  18. Inspirational Quotes Journal: Collect and reflect on quotes that inspire and motivate you.
  19. Weather Journal: Note the weather each day and reflect on how it might have influenced your mood or activities.
  20. Work Journal: Keep track of your professional experiences, challenges, and achievements.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own unique combination.

Conclusion

Many are the times you will feel like giving up. But, if you lose track, getting back to writing in your diary is as simple as opening your notebook and writing a paragraph. Avoid pressuring yourself to be picture perfect. When you need to take a break, a day or two will suffice. 

Once you realize the benefits of keeping a diary, everything will fall in place naturally. 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.