Try journaling

Journals aren’t just for children and teenagers – keeping a journal is a great way to manage stress, track your moods and process events in your life.

If you’ve tried before but never managed to make journaling a lasting habit, not to worry; today there are dozens of excellent interactive journals on the market to help you get creative, be mindful and keep track of where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to.

Start simple

Of course, all you really need to start a journal is a blank notebook – it can be a simple lined notebook without frills or embellishments.

Start simple, and try to resist anything that will make the task too intimidating; instead of thinking of an end goal, try and focus on creating a simple habit, even if you start with writing just a few lines a day.

If you’re overwhelmed by the blank page, try by writing a short list of five things you saw, did or tasted in a day. Even a short list of everything you did that day is a good place to start. Give yourself ten minutes each day to get started – a short window like this can help the task feel more manageable.

Don’t be afraid to let yourself get creative; there’s no right or wrong way to fill a journal, and what you write doesn’t need to be the same each day. Try writing whatever is on your mind each day – you might be surprised just how much you have to say.

Template journals

If you like the idea of a journal but need more structure than a blank page, a template journal might be a better solution for you.

Through a series of questions and writing prompts, these journals help you get your thoughts and feelings down a little easier. Here are a few of the best to try.

Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration

A great journal for exploring your inner thoughts and feelings, and an excellent companion if you’re considering some big changes or are in the midst of a transition. Find it at Waterstones.

I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal

If you like the idea of mindfulness meditation but find it hard to sit still and clear your mind, this journal is a great way to focus your energy and become more aware of your life. There’s a wide range of exercises – some simple, some more complex – where you can share your thoughts and bring your mind into the present. Find it on Amazon.

My Life: An Autobiographical Journal

This stylish journal offers an A-Z list of writing prompts to write down everything from memories to your tastes and personal traits. Find it on Amazon.

Have you ever tried keeping a journal?