*Mood Journals

The benefit of this style of journal is to track our emotions and find reasons for different emotional shifts, mood swings etc. For people with anxiety disorders, depression, or shifting hormones, these types of journals provide tremendous benefits in being able to look at effects of various elements. Record in this journal your feelings, why you are having them, and anything that may be having an effect such as diet, medication, stress levels etc.

*Quotations Journals

These journals are wonderful for a variety of reasons. Use them as a quick pick-me-up, sparks for writing, or to inspire others. These journals are simplest to keep because it only takes a moment to add a quote or phrase to your collection. Let this fun journal keep you inspired.

*Writer Sparks Journals

For those of us who love to write, this journal can be a great tool for dealing with writers block and keeping creative juices flowing. Ever noticed how those great ideas always seem to pop up at inopportune moments? Have you ever just sat there staring at blank screen wishing something would come out? Keeping a small notebook/journal with you can help you to record these little ideas as they come up, or you can jot down your idea and add it later. Whenever you want to write, open up your journal and out pops some great material to get you started.

*Electronic Calendars/Journals in one

In electronic age we are provided with a whole new set of options. Our planners and organizers can also be incorporated into journaling through different software programs that allow you to keep your information encrypted and safe from prying eyes. This is a convenient way to keep everything organized in one centralized location, and can keep even severest procrastinator in habit of keeping notes.

These are just a few examples of many different styles of journaling. Everyone can find a method or combination of methods that works well for them. Now that you have seen benefits, various style ideas, and keys to successful journaling I hope you will be inspired to use writing as healing tool it can be.

Use every opportunity to write. If you have stalled on a novel, write a short story, an article, a poem, write in your journal, write a description of checker at grocery store, give her a name, a bio, a life…The idea is: JUST WRITE. I stall when editing. Sometimes I just can’t look at story any more. I get so frustrated, I just want to chuck whole thing and start over. At times like this, it’s better for me to turn my attention to a short story or write an article. Before I know it, I’m relaxed and confident.

Last, but not least, READ. Reading a good book always inspires me. Imagine if JRR Tolkien let fear stop him from writing. What world would be missing! Every book is full of lessons you can apply to your craft. You can read a book and see way a particular writer develops characters, overcomes obstacles or weaves their words. You may find tools to use and traps to avoid in your own work.