How to Get Back Into Journaling When Free Time is Tight

Let’s be honest—juggling a business, a personal life, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a creative entrepreneur can make it tough to find time for yourself, let alone for journaling. But here’s the thing: journaling is one of those small habits that can have a big impact. It clears your mind, reduces stress, and keeps your creativity flowing. So, if you’ve been wanting to get back into journaling but just can’t seem to find the time, this article is for you. We’re going to explore some simple, practical journaling tips to help you bring this meaningful practice back into your life. Here’s how to journal—no matter how packed your schedule is! Whether you prefer a bullet journal, a dream journal, or one focused on professional goals, your mental health and productivity will thank you once you start journaling again!

What Happened? Here’s Why You Might Have Abandoned Journaling

Lack of Time

We’ve all been there—days that start with a packed to-do list and end with us collapsing into bed, wondering where the time went. When life gets this busy, it’s easy to let your journaling practice fall by the wayside. 

After all, when you’re balancing meetings, deadlines, and maybe even family obligations, setting aside time to write can feel like a luxury you just can’t afford. But the truth is, even a few minutes a day can make a big difference, and it’s about finding those little pockets of time where you can squeeze in quick journal entries.

Perfectionism

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, waiting to start writing until the “perfect” words come, you’re not alone. Perfectionism can be a real roadblock when it comes to journaling. We might feel like every entry has to be profound, well-written, or at least coherent, but that mindset can stop us from getting started altogether. 

The key is to let go of the need for perfection and embrace the messiness. Your journal is for you and your future self, not for an audience, so write whatever comes to mind—even if it’s not perfect. So start journaling!

Feeling Overwhelmed

After a long break from the journaling process, the idea of starting again can feel daunting. You might not know where to begin, and that overwhelm can keep you from putting pen to paper. But here’s a little secret: you don’t have to write a novel to get back into the groove of journal writing. 

Start with a single thought, a moment from your day, or a simple list. Easing back into it with little steps can help you overcome that initial hurdle and make journaling feel manageable again. Even small journal entries a few sentences long can make a difference in your mental health.

Plain Old Forgetfulness

With so much on your plate, it’s easy for journaling to slip through the cracks. You might have every intention of sitting down to write, but then the day gets away from you, and before you know it, it’s bedtime. 

The trick here is to create little reminders or rituals that keep journaling top of mind. Whether it’s setting a daily alarm, keeping your journal in a visible spot, or linking it to another daily habit, these small tweaks can help you remember to make journaling a part of your routine. We recommend signing up for an app that sends you daily journal prompts.

If you don’t love those nagging daily reminders, check out DesignDash each day. Every DD article offers a journal prompt at the top, and you can log entries in your own journal on the site by logging in! Our platform is perfect for those who prefer a digital journal to a physical journal. We spend so much time on our computers; it’s easier to solidify a journaling habit if you can log entries on your laptop.

DesignDash Guide: Here’s How to Ease Back Into Journaling

Step 1: Start Small

When you’re trying to ease back into journaling, starting small is the way to go. Instead of committing to pages of writing, give yourself just 5-10 minutes to jot down a few thoughts. It could be as simple as writing about the highlights of your day or noting something that made you smile.

If you’re feeling stuck, prompts can be a lifesaver. Questions like “What are you grateful for today?” or “What’s one thing that went well?” can help get the words flowing without the pressure of coming up with a topic on your own. Just be sure to keep it consistent; daily journaling is key to creating a true habit.

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals

One of the best ways to get back into journaling without feeling overwhelmed is to set realistic goals. Focus on journaling regularly, even if that means only a few times a week. It’s not about how much you write but how consistently you do it. Also, be flexible with your timing.

Pick moments that naturally fit into your day—whether it’s during your morning coffee, right before bed, or even while waiting for an appointment. The key is to make journaling feel like a natural part of your routine, not an added burden.

Step 3: Use Technology and a Variety of Journaling Techniques

In today’s digital age, you don’t have to stick to pen and paper to keep a journal. There are plenty of journaling apps that make it easy to jot down your thoughts on the go. If typing isn’t your thing, consider using voice memos.

Recording your thoughts while you’re multitasking—like during a walk or while cooking—can be a great way to capture your ideas without needing to sit down and write. It’s all about finding what works for you and making journaling as convenient as possible.

Step 4: Incorporate Journaling Into Your Routine

To make journaling a habit, try incorporating it into your existing routine. This could be as simple as habit stacking—pairing journaling with something you already do regularly, like brushing your teeth or having your morning coffee.

Another approach is to create a small ritual around your journaling time. Light a candle, play some soft music, or find a cozy spot that makes you feel relaxed. These little rituals can help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and write, making the process feel more enjoyable and intentional. This is your personal journaling experience, so it should be curated specifically to you.

Step 5: Lower Your Expectations (For Now)

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every journal entry needs to be perfect, but that mindset can be a big barrier to getting started. Embrace imperfection—your journal doesn’t need to be a work of art; it’s a space for you to express yourself freely.

Focus on the process rather than the product, and don’t be too hard on yourself if some journal ideas less profound or detailed than others. Allow for flexibility in your journaling practice; some days you might write more, and other days less, and that’s perfectly okay. The important thing is that you’re making time for it.

Step 6: Experiment with Different Formats

If traditional journaling feels a bit stale, why not mix it up with different formats? Bullet journaling is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something quick and flexible. It allows you to organize your thoughts with simple bullet points, lists, and symbols, making it easier to track your ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re feeling more creative, try art journaling. Adding doodles, sketches, or even collages can turn your journal into a vibrant, expressive space where you can let your imagination run wild. It’s a great way to keep journaling fun and visually engaging. You can also explore creating a gratitude journal or a dream journal. “Morning pages” are also popular. Try a few options and stick to whatever makes sense for your journaling journey.

Step 7: Use Visuals

Sometimes, words aren’t enough to capture what you’re feeling or experiencing. That’s where visuals come in. Consider creating a photo journal—snap a picture that represents your day or a special moment and pair it with a short caption or reflection.

It’s a quick and meaningful way to document your life. If you’re more goal-oriented, mini vision boards can be a powerful addition to your journal. Cut out images, quotes, or anything that inspires you and create a visual representation of your dreams and goals. It’s a fun way to keep your aspirations front and center.

Step 8: Find a Journal Buddy

Journaling is a very personal practice and your journaling styles might diverge significantly, but sometimes, it’s easier to stick to a habit when you’re not doing it alone. Finding a journaling buddy can be a great way to stay motivated.

You and a friend can check in with each other, share entries occasionally, and offer support when one of you needs a little push. If you don’t have someone close by, online journaling communities can be just as effective.

These communities are full of like-minded people who share prompts, ideas, and encouragement. Being part of a group can give you the inspiration you need to keep going, even when motivation wanes.

Step 9: Reflect on Your Progress

Taking time to reflect on your journaling progress can be incredibly rewarding. Set aside a few minutes each month to read over past entries. It’s a great way to see how far you’ve come, recognize patterns, and gain insights you might have missed in the moment.

To keep track of your consistency, consider keeping a simple log of the days you journal. Whether it’s a checklist or a calendar, seeing those checkmarks or dots build up can be a powerful motivator to keep up the habit. Plus, it’s a tangible way to measure your commitment to yourself.

Step 10: Reward Yourself for Sticking With It

Celebrating your journaling milestones is a fun way to maintain momentum. Set small goals—like completing 10 entries—and reward yourself when you reach them. Whether it’s buying yourself a new pen, treating yourself to a cozy afternoon with a book, or indulging in a favorite snack, these little rewards can make the process feel more enjoyable.

You can also link your journaling sessions with treats, like enjoying a cup of your favorite tea or lighting a scented candle while you write. These simple pleasures can make journaling something you look forward to, rather than just another task on your list.

Don’t Be Discouraged; This is a Fresh Start!

Getting back into journaling doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By starting small, setting realistic goals, and experimenting with different formats, you can reignite your journaling habit in a way that fits seamlessly into your busy life.

Whether you choose to explore bullet journaling, add some creative flair with art or visuals, or simply set aside a few minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, there’s a strategy here to help you make journaling both enjoyable and sustainable. And don’t forget to reward yourself along the way—celebrating your progress is key to maintaining momentum.

Remember, it’s absolutely possible to weave journaling back into your routine, no matter how tight your schedule is. The key is to be gentle with yourself and to start with just one small change. So why not pick one tip from this article and try it out today? Whether it’s setting a timer for a 5-minute entry or joining an online journaling community, that first step is all it takes to get back on track. Your future self will thank you!

Some Resources to Get You Started

• Why Journal? These Are the Many Benefits of Journaling
• All About Our 7-Day Focus & Flex Challenge
• What Is Shadow Work Journaling, And How Can I Start My Own?
• Manifestation Journal Prompts For Women With Creative Businesses
• Our Top Tips For Making The Most Of Your Manifestation Journal
• The DesignDash Journal