These are just a few types, there are many others! You don't have to stick to one -- you can mix and match depending upon what you need!
Here are a few of the different types of journals you can choose from:
The Guided Journal – If you’re not sure where to start, a guided journal can be helpful for you. The Five Minute Journal is a good place to start.
The Mental Health Journal – Also known as an emotional expression journaling or thought journaling. Journaling for mental health is an effective way to get some clarity and peace of mind. Think of it as a therapy session with yourself. Get out the good, the bad and the ugly thoughts, then reflect on them, challenge them, and reframe them. This way of journaling is often recommended for those struggling with negative thoughts, depression or anxiety.
Morning Pages – Morning Pages is from the book, “That Artist Way”, by Julia Cameron. The idea is to let your stream of consciousness flow freely onto a piece of paper, preferably in the morning when we are most creative. Don’t think, just write our all of your random thoughts, worries, whines, cheers, grumbles, and snark for at least two pages. This clears these thoughts, acknowledges them, and gets them out of the way for the day.
The Gratitude Journal – Journal for being aware of the good things we've got in our lives. Start and finish the day by writing down what you are most grateful for – big or small.
The Bullet Journal – Bullet journaling has common ways to journal for productivity and goal setting. The concept was invented by Ryder Carroll. It is less about productivity and more about mindfulness. Learn more about bullet journaling in the free video tutorial here.
The Art Journal – Using non-verbal means of expression for ideas or emotional expression. Collage, illustration, doodling, comics drawing are all useful for art journaling.
Journaling for general ideas and brainstorming – Jot down any new brilliant idea that comes your way and keep track of them in your journal.
Scrapbooks – Gather memories, dreams, create mood boards or whatever makes your heart sing. A great way to gather thoughts onto a vision board and make it into something REAL.
Commonplace Book - A centuries-old tradition of gathering and recording quotes, facts, recipes, how-tos, and bits of wisdom, jokes, and other odds and ends for doing life into a journal.
The Dear Diary Journal – Journaling in its most classic form. Also a really good form for writing Letters to Yourself or Unsent Letters