Top Journal Trends in 2025 and How to Start Your Own Journaling Routine
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Journaling is more popular than ever, evolving beyond simple diary entries into a creative, mindful, and even adventurous practice. Whether you’re looking to boost creativity, stay organized, or deepen your connection with nature, there’s a journaling style that fits your needs. If you’re wondering how to start journaling or which type is right for you, this guide covers the top journal trends in 2025 and easy steps to begin your own journaling routine.
1. Guided Journals for Mindfulness and Personal Growth
One of the biggest trends in journaling is guided journals. These come with structured prompts to help with self-reflection, gratitude, and personal growth. They’re perfect for beginners who want a simple way to build a journaling habit without staring at a blank page.
How to Start:
- Choose a guided journal that aligns with your goals (gratitude, self-care, productivity, etc.).
- Set aside five minutes a day to write.
- Don’t overthink—just answer the prompts naturally.
2. Bullet Journaling for Organization and Productivity
Bullet journaling (BuJo) remains a top trend, blending planning, goal-setting, and creative expression. It’s completely customizable, so you can use it for tracking habits, managing to-do lists, or brainstorming ideas.
How to Start:
- Grab a dot-grid journal and a pen.
- Use simple bullet points to log tasks, notes, and events.
- Experiment with habit trackers, goal-setting pages, and to-do lists.
- Keep it functional—no need to make it perfect.
3. Wildcraft Journaling for Nature Lovers
For those who love exploring the outdoors, wildcraft journaling is an emerging trend that blends adventure with documentation. It’s a way to track plants, wildlife, and nature experiences while deepening your connection to the natural world.
Learn more about wildcraft journaling here.
How to Start:
- Take a journal with you on hikes, camping trips, or garden walks.
- Sketch plants, record wildlife sightings, and note environmental changes.
- Include leaf pressings, bark rubbings, or small nature-inspired keepsakes.
4. Junk Journaling for Creative Expression
Junk journaling is all about turning scraps into art. It’s a mix of journaling, scrapbooking, and collage-making, where you use everyday materials—ticket stubs, magazine cutouts, postcards, and fabric—to create a visual diary.
Learn more about junk journaling here.
How to Start:
- Gather random materials like old book pages, stickers, and ephemera.
- Use glue, tape, and washi to layer textures and create collages.
- Add handwritten notes, doodles, or stamps to personalize your pages.
5. Daily Reflection and Gratitude Journals
Journaling for mental clarity is on the rise. People are using gratitude and reflection journals to boost positivity, reduce stress, and stay mindful. Writing down even a few positive moments from your day can shift your mindset.
How to Start:
- Each night, jot down three things you’re grateful for.
- Write a sentence or two about a highlight of your day.
- Keep it short and consistent—it’s about the habit, not perfection.
6. Digital Journaling vs. Traditional Paper Journals
While traditional paper journals are still popular, digital journaling is gaining traction. Apps and online platforms offer features like cloud storage, searchability, and reminders.
How to Start:
- If you love the feel of pen and paper, go with a physical journal.
- If you prefer convenience, try a journaling app like Day One or Notion.
- Consider a hybrid approach—use a paper journal for deep reflection and a digital one for quick notes.
How to Choose the Right Journal
Picking the right journal makes all the difference in maintaining your journaling habit. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: A pocket-sized journal is great for portability, while a larger one offers more space to write.
- Paper Quality: If you use pens or markers, look for thick, high-quality paper.
- Binding: Lay-flat journals make writing easier, especially for daily use.
- Cover Design: Choose a journal that you enjoy looking at—it can make journaling feel more inviting.
Final Thoughts
Journaling in 2025 is more than just putting pen to paper—it’s about self-discovery, organization, creativity, and even connecting with nature. Whether you want a structured guided journal, an artistic space for ideas, or a simple bullet journal for daily tasks, the key is to make it a habit that works for you. Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly—enjoy the process.
✨ Want to see what others are journaling? TikTok and Threads are buzzing with JournalTok! #JournalTok, a movement for journal lovers, dreamers, and self-reflectors. Check it out here.
What type of journaling are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
