The simplest expert-approved wellness habit: journaling

Move over red-light saunas and ice baths—journaling is one of the most effective (and underrated) wellness tools to boost mental clarity, reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and improve your outlook on life. All you need is a notebook and pen.

Among all the wellness trends, journaling stands out for its simplicity and proven effectiveness. But why has it gained so much attention, and what can it really do for you?

Whether you're sorting through worries, cultivating gratitude, or striving for mindfulness, journaling is a versatile tool that meets you wherever you are.

WHAT CAN JOURNALING DO FOR YOU?

• REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY: By putting your worries on paper, you externalise them, making them feel less overwhelming.
• IMPROVES MENTAL CLARITY AND FOCUS: Writing down your thoughts can help you identify patterns, clarify your priorities, and organise your day more effectively.
• ENHANCES EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: Journaling creates space for processing emotions and reflecting on experiences. It promotes self-awareness and emotional growth, enabling you to better understand and manage your feelings.
• BOOSTS GRATITUDE AND POSITIVITY: Taking a few minutes to jot down what you're grateful for can help shift your perspective and brighten your day.
• SUPPORTS GOAL SETTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Writing about your goals and tracking progress fosters a sense of accountability and motivation. Seeing your goals in writing can make them feel tangible and more achievable.

WHICH JOURNAL IS BEST FOR YOU?

If you’re new to journaling or looking to recommit this year, choosing the right journal can make all the difference. Here are our 3 top picks:

1. THE FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL

Why it’s great: Perfect for beginners and those with busy lives, this journal keeps things simple and structured, offering a quick yet meaningful habit. It prompts you with questions for morning gratitude, daily affirmations, and evening reflections, eliminating the worry of writer's block.

2. THE THREE QUESTION JOURNAL

Why it’s great: Created in collaboration with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, this journal uses a morning gratitude and evening reflection format, similar to The Five Minute Journal. Designed to help you create sustainable daily habits that are achievable in our busy lives, it draws on Dr. Chatterjee's two decades of clinical expertise.

3. THE PAPIER GRATITUDE JOURNAL

Why it’s great: Gratitude journaling helps you shift your mindset and reframe challenging situations. This journal offers daily prompts, monthly reflections, and affirmations to encourage a positive perspective. And an added bonus, Papier have an abundance of fun designs that you can choose from for the cover.

FINAL TIPS FOR MAKING JOURNALING A DAILY HABIT:

• Be consistent: Choose a time that works for you and stick with it.
• Try habit stacking: Pair journaling with another daily habit for extra motivation, such as taking Indi Body in the morning or Indi Rest at night.
• Don’t worry about perfection: Grammar and spelling don’t matter—this is for your eyes only!