How To Start A “Better Every Day” Journal + Free Self-Care Worksheets

Do you want to start a “better every day” journal but don’t know how to start it? Have you been recommended a “better every day” journal but aren’t sure what it is?

Whatever your question might be, I am here with the answers for you. 

Knowing how to start a “better every day” journal can be tricky. The blank pages are daunting, thinking of what to fill the lines with can be overwhelming, and leaves you crippled with anxiety, unsure how to start.

Even if the journal comes with prompts, you can find yourself thinking about what to write, rather than just writing for the sake of it. 

Frustrated and disappointed, you wonder if you will ever know how to start a “better every day” journal. But, I can help.

I am here with the answers you need! Keep reading to find out how you can start a “better every day” journal, including inspiration and everything you need to know about them.

What Is A “Better Every Day” Journal?

Before I dive into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it. A “better every day” journal is a guided daily journal and workbook that helps you become the best version of yourself.

The book features 365 prompts, one for every day of the year.

Created by Inside Then Out, the book’s prompts are centered around growth, reflection, and self-love. The purpose of the book is to help you begin reflecting on your thoughts and life and get to know yourself better.

By doing so, you can develop a stronger sense of identity and love for yourself. This in turn helps you to grow as a person, becoming the best version of yourself. 

The journal features the date at the top of each page, with a prompt underneath. The prompt provides you with guidance and allows you to explore one thought or feeling, rather than you being overwhelmed by all your emotions or thoughts.

Each prompt is designed to help you explore reflective thinking and self-love.. 

There are lots of other versions of the “better every day” journal out there too. The original from Inside The Out is a little pricey, and might not be suitable for your budget.

However, you can grab alternatives like The Five Minute Journal, or Soul Therapy. Alternatively, you can make your own too.

The choice is yours and you can create or purchase a journal that will allow you to work through your emotions at a pace that suits you.

After seeing Devnnluu’s wonderful video ‘Simple Journaling Routine with Better Every Day Journal,’ video linked below) I was obsessed!

The video was super helpful and gave me plenty of inspiration for my journal. 

Now that I have established what a “better every day” journal is, let’s move on to see how you can start one! 

How To Start A “Better Every Day” Journal?

Starting a “better every day” journal can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before. But, it is not impossible.

Simply open the journal and find the page with today’s date on. Underneath today’s date, you will see your prompt. Use this prompt as your guide and start writing.

For example, if the prompt is, ‘what aspects of your life could you slow down?’ Think about the parts of your life that you are not appreciating.

Could you be spending more time making and enjoying your favorite meal instead of grabbing a ready meal?

Could you light a candle and wrap yourself in a blanket to read a book before bed? Or maybe you need to allow yourself a slower start to the morning instead of rushing around? 

To get the most out of your journal, pause and think before you write. It can feel scary, but once you have done it a few times, you will get used to it. You could also take some scrap paper and jot down some of your ideas before you write them down.

This might seem silly, but it allows you some extra space to gather your thoughts- especially as you get one page a day in the journal.

It’s worth remembering here that there are no rules when it comes to writing in a journal. It is your journal, so write it as you want. You don’t need to use full sentences, you can bullet point, make a diagram, or even draw if you prefer.

The prompt is meant to provoke thought, so let it guide you and see where you end up. 

Tips For Starting A “Better Every Day” Journal

To help you with your “better every day” journal, I have some tips below that you can use to get started and build the routine of writing in a journal. 

• Set a timer and use this time to write in your journal. Find a time that works for you. This could be first thing in the morning, before bed, or during your 15-minute tea break at work. 
• Think about and plan what you want to write before you commit pen to paper.
• Don’t be afraid to keep writing beyond the page or timer! You can use extra paper or carry it over two pages if you want. It’s your journal after all! 
• Set yourself a challenge with a reward. Promise to buy yourself a small treat if you write in the journal every day for a week. The reward will release some dopamine that will encourage you to return and keep writing in the journal (this is known as creating a habit loop and is an excellent way to build a habit and routine). 
• Don’t be afraid to change the prompt if it doesn’t work for you. The internet is full of hundreds that you can use as inspiration.
• Remember, this journal is an act of self-care. It might be tough at times, but by working through the tough, you can enjoy the happiness in life! 

Final Thoughts 

And there you have it. There is no one way to start or continue writing in a journal. For many of us, it is a case of trial and error to find the journal, time, and way of writing that works for us.

Make sure you allow yourself the time and space to explore and experiment and you too can be writing in your journal every day!