5 Journaling Products for Self-care
It’s no secret that getting your thoughts out onto paper can help clear your mind. Journaling is a great way to practice self-care and it’s so easy to get started. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center:
Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by:
- Helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns
- Tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them
- Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors
And while your local dollar-store has everything you need to get started, many people like to elevate their journaling with journaling-specific items and setting up a journaling ritual. If you want a more official experience check out my recommendations below. Please note that this post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
The Five Minute Journal – The Original Gratitude Journal
If journaling seems daunting to you, you might want to consider The Five Minute Journal. Each page features a collection of simple prompts to get you writing about your day in brief sentences. The journal is also undated, so you don’t have to worry about awkward spaces in the journal if you miss a day. The journal comes in a hardcover with sustainably sourced paper, making this a smart and eco-friendly choice for journaling beginners.
Uniball Zento Quick Drying Gel Ink Pens 0.7mm
Don’t underestimate the difference a great pen can make with your writing experience. Uniball Zento writing pens are lightweight with a slightly rubberized grip to keep your hand from slipping. The gel ink is quick-drying, which is great for left-handed writers as well to keep from smudging your important work. You can’t go wrong with Japanese technology, even in pens. These pens have a guarantee on the back of the package and the 0.7mm size makes for smooth and clear pen strokes.
Paddywax Scented Candles – Library – Edgar Allan Poe
Paddywax candles are soy-based and made with cotton wicks, meaning they provide a more elevated burning experience than your run-of-the-mill candle. The company has been around since 1996 and focuses on storytelling in their candles and making sure their vessels can be reused long after the candles are gone. You will find a variety of interesting candles, but their library series and this Edgar Allan Poe scent is my favorite. Remember to trim the wick to 1/4 of an inch before lighting and never leave a burning candle unattended!
PAPERAGE Lined Journal Notebook
If you’re looking for a durable, hardcover notebook that won’t break the bank then check out this journal by Paperage. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors and there are different options like lined, blank, and dot. I prefer lined for journaling, so you don’t have to think too much about keeping things neat as you would with a blank page. The paper is 100 GSM, meaning it’s nice and thick to keep your pen ink from bleeding through. Your pages also won’t tear easily. When similar notebooks go for almost double the price, Paperage offers a great option to get started with journaling.
Harney & Sons Paris, Black Tea, 20 Sachets
Tea and writing go hand in hand. There’s something relaxing about the ritual of making a good cup of tea, though Americans and Brits will clash over the proper procedure to make said cup. However you make your tea, the Paris blend by Harney & Sons is my favorite black tea. It’s not bitter nor too floral and has the right amount of sweetness. Being a black tea, it also has caffeine so it might not be relaxing, exactly, for those of you that are caffeine-sensitive. But the tea is so delicious that it feels like an indulgent treat and a great addition to your journaling or self-care day. The reusable tin is also beautiful.
What are your favorite journaling products for newbies? Let me know in the comments below.
