Are you struggling to find the best time to journal?
I’m willing to bet you’ve tried setting up a regular schedule, but it’s hard to squeeze in time for journaling with everything else you have to do.
And when you can finally wedge out 10 minutes here or there, it only makes you feel more defeated because, let’s face it, you aren’t sure what to journal about in the first place.
Don’t worry! You’re not alone.
One of the biggest challenges people face is finding the balance between their everyday “life” activities like jobs, errands, hobbies, sleeping, and family time and carving out time for their own self-care.
It’s hard to stay motivated to journal when you’re literally squeezing in a few minutes here and there but never really “all-in”.
Speaking from experience, journaling takes commitment and passion. And TIME. But the payoff is definitely worth it.
So how—and when—can you find enough time to journal? Should you do it first thing in the morning? Lunchtime? Later in the day?
Keep reading for the pros and cons of each…
Best Time to Journal: Do Mornings Have an Edge?
Sometimes you have to be an early bird.
If early mornings are when you feel most productive, block out time for journaling first thing in the morning.
Scheduling some alone time to journal before everything (and everyone) else has three big benefits:
- You’ll start your day off with a clear mind by putting it all on paper and can set your intention, so you’ll feel accomplished and motivated to tackle anything that comes your way.
- You won’t spend the day stressing about when you’re going to fit it in because it’s already done! (by writing in your journal you have already released any pent-up emotions or thoughts.)
- Doing journaling early in the morning helps you structure your day and establish a routine. Make this the time you write your to-do lists and focus on what needs to be done to achieve your goals and priorities.
If you’re not naturally an early riser, a morning schedule can be hard to adopt.
But if you stick with it, over time, you can actually shift your circadian rhythm so you’re more alert in the morning.
Plus, there is evidence to suggest that waking up early can have a range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Things like better sleep quality, improved productivity, and healthier diet and exercise habits. Combine that with journaling, and who knows what great things you will accomplish!
Benefits of Waking Up Early | Sleep Foundation
Another reason to journal in the morning is that you can easily tap into the pure positive energy that you are in while you are sleeping. A great time to access your higher spirit.
Need help with some morning writing prompts? I have 20 of them for you in this blog post: Morning Writing Prompts to Inspire a Great Day.
Best Time to Journal: Afternoons can work, too
If mornings are an absolutely hard pass, tackling journaling in the early afternoon can work too.
You just have to schedule the time. We all know how easy it is to procrastinate, right?
For example, if you schedule time for writing in your journal between 1-4 pm every day, make sure you get your other “busy” tasks out of the way in the morning.
Don’t let those other tasks distract you or linger on! It’s too easy to say you are too busy and put it off until tomorrow.
It may help to use lunchtime to shift your focus and mentally prepare for your journaling time. That is called habit stacking. You use eating lunch as the trigger to write in your journal.
Most people are more physically energetic and alert in the afternoon, and your thoughts may flow more easily. This may be the time you can be the most creative, and you may be surprised at the new insights and perspectives that come to light.
If the only time you have to journal is in the afternoon, here are some ways to boost your energy.
10 Simple Habits That Make Afternoons as Productive as Mornings | Inc.com
Best Time to Journal – Nighttime has its perks
If this is your “go” time, more power to you!
Personally, I can’t focus on anything past 8 p.m. For many people, this is when they have more energy.
Scheduling your journal time after everything quiets down means you’ll have fewer distractions and an easier time focusing.
This is especially true if you work all day or have others to care for, and the only quiet time is at the end of the day.
So if you “wake up” at night bursting with energy and focus, go for it.
Who needs to binge-watch Netflix or play silly games? Be productive and get your journaling done!
Here are 3 ways journaling can be effective at night:
- Practice gratitude. Remember 3 things that you appreciated about your day. Try these 20 Gratitude Journal Prompts to Refresh Your Practice.
- Write down some bedtime affirmations to prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep. Here are a few you can start with.
- Prepare your mind to go to sleep by writing down tomorrow’s schedule and all you want to accomplish. This may prevent your mind from overthinking and keep you awake.
There’s no one-size-fits-all!
Ultimately, the best time to journal is whenever you’re most productive, have some time to devote to it, and know how you want to use the practice.
Mornings are the best time to set up your day for success by clearing your mind and using the pure positive energy available to you.
Afternoons may be when you are the most creative, so this may be when you write your book, write poetry, set goals, or do some self-reflection.
Nighttime can be when you reflect on your day and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep.
Remember, the hardest part is starting. Even if your brain feels foggy, it’ll wake up once you start.
If you’re unsure how to start a journaling practice, I created the Living Marvelously Journal.
It has everything you need to put your thoughts and feelings on paper and free your mind to focus on the things that bring you the most joy.
