The best wellness journals to encourage mindfulness and inner peace

Whether you're new to journaling or looking for a fresh approach, there are the best wellness journals out there that can help you prioritise your self-care and improve your overall well-being. So, grab a pen and let's get started. After all, self-care can take many forms, from exercise and healthy eating to mindfulness before sleep. However, one often overlooked form of self-care is journaling.

Writing in a journal can help you reflect on your emotions, organise your thoughts, and improve your mental health. In fact, many wellness experts and mental health professionals recommend journaling as a way to manage stress, anxiety, combat loneliness and other mental health concerns. If you're looking for ways to enhance your self-care routine, you may want to consider incorporating journaling into your daily practice. In this article, we'll explore some of the best wellness journals on the market, from guided prompts to blank pages that allow for creative expression.

Best wellness journals at a glance

• Best wellness journal: Papier Joy wellness journal - View on Papier
• Best guided wellness journal: The Journal by Roxie Nafousi - View on Amazon
• Best goal-setting wellness journal: Mal Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner  - View on Amazon
• Best wellness pad for quick journalling: Lovendu Wellbeing Pad - View on Lovendu

When you put pen to paper, you're creating a safe space for yourself to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Journaling allows you to process complex emotions and gain a deeper understanding of your inner world. By gaining this insight, you can develop a more positive relationship with yourself and others, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being.

Best wellness journals

Customer review: "A really nicely balanced book for dipping in and out of."

Wellness journals FAQs

What is a wellness journal?

Wellness journals give you a set time of the day to grab a pen and write down your feelings, goals, achievements, reflections, worries, and things you are thankful for.

You don't need to be a novelist to write down how you are feeling. These beautiful and useful journals will help you write free-flowing notes or inspire you with structured activities to reflect on the day.

Scientific research has also shown us that journaling can be just the remedy for the trials of modern-day life. Journals boost mindfulness, memory, and communication skills. Studies show that writing in a journal can lead to better sleep, a stronger immune system, elevated self-confidence, and a higher IQ.

Benefits of using a mindfulness journal

Mindfulness meditation improves brain development and awareness

Writing and other creative activities, such as mindfulness colouring, can bring you into a meditative state that can help rewire your brain and revamp your thoughts. As described by the Buddhist monk Nyanaponika Thera, mindfulness is a “clear and single-minded awareness way to know exactly what is happening to us and in us, at the successive moments of perception."

Boosts creativity and productivity

Mindfulness journaling supports your artistic and creative side. When you list down what you can accomplish throughout the day, it gives you a sense of satisfaction and an adrenaline rush that will motivate you to be more productive.

Rituals develop self-discipline and self-confidence

Rituals are different from routines. Routines are constrained and are seen as flexible, whereas rituals are things you do daily - these make you feel good but can be anything from writing in your journal to five minutes of meditation. These rituals help develop good organisation skills, which is an indication of self-discipline.

Strengthens your emotional stability and self-awareness

Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal will help release your emotions. It will provide you with an outlet to process and evaluate how you feel; so that you can work through them and allow them to pass. In turn, this will make you more self-aware and help create stronger relationships with other people and yourself.

Makes you happy

Journaling is like therapy. This easy and free way of healing—mentally, physically, and emotionally will help you release unwanted negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues onto the page. Keeping a mindfulness journal teaches you to be grateful for things in your life.

Many of the journals in the list below teach you how to compose words of gratitude and self-affirmation and guide you by channelling your negative thoughts into the pages and letting go of the negative energy.

How can I get the most out of my wellness journal?

If you're looking to get the most out of your wellness journal, it's important to be true to yourself. Don't worry if you find it difficult to write at first; simply jotting down a few short words about your day can prompt inspiration and get you on the right track.

Remember to reflect on your intention for starting the journal. What do you hope to achieve with it? How can it help you grow personally and spiritually? Consider taking this time for yourself without distractions and view it as an act of self-love. You may find it to be a fulfilling part of your day that helps restore balance and reconnect you with yourself.

How often should I write in my wellness journal?

There's no set rule for how often you should write in your wellness journal. Some people prefer to write daily, while others write weekly or whenever they feel inspired. The important thing is to make it a regular practice that works for you.

Do I need a special journal to start a wellness journal?

No, you don't need a special journal to start a wellness journal. You can use any notebook or paper you have on hand. However, there are many wellness journals available on the market that include prompts, exercises, and other tools to help you get started and stay motivated.

Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer for Yours and has been contributing to publications across Bauer since 2020. Specialising in natural health and beauty, her passion for wellness is rooted in her personal journey, blending her love for food, travel, and holistic living.