How to Start Journaling in 2026: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Learn how to journal daily with this simple 2026 guide. Practical tips, easy prompts, and habit-building strategies for complete beginners.

How to Start Journaling in 2026: A Simple Guide for Beginners
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If you're a high school student just getting started, our 100+ journal prompts for high school students gives you ready-to-use prompts organized by real issues you face.

Looking for more? Check out our guide to 75 ideas for what to write about.

You might also enjoy our guide to famous diaries that changed lives.

You might also enjoy our guide to 5-year journal.

Wondering which format suits you best? Explore the different types of journals to find your ideal match.

Once you've built a journaling habit, you might enjoy our self-authoring guide — a structured approach to writing your life story.

Not sure which is right for you? Read our guide on journal vs. diary to understand the key differences.

One of the first decisions you'll face is format — read our guide on digital journal vs. paper journal.

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