Tips for Journaling from Two Pros

First, we spoke to Elizabeth Kott, host of the podcast Too Niche?, which covers trends in culture and consumerism (and has a corresponding Substack). Kott loves journaling so much, she offers creative consulting inspired by The Artist’s Way, a guided journaling and creative recovery program.

Elizabeth’s biggest piece of advice for starting and sticking to a journaling practice is: create a ritual around it that will keep you coming back.

Start by setting your journal and pen out the night before–even better if it’s in your eye line when you wake up. I put my notebook and pen on my kitchen table, so they’re the first thing I see when I walk into my room (but if you’re newer to journaling, keep them in the bedroom to ensure you get started right away).

My personal ritual is: I pour a glass of water, make myself a little hot beverage, put on a nice piano or jazz playlist, light a candle to create a cozy environment and then sit with myself and write.

Elizabeth’s tips if you’re feeling stuck: check in with your senses.

A lot of us get stuck on what to write. A great technique is to check in with your senses. Write what you’re hearing, seeing, smelling. Take a look at the sky. Is it sunny? Cloudy? Cold? Will it rain? What am I hearing? This can be as simple as noting the sound of sirens, a garbage truck, or a dog barking. Journal about the scent of your candle. Don’t overthink it! It’s a great method for tapping into your senses and turning on your brain. Writing out the facts can allow you to move into your feelings.

A lot of us get stuck on what to write. A great technique is to check in with your senses. Write what you’re hearing, seeing, smelling. Take a look at the sky. Is it sunny? Cloudy? Cold? Will it rain? What am I hearing? This can be as simple as noting the sound of sirens, a garbage truck, or a dog barking. Journal about the scent of your candle. Don’t overthink it! It’s a great method for tapping into your senses and turning on your brain. Writing out the facts can allow you to move into your feelings.

We also spoke to Dianna Cohen, founder of Crown Affair (and former star of our In the Home series), another huge journaling fan, about her preferred process.

Dianna said: try morning pages for clearing clutter and releasing judgment.

My favorite way to journal is by doing the morning pages— three longhand, stream-of-consciousness pages written first thing in the morning. The goal isn’t perfection or even coherence, but to clear your mind of clutter, uncover your thoughts, and spark creativity. Think of it as a daily mental reset that helps you focus and connect with your inner voice. Whether it’s frustrations, ideas, or random musings, just let it all flow—no editing, no judgment. It’s okay if your handwriting isn’t perfect or you’re not the best at spelling— just write whatever comes to mind. It’s a beautiful practice in releasing judgment!

We’re obsessed with Elizabeth and Dianna’s tips! Key takeaways: don’t overthink it and try to get it done first thing. Journaling is the best way to clear mental clutter and move into the day with less stress and more ease. And we could all use that.