5 Simple Tips for Journaling to Boost Your Mental Health

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Written By Amy Rutherford

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – an important reminder to take care of yourself. Your mental health is critical to your overall health. One of our favorite ways to improve our mental condition is through journaling. Therapists agree that journaling can be a powerful tool for managing stress, gaining self-awareness, and improving your overall mental well-being. Whether you’re new to the habit or looking to make your journaling practice more effective, we have five tips that can help you get started and stay consistent.

1. Don’t Worry About Structure or Grammar
Your journal is your private space, so forget about spelling, grammar, or making it sound “right.” The goal is expression, not perfection. Write freely and honestly. Even messy, fragmented thoughts can lead to clarity and emotional release.

2. Set a Routine That Works for You
You don’t have to journal every day to benefit. Choose a rhythm that fits your life—whether that’s every morning, before bed, or just a few times a week. Even 5 to 10 minutes can make a difference if you stay consistent.

3. Use Prompts if You’re Stuck
It’s common to feel unsure about what to write. Try prompts like:

  • “Today, I feel…”

  • “What’s been on my mind lately?”

  • “What’s one thing I’m grateful for?”

Prompts can help guide your thoughts and uncover emotions you didn’t realize you were holding.

4. Be Honest, Not Harsh
Use journaling to explore your thoughts without judgment. If you're having a hard day, write about it—but don’t use your journal to beat yourself up. Think of it as a safe space to acknowledge your struggles and also to remind yourself of your strengths.

5. Reflect and Revisit (Sometimes)
While you don’t have to re-read everything you write, looking back occasionally can reveal patterns, progress, or areas for growth. This kind of reflection can help you better understand how your thoughts and feelings evolve over time.

Journaling doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. The act of putting your thoughts on paper can bring relief, insight, and calm. Start where you are, write what you feel, and let the process support your mental health journey—one page at a time.

At Penny Post we have plenty of journals to get you started right away (pun intended!). Whether it’s hardbound, spiral, lined, or grid, we can help you find what works for you. There is no standard for journaling. It can be anything that you enjoy using. Don’t let finding the perfect journal stop you from starting. Trial and error will get you there!

SEE ALSO:  7 Tips to Make Candles Last Longer and Burn Better

Amy Rutherford

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Owner Amy Rutherford started Red Barn because she wanted to deliver a service — to provide both old and new in one place. No longer will busy shoppers be limited to reproductions or forced to shop multiple flea markets for the look or gifts they want. The trick in blending old and new, vintage and modern, classic and quirky, is balance. And Amy’s knack for mixing rustic antiques with urban chic has created a look that is both fresh and familiar.

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Penny Post is an independent boutique specializing in custom stationery and wedding invitations. Inspired by the art of personal correspondence, the power of handwritten notes, and the smell of freshly printed stationery, we surround ourselves with quirky, hilarious, and classically beautiful things to make life a little brighter.

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